Top 50 Most Popular South Korean Actors In 2025

Song Kang-ho is widely regarded as South Korea's most celebrated film star today, capturing audiences with his remarkable talent and on-screen charisma.

He made his breakthrough in the feature film The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well and quickly established himself through a series of outstanding performances, earning nationwide recognition.

Song Kang-ho captivated viewers with his memorable roles in acclaimed films like Joint Security Area, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Memories of Murder, The Host, and A Taxi Driver.

His international fame soared with his roles in director Bong Joon-ho's classics, Snowpiercer and Parasite, cementing his reputation on the global stage.

In addition to his impressive filmography, Song Kang-ho was chosen as one of the nine judges for the competition section at the 74th Cannes Film Festival in 2021.

Further solidifying his legacy, he won the Best Actor award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in 2022 for his exceptional performance in Broker, drawing worldwide acclaim.

Lee Byung-hun was raised in a well-to-do family, thanks to his father's remarkable success in business. Interestingly, acting was not a career he initially considered or dreamed about for himself.

His perspective changed when a family friend suggested he explore the field of acting, inspiring him to pursue it more seriously as a profession.

Today, Lee Byung-hun is renowned for his impressive versatility across a wide array of acclaimed films, including Joint Security Area, A Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil, The Good, the Bad, the Weird, Masquerade, and Inside Men.

He also starred alongside Kim Tae-ri in the historical drama Mr. Sunshine, widely regarded as one of the most inspiring yet heart-wrenching South Korean series to date.

Uhm Hong-Sik, better known by his stage name Yoo Ah-in, is a prominent South Korean actor, gallerist, and creative director.

Renowned for his versatility, Yoo Ah-in has delivered a wide array of memorable performances in both television dramas and films, earning critical acclaim throughout his career.

He is particularly celebrated for standout roles in movies like Punch and Secret Affair, where his acting prowess shone brightly. His talent has earned him both the Asian Film Awards and the Cheval Noir Award at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

Yoo Ah-in's achievements also include two Blue Dragon Film Awards and two Baeksang Arts Awards, highlighting his significant impact on Korean cinema.

Lee Jung-Jae stands out as one of the most successful mainstream actors in South Korea today. Beyond his thriving acting career, he is also a businessman and a former model, showcasing his versatility across multiple fields.

He began his career as a fashion model before making a deliberate transition into acting. This decision soon paid off as he started gaining recognition in the entertainment industry.

Initially appearing in television shows, Lee Jung-Jae quickly expanded his repertoire to include prominent film roles. He has starred in acclaimed movies such as "An Affair," "Il Mare," "Over the Rainbow," and "Last Present."

Choi Min-Sik became a celebrated figure after starring in critically acclaimed South Korean films such as Oldboy, I Saw the Devil, and The Admiral: Roaring Currents. His compelling performances in these roles earned him widespread recognition both at home and abroad.

The versatile actor also made his mark on international cinema by appearing alongside Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson in the 2014 science fiction hit Lucy.

Choi's role in Oldboy was especially noteworthy, winning him the Best Actor award at the 40th Baeksang Art Awards, 24th Blue Dragon Awards, and 41st Grand Bell Awards.

Returning to drama in 2022, Choi took on a key role in the Disney+ series Big Bet—his first TV drama appearance since 1997's Love and Separation.

His powerful portrayal of Cha Mu-sik earned him nominations for Best Actor at both the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 2nd Blue Dragon Series Awards.

After graduating in 1994, Sol Kyung-gu began his career on stage, performing in numerous theatre productions before transitioning to film.

In the mid-1990s, he appeared in several minor film roles, gradually building his presence in the industry.

Sol Kyung-gu soon gained widespread recognition for his performances in acclaimed films such as Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Silmido, Hope, The Merciless, and the Public Enemy series.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious awards, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility as an actor.

Ha Jung-woo stands out as one of the most successful actors in South Korean cinema, earning a well-deserved spot on our list.

