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Top 50 Most Popular South Korean Actors In 2023
Shivam-Updated Jan 5, 2023

The South Korean entertainment industry has been gaining a lot of ground of late internationally.
This does not necessarily mean that it has only just come to the world's attention; just that the global cinematic universe has started taking the industry more seriously now.
South Korean dramas and motion pictures have become so popular in recent years that one can hardly come across a youngster who may not have a favorite Korean film or drama to talk about.
The numerous box office hits, award-winning movies, and shows have cemented their respective places in the minds of millions of viewers worldwide.
The spectacular success of Korean television programs and feature films has gone on to prove that the South Korean entertainment industry is full of talented performers.
And, these competent actors are not restricted to the movies alone; they have managed to impress their fans by appearing in television shows that are insanely popular.
What is worth appreciating about South Korea is the fact that instead of relying on popular big-ticket Hollywood releases to flood their ticket counters.
They focus on creating good content domestically; some of which have even gone on to win international acclaim.
This inspiring need to create content for the people of their own country ends up generating a ton of golden opportunities for promising Korean actors and actresses.
It becomes their gateway to both freedom and stardom. Today, our focus is going to be on fifty of the finest South Korean actors who are working today.
While some of them have managed to make a name for themselves banking solely on their acting abilities, others have relied a bit too much on their charisma and appearance to make an impact.
We have tried our best to ensure that this list is a close to perfect mixture of both young and seasoned screen performers.
Our readers would be able to find some of the biggest names on television come together with the most popular movie stars in this compilation.
So, if our readers are deciding to sit down and relish a worthy Korean television drama or motion picture comprising good actors, look no further than this list.
We included some fresh and highest-paid South Korean actors in it.
But we have also tried to cast a light on some critically-acclaimed performers who have been entertaining the audience for quite some time now.
While the rankings may differ based on the personal opinion of our readers, we sure do hope that we have included the best of the best in our compilation.
50. Park Hyung-Sik

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 16, 1991 |
Place of Birth | Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, South Korea |
Height | 184 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2013 |
Debut TV Show | Sirius |
Park Hyung-Sik is yet another addition to our list who, aside from acting for the screen, can dance and sing.
Even though he is not too experienced as an actor 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.
The actor has also been a part of music videos and reality programs.
Recommended:
49. Cha Eun-woo

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 30, 1997 |
Place of Birth | Gunpo-si, South Korea |
Height | 183 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2014 |
Debut Film | My Brilliant Life |
Cha Eun-woo is an actor and singer who made his feature film debut in My Brilliant Life in the year 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 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, to name a few.
Recommended:
48. Jung Hae-in

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | April 1, 1988 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2014 |
Debut TV Show | Bride of the Century |
Jung Hae-in, who was first seen in AOA Black's music video for "Moya" in the year 2013, made his debut on the television the very next year in a show, titled Bride of the Century.
He was 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.
Recommended:
47. Kim Woo-bin

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 16, 1989 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 187 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2011 |
Debut TV Show | White Christmas |
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 popular in his home country.
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.
Recommended:
46. Ji Chang-Wook

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 5, 1987 |
Place of Birth | Anyang, South Korea |
Height | 182 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2006 |
Debut Film | Days... |
Ji Chang-Wook is another South Korean screen performer who can sing.
The actor, who made his screen debut in a feature film titled Sleeping Beauty, shot to fame after playing the lead role in a drama series, called 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, to name a few.
The actor, who began his career in musical theatre, made his on-screen debut in a feature film, titled 'Days...'.
Recommended:
45. Park Bo-gum

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | June 16, 1993 |
Place of Birth | Mok-dong, Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 182 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2011 |
Debut Film | Blind |
Park Bo-gum made his acting debut in the 2011 feature film called Blind.
He has been seen playing a range of roles in the movies; even though he does not carry an experienced filmography yet.
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 would also like to add that he was the youngest artist to be named Gallup Korea's Television Actor of the Year.
Recommended:
44. Lee Dong-Wook

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 6, 1981 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 184 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2000 |
Debut TV Show | School |
Lee Dong-Wook, apart from 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 also 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.
43. Lee Joon-gi

