Cover Oh Eun-so is one of the busiest young K-drama actresses of the past two years (Photo: IMDb)
Oh Eun-so is one of the busiest young K-drama actresses of the past two years (Photo: IMDb)
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The future of Korean dramas is secure thanks to these up-and-coming young actors
The K-drama world is brimming with fresh talent, and these five child stars are making an impression with their outstanding performances. With their exceptional acting skills and undeniable charisma, they’re quickly becoming household names. From heartbreaking dramas and light comedies to dark, psychological thrillers, these rising stars are leaving a lasting mark on audiences.
These five talented young actors are proving that age is no barrier to success, and with their growing portfolios, they’re well on their way to becoming the next big names in K-drama.
Also read: 4 K-dramas you need to watch before they end
Moon Woo-jin
Moon Woo-jin garnered so much attention with his standout roles in Castaway Diva and The Atypical Family that fans are already pegging him as a future romantic lead. However, his chilling portrayal of a young killer in Unmasked revealed that Moon possesses an even broader range as an actor, showcasing his ability to take on complex, intense roles.
Known for his ability to express deep emotions and bring authenticity to his characters, he has become a much sought-after young talent. In the last two years alone, he has appeared in six K-dramas including The Atypical Family, Dear Hyeri, The Fiery Priest 2, Unmasked, My Dearest Nemesis and When Life Gives You Tangerines. And in every role, his natural talent and screen presence shine through, signalling a promising future ahead.
Oh Eun-so
Acting cute is easy when you’re cute, but rising star Oh Eun-so has demonstrated acting skills beyond just looking adorable onscreen. Last year, she appeared in seven K-dramas, prompting fans to call her the hardest-working baby in K-drama today. You may have seen her in Marry My Husband, The 8 Show, Frankly Speaking, Perfect Family, Hellbound 2, Love Next Door and Family by Choice.
It’s in the last two that she truly caught fans’ attention. In Love Next Door, she plays the young Bae Seok-ryu (Jung So-min). As the neighbourhood tomboy and best friend of young Choi Seung-hyo (Jung Hae-in), she was a force to be reckoned with. She demonstrated even greater promise in Family by Choice, where she played a young Yoon Joo-won, capturing every thought and emotion on her expressive face. Oh Eun-so is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming years.
See also: Love Next Door, D.P., Snowdrop and more: 12 must-see Jung Hae-in shows to add to your next watchlist
Park So-yi
Another prolific child actress, Park So-yi has already appeared in 24 projects at just 13 years old. Early in her career, she was often cast as the younger version of prominent female characters, portraying them in flashbacks or pivotal moments.
In recent years, however, Park So-yi has been stepping into standalone roles that allow her to shine. She delivered memorable turns in Mouse, Law School and The Atypical Family. In the latter she starred alongside fellow rising child actor Moon Woo-jin, delivering a soulful portrayal of a shy and sensitive girl with the power to read thoughts.
As Park So-yi continues to grow as an actress, her natural charm gradually giving way to more nuanced and layered performances, it’s clear that she has a long career ahead of her.
Jo Yeo-joon
Above Jo Yeo-joon and Oh Eun-so star in ‘Love Next Door’ (Photo: IMDb)
Jo Yeo-joon and Oh Eun-so star in ‘Love Next Door’ (Photo: IMDb)
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Jo Yo-jeun only has four K-dramas under his name so far but he has already made a strong impression on K-drama fans. He debuted as the young Ha Eun-ho in Twinkling Watermelon but it’s his back-to-back roles as the young Choi Seung-hyo in Love Next Door and Ha Si-hyeon in The Frog that truly captured the attention of fans.
In Love Next Door, he plays the shy and introverted Choi Seung-hyo opposite fellow rising child star Oh Eun-so’s spirited Bae Seok-ryu. Meanwhile, the demise of his character in The Frog left a lasting impact on viewers that carried over to his next role in Unmasked. The fact that he has made such a significant impression in a short amount of time only proves that he’s destined for great things in the future.
Jeong Hyun-jun
Above As the young master in ‘Parasite’ (Photo: IMDb)
As the young master in ‘Parasite’ (Photo: IMDb)
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Like Park So-yi, 13-year-old Jeong Hyun-jun has already managed to star in 24 projects. You may remember him best as the young master in Parasite or the young version of Lee Min-ho’s Lee Gon in The King: Eternal Monarch.
Jeong Hyun-jun has made a career out of playing the young version of pretty much most of the male leads that you know today—Yeo Jin-goo (Beyond Evil), Ahn Bo-hyun (See You in My 19th Life), Cho Seung-woo (Sisyphus: The Myth), Ryeo Un (Twinkling Watermelon) to name a few—proving himself to be a reliable and promising young talent.
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