Beyond acting, Ha Jung-woo is also an accomplished film director, screenwriter, and producer, showcasing his diverse talents in the industry.

His films have collectively sold over 100 million tickets at the box office, a testament to his widespread popularity and talent.

Audiences have enjoyed his performances in acclaimed movies such as "Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time," "The Chaser," "My Dear Enemy," "Take Off," and "The Yellow Sea."

Many South Korean actors are known for their diverse talents, and Lee Min-ho exemplifies this versatility.

In addition to being a skilled actor, Lee Min-ho is also a singer, model, creative director, and businessman, making him a remarkably multifaceted entertainer.

His breakthrough role came in the television series Boys Over Flowers, which brought him immense popularity and earned him numerous accolades.

Lee Min-ho has delivered impressive performances in notable dramas such as City Hunter, Personal Taste, The Heirs, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, further solidifying his status in the industry.

In 2019, he was cast in the much-anticipated fantasy romance series The King: Eternal Monarch, which aired on SBS and was distributed globally by Netflix. The show quickly became one of the most awaited releases in early 2020.

Between 2018 and 2021, the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism ranked Lee Min-ho as the number one Korean actor among international audiences, highlighting his worldwide appeal.

In 2022, Lee Min-ho made his Hollywood debut in the television adaptation of the acclaimed novel Pachinko, further expanding his global reach.

Hyun Bin, whose name translates to "bright light," stands out as a shining star in the South Korean film industry.

He first achieved widespread recognition for his captivating performance in the 2005 romantic comedy drama series My Name is Kim Sam-soon.

Following this success, Hyun Bin impressed audiences in popular dramas such as Secret Garden, Memories of the Alhambra, and Crash Landing on You.

In addition to his acclaimed television work, he has headlined box office hits like Confidential Assignment, The Swindlers, The Negotiation, and Rampant.

Park Hae-il began his acting journey on the theater stage and made his film debut in 2001's "Waikiki Brothers."

He quickly rose to prominence in South Korean cinema, earning acclaim for his compelling performances in critically acclaimed films like "Memories of Murder" and "Jealousy Is My Middle Name."

Following these successes, Park Hae-il transitioned into leading roles, starring in notable movies such as "Moss," "Paradise Murdered," and "Rules of Dating," among others.

Ju Ji-hoon rose to prominence on the television scene with his breakthrough role in Princess Hours, a performance that propelled him into the spotlight of the Korean Wave (Hallyu).

Since then, Ju Ji-hoon has consistently been involved in a string of highly acclaimed projects across television and film.

Some of his most notable works include Kingdom, The Devil, Mask, Dark Figure of Crime, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds and its sequel, as well as The Spy Gone North.

His feature film debut, Antique, received international attention and was selected for screening at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.

Lee Joon-gi is a remarkable multi-talented entertainer known for his talents in acting, singing, and dancing. He began his career as a fashion model, showcasing his versatility across different fields of the entertainment industry.

He first gained widespread attention for his compelling performance as a clown in the critically acclaimed film "The King and the Clown," which highlighted his impressive acting abilities.

Lee Joon-gi's popularity rose even further with his memorable role in the romantic comedy television series "My Girl," bringing him greater recognition.

Thanks to his consistent work in popular television dramas, Lee Joon-gi has firmly established himself as a renowned celebrity across Asia.

Ahn Sung-ki is widely regarded as one of the most esteemed actors in South Korean cinema history. He began his illustrious career at just five years old, starring in the film Twilight Train.

With a remarkable career that has spanned over six decades, Ahn Sung-ki has appeared in more than 100 films, showcasing unparalleled versatility and dedication.

Often hailed by the national media as "the nation's actor," he is celebrated for taking on a wide variety of roles and contributing significantly to Korean film culture.

In recognition of his influence and success, Ahn Sung-ki has received numerous awards and has held leadership positions such as Vice President and President of the Korean Film Actors Association.

Lee Jong-suk began his film career with the movie Sympathy. As a talented South Korean model and actor, he rose to fame through notable television roles, especially in the popular series School 2013.