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | April 17, 1982 |
Place of Birth | Busan, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2003 |
Debut TV Show | Nonstop 4 |
Lee Joon-gi is yet another multi-talented personality to make it to our much-awaited list.
He can act, sing, dance, and has also been a fashion model.
The actor showcased his talent quite early in his career after having played the role of a clown in the critically acclaimed feature film, titled The King and the Clown.
His character play in the romantic comedy television series called My Girl brought him further fame.
His work in popular television shows has established him as a well-known celebrity in Asian countries.
Recommended:
42. Song Seung-Heon

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | October 5, 1976 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 183 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1996 |
Debut TV Show | Three Guys and Three Girls |
Song Seung-Heon, who has been a part of several television shows and motion pictures, first appeared in a television show, titled 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, to name a few.
The actor's latest screen appearance was in the fourth season of a show, titled Voice.
Recommended:
41. Lee Jong-suk

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 14, 1989 |
Place of Birth | Yongin-si, South Korea |
Height | 185 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2005 |
Debut Film | Sympathy |
Lee Jong-suk, who made his feature film debut in Sympathy, is a South Korean model and actor who has made a name for himself after having appeared in television shows such as School 2013.
He also appeared in Doctor Stranger, I Can Hear Your Voice, W, Pinocchio, While You Were Sleeping, and Romance Is a Bonus Book, to name a few.
We would also like to mention the fact that apart from appearing in television shows and a number of films, Lee Jong-suk has also featured in a handful of music videos.
Recommended:
40. Park Seo-Joon

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | December 16, 1988 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 185 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2012 |
Debut TV Show | Dream High |
Park Seo-Joon is a South Korean actor who made a name for himself by featuring in television shows such as 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, to name a few.
The actor has also been a part of feature films such as The Chronicles of Evil, The Divine Fury, and Midnight Runners, among others.
Each of the aforementioned movies and television shows is credited with bringing him mainstream popularity.
39. Kim Rae-won

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 19, 1981 |
Place of Birth | Gangneung-si, South Korea |
Height | 183 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1997 |
Debut TV Show | Me |
Kim Rae-won, who made his television debut in a show titled Me, 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, to name a few.
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.
38. Yu Oh-Seong

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 11, 1966 |
Place of Birth | Yeongwol-gun, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1991 |
Debut Film | Love, Love: Han Hee-jak's Love Stories |
Yu Oh-Seong, who is better known for having appeared in motion pictures such as The Spy, Attack the Gas Station, and Friend, 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 titled 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 a film, called Friend.
37. Jang Dong-gun

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 7, 1972 |
Place of Birth | Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 183 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1992 |
Debut TV Show | Our Heaven |
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, who began his acting career by playing roles in television dramas, 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.
36. Kim Sang-Kyung

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | June 1, 1972 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 183 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1998 |
Debut Film | If the Sun Rises in the West |
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 for the screen 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.
35. Ryu Seung-Ryong

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 29, 1970 |
Place of Birth | Seocheon-gun, South Korea |
Height | 175 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2004 |
Debut Film | Someone Special |
Ryu Seung-Ryong, who made his feature film debut in Someone Special, had started his acting career by working in theater.
Quite soon, 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.
34. Yoo Hae-jin

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 4, 1970 |
Place of Birth | Cheongju-si, South Korea |
Height | 174 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1997 |
Debut Film | Blackjack |
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 stealing scenes he was a part of.
He has been seen in movies such as Confidential Assignment, A Taxi Driver, and King and the Clown, among others.
33. Kim Myung-min

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | October 8, 1972 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 180 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2001 |
Debut Film | Sorum |
Kim Myung-min made his debut in a feature film titled Sorum.
He has 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.
32. Kwon Sang-woo

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 5, 1976 |
Place of Birth | Daejeon, South Korea |
Height | 183 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2001 |
Debut TV Show | Delicious Proposal |
Kwon Sang-woo is yet another name on our list who started his career as a fashion model during the late 1990s.
While he was first seen on television in a show called Delicious Proposal.
He started making his presence felt in the movies after being a part of a motion picture such as Volcano High.
That said, he shot to fame after performing in films and shows like My Tutor Friend and Stairway to Heaven, respectively.
31. Oh Dal-Su

