In recent years, the Korean entertainment industry, with its captivating K-dramas and blockbuster movies, has taken the world by storm. It’s nearly impossible to find a young individual who doesn’t have a beloved Korean film or drama to rave about. The immense popularity of South Korean TV shows and feature films underscores the wealth of talent within the industry. Let’s shine a spotlight on the top ten South Korean actors whose fame is poised to soar in 2023.
1. Kim Soo Hyun
Kim Soo-Hyun stands among South Korea’s highest-paid actors, boasting an impressive collection of accolades, including four Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and a Blue Dragon Film Award. His star power skyrocketed following his role in the globally acclaimed drama series “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,” where he shared the screen with Seo Ye-Ji.
2. Gong Yoo
Gong Yoo’s rise to international stardom can be attributed to his pivotal role in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful zombie thriller “Train To Busan.” However, his journey to fame began in South Korea with notable performances in beloved dramas like “Coffee Prince” and “Goblin.”
3. Lee Min Ho
Lee Min-ho is a multi-talented artist, excelling as an actor, singer, model, creative director, and entrepreneur. He achieved global recognition for his role in the iconic television series “Boys Over Flowers,” amassing not only international acclaim but also a plethora of awards. From 2018 to 2021, the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism consistently ranked him as the top Korean actor among global audiences.
4. Song Kang Ho
Song Kang-ho reigns as South Korea’s cinema sensation, captivating audiences with his exceptional acting prowess. His debut in the feature film “The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well” marked the beginning of an illustrious career. Song Kang-ho gained international acclaim through his roles in two of acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon-ho’s masterpieces, “Snowpiercer” and “Parasite.”
5. Choi Min Sik
Choi Min-Sik catapulted to stardom after delivering outstanding performances in critically acclaimed South Korean films such as “Oldboy,” “I Saw the Devil,” and “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” His portrayal in “Oldboy” earned him the prestigious Best Actor awards at the 40th Baeksang Art Awards, the 24th Blue Dragon Awards, and the 41st Grand Bell Awards.
South Korean actors deserve commendation for their commitment to creating exceptional native content, rather than relying on big-budget Hollywood productions to dominate the global market. Their dedication has resulted in the creation of captivating stories that have earned international recognition and admiration. As we step into 2023, the world eagerly anticipates the remarkable performances these actors will undoubtedly deliver, further solidifying South Korea’s place on the global entertainment stage.