He further cemented his status by starring in acclaimed dramas such as Doctor Stranger, I Can Hear Your Voice, W, Pinocchio, While You Were Sleeping, and Romance Is a Bonus Book, among others.

In addition to his extensive television and film work, Lee Jong-suk has also appeared in several music videos, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal in the entertainment industry.

Kim Yoon-Seok is a talented multi-hyphenate in the entertainment industry, known for his work as an actor, film director, and screenwriter. He began his journey on stage, honing his craft in theater productions before transitioning to screen roles.

His early experience in theater paved the way for opportunities in both feature films and television dramas, where he initially took on minor roles. Gradually, his skill and dedication helped him stand out within the industry.

Kim gained wider attention after portraying a compelling antagonist in the gangster drama Tazza: The High Rollers. However, it was his remarkable performance in The Chaser that truly propelled him to greater fame and earned him widespread critical acclaim.

Hwang Jung-min stands among the highest-grossing actors in South Korean cinema, earning widespread acclaim for his remarkable performances.

He has captivated audiences in major box office hits like Ode to My Father, Veteran, A Violent Prosecutor, and The Himalayas. Each role has showcased his impressive versatility and range as an actor.

In addition, Hwang took on a memorable role in the acclaimed horror-thriller The Wailing, a film celebrated by both critics and audiences for its gripping narrative.

Notably, Hwang Jung-min is only the third actor in South Korea to be inducted into Chungmuro's prestigious "100 Million Viewer Club," reflecting his tremendous impact on the film industry.

So Ji-sub began his career as a jeans model before making his television debut on the show Model. His charisma and screen presence quickly captured the audience's attention.

He has played lead roles in several acclaimed series, including What Happened in Bali, I'm Sorry, I Love You, Cain and Abel, Master's Sun, Oh My Venus, Phantom, and Something Happened in Bali, showcasing his remarkable versatility.

So Ji-sub has also made a mark in films, most notably starring in Rough Cut, which became an unexpected box office hit and further solidified his reputation as one of South Korea's leading actors.

Park Seo-Joon is a celebrated South Korean actor renowned for his captivating performances in popular television dramas like She Was Pretty, Kill Me, Heal Me, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Fight for My Way, What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, and Itaewon Class.

He has also made his mark on the big screen, starring in acclaimed films such as The Chronicles of Evil, The Divine Fury, and Midnight Runners.

These successful TV shows and movies have been instrumental in cementing his place as a mainstream star and building his widespread popularity.

Cho Seung-woo is a renowned South Korean actor and singer who began his career with his screen debut in the feature film "Chunhyang" in 2000.

Over the years, he has garnered acclaim for pivotal roles in major films, including "The Classic," "Marathon," "Tazza: The High Rollers," and "Inside Men." His performances have consistently captivated audiences and critics alike.

Cho Seung-woo has also left a lasting impression in television, starring in acclaimed dramas such as "The King's Doctor," "God's Gift: 14 Days," "Life," "Sisyphus: The Myth," and "Stranger." His versatility has established him as a leading figure in both film and television.

Jeong Jae-Yeong is a celebrated South Korean actor known for his frequent collaborations with director Jin Jang. He made his debut in the project The Adventures of Mrs. Park, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in film.

His rise to stardom came with standout performances in films such as Silmido, Right Now, Wrong Then, and On the Beach at Night Alone. These roles solidified his status as one of the leading actors in South Korea.

Throughout his career, Jeong Jae-Yeong has earned numerous accolades, including Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards. His work has also been recognized by the Director's Cut Awards, Busan Film Critics Awards, 9th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Korean Association of Film Critics Awards, and the Locarno International Film Festival.

Park Bo-gum made his acting debut in the 2011 feature film Blind. He has been seen playing a range of roles in the movies.

He has been seen making a name for himself in television shows such as Reply 1988, Hello Monster, Encounter, Record of Youth, and Love in the Moonlight, to name a few.

