Cover In this article, we take a look at Korean singers venturing into the acting scene (Photo: Cha Eun-woo / Instagram; edited by Angela Nicole Guiral)
In this article, we take a look at Korean singers venturing into the acting scene (Photo: Cha Eun-woo / Instagram; edited by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Beyond music, a few of our favourite Korean singers have ventured into the acting scene—and have done such so splendidly
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage, some of our favourite Korean singers went out of their comfort zones—trying out acting and doing so with remarkable success.
Cha Eun-woo, best known for his role in True Beauty, has transitioned from idol to actor seamlessly. Similarly, Blackpink’s Jisoo has made waves with her breakout performance in Snowdrop with co-star Jung Hae-in. And who could forget BTS’ V, whose role in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth showcased his potential as a versatile performer?
Join us as we delve into the captivating world of these Korean singers-turned-actors, whose talents know no bounds.
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Cha Eun-woo
Above Here, Cha Eun-woo is jealous of how close Hwang In-youp and Mun Ka-young are
Before the world got to know Cha Eun-woo through the role of Lee Su-Ho in True Beauty, he was a trainee under the entertainment label Fantagio. He debuted in the South Korean boy group Astro in 2016 with the mini album Spring Up. In February 2023, he made his solo debut with a mini album Entity.
Besides being a K-pop idol, the True Beauty lead has starred in other well-received webtoon-based Korean dramas such as My ID is Gangnam Beauty and Island.
Read more: 5 Cha Eun-woo Shows to Watch
Choi Min-ho
Above Choi Min-ho with Chae Soo-bin in ‘The Fabulous’
Everyone knows that the main rapper of the South Korean boy group SHINee is a talented man. He can rap, sing, and dance—and is well-known for his athletic skills showcased in variety shows like Dream Team and Running Man.
But he also acts, as seen in his excellent performance in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Yumi’s Cells, and The Fabulous.
Related: 5 Historical (Saeguk) K Drama Classics To Watch: Hwarang, Mr Queen
V
Above One of V’s most famous lines: “I don’t like the others! I like you”
Choi Min-ho is not the only idol cast in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.
V–or Kim Tae-hyung—is a multifaceted artist who achieved international acclaim as a member of the global sensation BTS. Beyond his music career, he has ventured into acting and debuted in the historical drama, where he played the role of Han-sung, a warm-hearted and pure young man. His performance was well-received, highlighting his potential in the industry.
Related: BTS renews contract with HYBE and BigHit: what are the members doing now?
IU
Above IU shows her jealous side in this scene from ‘Hotel Del Luna’
This list wouldn’t be complete without IU. Her status as one of the best Korean singers knows no bounds. Everything she touches becomes a hit—whether in the music charts or streaming sites.
As an actress, the Blueming singer has starred in several popular and critically acclaimed television dramas that have cemented her status in the entertainment scene, one of which is Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Her role as Hae Soo earned her widespread praise. IU also starred in the hit dramas Dream High and Hotel Del Luna.
More from Tatler: 5 Things You May Not Know About Korean Star IU
Bae Suzy
Above Bae Suzy in one of her latest dramas, ‘Doona!’
Bae Suzy first gained fame as a member of the JYP Entertainment girl group Miss A. With her visuals and vocals, she quickly became a beloved figure in the K-pop industry, earning the title ‘Nation’s First Love’.
After a few years, she started appearing more in Korean dramas. She debuted in Dream High and further demonstrated her acting prowess in shows like Gu Family Book, While You Were Sleeping, Doona!, and Start-Up.
Read more: Korean Fashion: Bae Suzy’s Most Stylish Looks On- and Off-Screen
Park Hyung-sik
Above Here, Park Hyung-sik is in hot pursuit of Han Hyo-joo’s abductor
Some people probably heard of Park Hyung-sik through his dramas, particularly his breakout role in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, where he played the role of King Sammaekjong. But what most don’t know is that he was an idol member first and foremost, having been a member of the South Korean boy group ZE:A.
Now, he’s making waves in the industry, starring in hits like Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, Suits, Happiness, and more.
Jisoo
Above Blackpink Jisoo showcased her acting talent in Disney’s ‘Snowdrop’
Anyone who’s into Blackpink knows that Jisoo is more interested in being an actress than a singer during her trainee days. But alas, her destiny as a singer prevailed—she is now known as a global superstar with her fellow Blackpink members. However, this doesn’t mean she cannot indulge in other pursuits.
She made her acting debut with a cameo in the 2015 drama The Producers. However, her breakthrough as an actress came with the lead role in the 2021 historical romance drama Snowdrop, where she portrayed Eun Young-ro, a university student in the tumultuous 1980s South Korea.
Related: 5 ways to rock a Dior bag, according to Blackpink Jisoo
Im Yoona
Above In this ‘King The Land’ scene, Junho spend the night with Yoona
Girl’s Generation’s centre Yoona is more than just her face. After years of success as one of the most popular Korean singers in the world with her group, she has established herself as a talented actress with numerous acclaimed roles.
Her notable performances include the romantic comedy Love Rain, The King in Love, and Confidential Assignment.
More from Tatler: Who are the Biggest Players in the K-Pop Industry?
Do Kyung-soo
Above Do Kyung Soo suddenly asks, “Can I like you?”, in this clip from ‘Bad Prosecutor’
Born Do Kyung-soo, D.O is a celebrated singer from the boy group EXO. His acting debut came with the drama It’s Okay, That’s Love, a story about successful novelist and radio DJ Jae-yeol and psychiatrist Hae-soo.
He further showcased his acting range in films such as Cart and Along with the Gods, as well as 100 Days My Prince.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
