Rising stars: The 11 new faces of Korean cinema

Choi Woo-shik’s breakthrough came with his role in the international, award-winning sensation Parasite (2019), which earned him global recognition. However, Choi’s talent has been evident for years, with standout performances in films like Train to Busan (2016) and the loveable Okja (2017). What sets him apart is his ability to portray everyday characters with depth and nuance, making them relatable and memorable.

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His recent turn in the romantic comedy Our Beloved Summer (2021) showcased his versatility, proving he can carry both dramatic and lighthearted roles with equal aplomb. As Choi continues to take on diverse projects, he is quickly becoming one of Korea’s most sought-after leading men.

Park So-dam’s journey from indie film favourite to international star is a testament to her raw talent. Her breakout role in Parasite (2019) as the cunning Ki-jung catapulted her to global fame, but Park had already been making waves in the Korean film industry with her powerful performances in independent films like The Priests (2015) and The Silenced (2015).

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Her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters, regardless of the size of the role, has made her a director’s favourite. Park’s recent projects, including the K-drama Record of Youth (2020), continue to showcase her range and cement her status as one of Korea’s most promising young actresses.

While Ahn Hyo-seop may have started his career in the idol industry, he has quickly proven himself to be a serious actor with considerable range. His breakthrough came with the popular K-drama Dr. Romantic 2 (2020), where he demonstrated his ability to handle both medical jargon and emotional scenes with ease.

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His charm and good looks have made him a natural fit for romantic lead roles, as seen in the hit series Business Proposal (2022). However, his recent turn in the thriller Lovers of the Red Sky (2021) showcased his ability to take on more dramatic and complex characters. With his star on the rise, Ahn is poised to become one of Korea’s leading men in both television and film.

Kim Da-mi burst onto the scene with her electrifying debut in the action-thriller The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018), where her intense performance as a genetically enhanced teenager with superhuman abilities left audiences and critics in awe. Her ability to convey complex emotions with subtle facial expressions and body language sets her apart from her peers.

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Kim’s subsequent roles in K-dramas like Itaewon Class (2020) and Our Beloved Summer (2021) have further demonstrated her versatility, allowing her to showcase her softer side while maintaining her intensity–her trademark. As she continues to take on challenging roles, Kim is quickly establishing herself as one of the most exciting young actresses in Korean cinema.

Lee Do-hyun may be relatively new to the scene, but he has already made a significant impact with his emotionally charged performances. His breakout role in the critically acclaimed drama 18 Again (2020) demonstrated his ability to portray both youthful exuberance and mature introspection.

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His subsequent performances in Sweet Home (2020), Youth of May (2021), and the thrilling The Glory (2022) further solidified his reputation as an actor capable of handling complex, emotionally demanding roles. With his boyish charm and deep emotional range, Lee is quickly becoming one of Korea’s most promising young actors.

Known for his dedication to his craft, Korean actor and model Wi Ha-joon has rapidly risen to fame with his charismatic onscreen presence, earning him acclaim both domestically and internationally.

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In particular, Wi caught the world’s attention with his role in the global phenomenon, the gripping dystopian horror Squid Game (2021), but he has been steadily building an impressive career in Korean cinema. As well, his performances in films like Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018) and Midnight (2021) showcase his versatility across genres, from horror to thriller.

Jung Ho-yeon’s seamless transition from the fashion runway as an international model to an actress on the silver screen was nothing short of spectacular. While the dual-talented star’s future in modelling is incredibly promising, she decided to pursue acting opportunities.

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Her debut acting role in Squid Game (2021) earned her critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award, marking the once insecure actress as one of the most exciting new talents in Korean entertainment. As she continues to explore new roles and opportunities, with her raw emotional depth and formidable screen presence, Jung is set to become a lasting and influential figure in both the fashion and entertainment industries.

Lee Jae-wook has made significant leaps in the Korean entertainment industry with his compelling performances and charismatic presence. Known for his versatility and ability to bring depth to his characters, he has quickly become one of the most sought-after actors.

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He made his acting debut in 2018 with a minor role in the science-fiction thriller Memories of the Alhambra, which garnered attention and set the stage for his subsequent roles. His performances in K-dramas like Extraordinary You (2019) and Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol (2020) showcased his charm and ability to carry romantic leads, while his role in Alchemy of Souls (2022) demonstrated his capacity for more complex, fantasy-driven narratives.

Korean actress and director Go Min-si has been steadily building her career with memorable supporting roles. She made her acting debut in the web K-drama 72 Seconds (2016), which gained her initial attention. Her breakthrough, however, came with the critically acclaimed, dark and gripping film The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion (2018)

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Go demonstrates her ability to handle intense and complex characters, as well as convey vulnerability and strength, which has made her one to watch in both film and television. Her performance in the apocalyptic horror series Sweet Home (2020), alongside major Korean star Song Kang, truly showcased her potential.

Jeon Yeo-been, known for her remarkable ability to immerse herself in diverse roles, has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. She began her acting career with smaller roles in independent films and television series, but her breakthrough came with the film After My Death (2017).

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She further established herself as a formidable talent with her performance in Night in Paradise (2020). Jeon’s lead role in the popular K-drama Vincenzo (2021) propelled her status as a rising star capable of handling both intense dramatic scenes and lighter comedic moments with equal skill.

This article/explainer was assisted by AI. We are dedicated to bringing you into our world with more meaningful content, and AI is allowing us to explore this frontier and deliver more content you will love.

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