We'd also like to add that he was the youngest artist to be named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year.

Han Suk-kyu is one of the better-known actors in South Korean cinema.

His most prominent character projections have come in films such as No.3, Green Fish, Shiri, Christmas in August, Shiri, The Scarlet Letter, and The President's Last Bang.

For his adroit performance in the historical television drama Deep Rooted Tree, he received the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the SBS Drama Awards in 2011.

He managed to win the same trophy once again in 2016 for his superb performance in the medical drama Dr. Romantic.

Apart from being a known screen face in South Korea, Jung Woo-sung is also the first Korean UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

He started his career as a fashion model and gained recognition after having appeared in the feature film Beat.

For his performance in the aforementioned flick, Woo-sung won Best New Actor at the 17th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards.

We would also like to mention that he is quite popular in Japan.

A play that he saw as a grade eight student is what motivated Yoo Hae-jin to take up acting as a career.

Even though his family was of a conservative mindset, the actor tried his very best to realize his dream, and, realize he did in due time.

While he started playing "bit roles" in movies, he soon established himself as a sought-after character actor who was capable of delivering scene-stealing performances.

He has been seen in movies such as Confidential Assignment, A Taxi Driver, and King and the Clown, among others.

Song Joong-ki made his feature film debut with A Frozen Flower in 2008.

He shot to fame after having appeared in the historical coming-of-age South Korean drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal.

Ever since he's found fame, he has tried to prove his acting abilities by playing a range of roles in shows such as The Innocent Man, Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, and Arthdal Chronicles.

When it comes to the movies, he has been seen in titles such as Space Sweepers, A Werewolf Boy, and The Battleship Island, among others.

The actor gained immense popularity for his k-drama Vincenzo and space movie Space Sweepers. Both the projects were appreciated by the audience in South Korea.

Kim Myung-min made his debut in the feature film Sorum.

He's made a name for himself by appearing in popular South Korean television shows such as Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin, Beethoven Virus, Six Flying Dragons, Law School, and White Tower.

Also known to be a part of motion pictures such as Closer to Heaven and the Detective K franchise, Kim Myung-min is often referred to as an acting expert courtesy of his commendable acting skills.

Jung Hae-in was first seen in AOA Black's music video for "Moya" in 2013. He made his debut on television the very next year in a show called Bride of the Century.

He has been seen playing a supporting role in shows such as While You Were Sleeping and Prison Playbook; each of which is credited with bringing him fame.

That said, appearing in shows such as Something in the Rain, D.P., and Snowdrop only fetched him greater recognition.

Won Bin was first seen playing a role in the television series Ready Go!. He shot to fame after having played a critical role in the KBS's television series Autumn in My Heart.

He is known to be one of the most selective actors in South Korea today. This is primarily because he has not participated in a lot of films yet.

However, the actor can be seen in titles like Guns & Talks, Taegukgi, My Brother, Mother, and The Man from Nowhere.

Ryu Seung-Ryong made his feature film debut in Someone Special. He started his acting career by working in theater.

Sooner than later, he managed to establish himself as one of the most versatile supporting characters working both in South Korean movies and on television.

He has played a significant role in monstrous box office hits such as Miracle in Cell No. 7 and Extreme Job.

It is said that Ryu Seung-Ryong is the first South Korean actor to feature in four movies that have attracted over 10 million viewers each.

Best known for playing crucial roles in motion pictures such as Friend and Taegukgi: The Brotherhood of War, Jang Dong-gun is reportedly among the highest-paid actors and celebrity endorsers in South Korea.

The actor began his acting career by playing roles in television dramas. He is often voted as one of the most bankable stars in the country.

After several of his television dramas started streaming in other Asian countries during the late 1990s, there seemed to be a significant rise in the number of people who admired Jang Dong-gun.

Oh Dal-Su is one of those South Korean actors who has had a rich career on stage. This is primarily because he gave his acting career a kick-start by performing in a theater in Busan.

Since he'd been an experienced performer on stage, there was a rise in Oh Dal-Su's demand.

Soon after, he was seen playing important supporting characters on the big screen.

He has been a part of feature films such as Oldboy, A Bittersweet Life, and Mapado, to name a few.

Aside from acting, Park Hyung-Sik can also dance and sing. That is perhaps why he's been seen marking his presence in music videos and reality programs.

Even though he is not too experienced as a performer so far, he has gone on to prove that he can act in television shows such as The Heirs, High Society, Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Strong Girl Bong-soon, Happiness, and Suits.

Lee Dong-Wook, besides being an actor, is also a television host, model, and entertainer.

He has been seen playing critical roles in shows such as Scent of a Woman, My Girl, The Fugitive of Joseon, Hotel King, Life, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, and Touch Your Heart, among others.

In addition to his work on television, he is known for being a host of talk shows such as Strong Heart, Produce X 101, and Wook Talk.

His character play in My Girl is credited with making him popular in several Asian countries.

Cha Eun-woo is an actor and singer who made his feature film debut with My Brilliant Life in 2014.

A member of the South Korean boy group named Astro, this handsome young man is one of the rising screen performers in South Korea.

Also a television host, Cha Eun-woo has been seen in television shows such as Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung, True Beauty, Island, and Law of the Jungle in New Caledonia.

Song Seung-Heon has been a part of several television shows and motion pictures. He first appeared on the television show Three Guys and Three Girls.

He has been a significant part of several television dramas such as East of Eden, Player, Autumn in My Heart, Black, Dinner Mate, and The Great Show.

One of his latest screen appearance was in the fourth season of the show Voice.

This South Korean screen performer is known for playing the role of Lee Dong Sik in Beyond Evil.

Some of his most notable film credits include Joint Security Area, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Save the Green Planet!, and Welcome to Dongmakgol.

Shin Ha-Kyun trained as a stage actor and appeared in a number of plays before making a name for himself in mainstream cinema.

The actor shot to fame after playing a North Korean soldier in Joint Security Area.

Gong Yoo shot to international fame after having played a critical role in the critically and commercially acclaimed zombie thriller Train To Busan.

However, the actor has been a fan favorite in South Korea ever since he made his striking presence felt in the well-received South Korean drama Coffee Prince.

He has been seen in feature films and television shows such as Silenced, Train to Busan, The Age of Shadows, and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.

Cha Seung-won is yet another performer to make it to our list who started his career in the entertainment industry as a fashion model in the 1990s.

Comedy flicks such as Kick the Moon, Jail Breakers, My Teacher, Mr. Kim, and Ghost House are credited with bringing him widespread attention.

That said, he even went on to prove his versatility as an actor in motion pictures such as Blood Rain, My Son, and Night in Paradise.

Ji Chang-Wook is another South Korean screen performer who can sing.

The actor made his screen debut in the feature film Days... and shot to fame after playing the lead role in the drama series Smile Again.

His major television credits include Warrior Healer, Baek Dong-soo, Empress Ki, Suspicious Partner, The K2, Melting Me Softly, Backstreet Rookie, and Lovestruck in the City.

He's known to have begun his career in musical theatre.

Ma Dong-Seok, who is also known as Don Lee, is one of South Korea's better-known actors to have ever graced the silver screen.

Gallup Korea's Film Actor of the Year in 2018, he has been seen playing critical roles in feature films such as The Outlaws, Derailed, Norigae, One on One, and The Neighbor, to name a few.

However, it was Ma Dong-Seok's performance in the international hit Train to Busan that fetched him global fame.

Now, Kim Woo-bin may be on our list because of his acting credentials but we would also like to mention the fact that his towering height and smirk are also quite popular among those who like him.

He initially started his career as a runway model and shot to fame after having played a role in shows such as A Gentleman's Dignity, School 2013, and The Heirs.

He has also appeared in successful box office motion pictures such as Friend: The Great Legacy, The Con Artists, and Twenty, to name a few.

Ryoo Seung-bum is a well-known cinematic face in South Korea who has aspired to charm the audience with his presence in motion pictures such as Die Bad, Arahan, Crying Fist, The Unjust, and The Berlin File.

What is noteworthy about the aforementioned feature films is the fact that they have all been directed by Ryoo Seung-bum's older brother, Ryoo Seung-wan.

Ryoo Seung-bum is known to carry his scenes with a calm demeanor and top-notch energy.

One of the most appreciated movie stars in South Korea, Choi Min-soo belongs to a family that has been active in both acting and singing.

The actor took a voluntary leave from acting following an assault case in 2008. However, he has been among such controversies more than once.

Min-soo has been a part of film and television projects such as The Marriage Life, Life and Death of the Hollywood Kid, The Terrorist, Yesterday, White Nights 3.98, Sandglass, and Extracurricular.

Kim Rae-won made his television debut on the show  Me. He soon gained prominence after having been a part of shows such as Cats on the Roof, Gourmet, Love Story in Harvard, and A Thousand Days' Promise.

Motion pictures such as My Little Bride, Sunflower, and The Prison are also credited with bringing him fame.

We would like to inform our viewers that Kim Rae-won originally wanted to become a basketball player. But, a serious injury in the sport propelled his interest in acting.

Kwon Sang-woo commenced his career as a fashion model during the late 1990s.

While he was first seen on television in a show called Delicious Proposal, be started making his presence felt in the movies after being a part of a motion picture like Volcano High.

That said, he shot to fame after performing in films and shows such as My Tutor Friend and Stairway to Heaven.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that Yoo Ji-Tae is a multi-talented screen personality.

We say so because not only has he been a fashion model but he is also an actor, screenwriter, and director.

Even though he launched his film career with a role in Bye June in 1998, he rose to prominence after being a part of motion pictures such as Attack the Gas Station and Ditto.

He has worked with some of the finest filmmakers in his country in flicks such as Oldboy, Woman is the Future of Man, and One Fine Spring Day.

Chun Ho-jin was a student of chemistry when he dropped out of university to pursue his dream of acting in the movies.

He accomplished his dream when he first appeared in the 1986 feature film Street of Desire.

The actor first gained recognition after playing roles in miniseries and one-off telemovies.

He was soon seen making a name for himself by portraying significant roles in shows such as Love on a Jujube Tree, Once Again, and My Golden Life.

Yu Oh-Seong is better known for having appeared in motion pictures such as The Spy, Attack the Gas Station, and Friend. He started his acting career at the beginning of the 1990s.

Initially, he was seen playing roles on television and minor roles in the movies.

However, following the success of the gangster drama Beat, he became a rather well-known face to a new generation of cine-goers.

It is said that his career peaked in 2001 after he appeared in the movie Friend.

Kim Sang-Kyung was first seen for the first time in a feature film titled If the Sun Rises in the West.

He is best known for playing a role in motion pictures such as Memories of Murder and May 18.

Two of his feature films that were helmed by filmmaker Hong Sang-soo were screened at the Cannes Film Festival. They were Tale of Cinema and Ha Ha Ha.

Kim Sang-Kyung has also appeared in television shows such as King Sejong the Great and What Happens to My Family?, among others.

One of the highest-paid actors working in the South Korean entertainment industry today, Kim Soo-Hyun has been a recipient of four Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and one Blue Dragon Film Award.

The actor made his debut on the television show  Jungle Fish 1 in 2008. He rose to fame after featuring in shows such as Moon Embracing the Sun, My Love from the Star, and The Producers.

The drama series It's Okay to Not Be Okay, in which he starred along with Seo Ye-Ji, went on to become a global hit.

In the first week of December 2022, Studio Dragon confirmed that Kim was going to feature in a forthcoming drama, which has been tentatively titled Queen of Tears.

The project, which is slated to be released in the second of 2023, will see the actor play Baek Hyun-woo, who happens to be the legal director of the Queen's group.