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | June 15, 1968 |
Place of Birth | Seongdang-dong, Daegu, South Korea |
Height | 176 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2002 |
Debut Film | Hae-jeok, discowang doeda |
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 had been an experienced performer on stage, there was a rise in Oh Dal-Su's demand.
Soon enough, 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.
30. Jung Woo-sung

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 20, 1973 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 186 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1994 |
Debut Film | The Fox with Nine Tails |
Jung Woo-sung, apart from being a known screen face in South Korea, is also the first Korean UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.
He initially started his career as a fashion model and gained recognition after having appeared in a feature film, titled Beat.
For his performance in the aforementioned flick, Jung 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.
29. Cho Seung-woo

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 28, 1980 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 172 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2000 |
Debut Film | Chunhyang |
Cho Seung-woo is a well-known actor and singer who made his screen debut in a feature film, titled Chunhyang.
The actor has been seen playing crucial roles in motion pictures such as The Classic, Marathon, Tazza: The High Rollers, and Inside Men, to name a few.
Cho Seung-woo has also made his presence felt in quite a few television dramas.
He has been seen in shows such as The King's Doctor, God's Gift: 14 Days, Life, Sisyphus: The Myth, and Stranger.
28. Ryoo Seung-bum

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | August 9, 1980 |
Place of Birth | Asan-si, South Korea |
Height | 177 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2000 |
Debut Film | Die Bad |
Ryoo Seung-bum is a well-known cinematic face in South Korea who has strived to charm the audience with his presence in motion pictures such as Die Bad, Arahan, Crying Fist, The Unjust, and The Berlin File, among others.
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.
27. Park Hae-il

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 26, 1977 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 177 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2001 |
Debut Film | Waikiki Brothers |
Park Hae-il, who launched his acting career in theater, was first seen in a motion picture, titled Waikiki Brothers.
He soon started commanding the attention of the South Korean cinematic world after his stunning character portrayal in feature films such as Memories of Murder and Jealousy Is My Middle Name.
Soon after, Park Hae-il started headlining projects and was, thus, seen in titles such as Moss, Paradise Murdered, and Rules of Dating, to name a few.
26. Choi Min-soo

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 27, 1962 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 180 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1986 |
Debut Film | Son of God |
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.
Choi Min-soo, who took a voluntary leave from acting following an assault case in 2008, has been among such controversies more than just once.
He 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, to name a few.
25. Won Bin

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 10, 1977 |
Place of Birth | Jeongseon-gun, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1998 |
Debut TV Show | Ready Go! |
Won Bin, who was first seen playing a role in the television series Ready Go!, soon shot to fame after having played a critical role in the KBS's television series, titled 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 only been a part of five feature films to date.
He can be seen in titles like Guns & Talks, Taegukgi, My Brother, Mother, and The Man from Nowhere.
24. Ju Ji-hoon

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | May 16, 1982 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 188 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2006 |
Debut TV Show | Princess Hours |
Ju Ji-hoon made his debut on television by playing a crucial role in a show titled Princess Hours - a show that catapulted him into the Korean wave stardom.
He has been a part of some significantly popular projects since then.
They are Kingdom, The Devil, Antique, Mask, Dark Figure of Crime, Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds, and its sequel, and The Spy Gone North, among others.
His debut feature film, Antique, was invited to the Berlin International Film Festival.
23. Han Suk-kyu

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 3, 1964 |
Place of Birth | Jongam-dong, Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1990 |
Debut TV Show | Our Paradise |
Han Suk-kyu is one of the better-known actors in South Korean cinema.
His most prominent character projections have come in feature films such as No.3, Green Fish, Shiri, Christmas in August, Shiri, The Scarlet Letter, and The President's Last Bang, to name a few.
For his adroit performance in the historical television drama titled Deep Rooted Tree, he received the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 2011 SBS Drama Awards.
He managed to win the Grand Prize yet again in 2016 for his superb performance in the medical drama, titled Dr. Romantic.
22. Kim Yoon-Seok

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 21, 1967 |
Place of Birth | Danyang-gun, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2001 |
Debut Film | Kiss Me Much |
Kim Yoon-Seok is not only an actor but he is also a film director and screenwriter.
Initially, he gave his career a kick-start by working in theater.
This bore fruit as he was soon being given minor roles to play in feature films and television dramas.
He started getting recognized after playing a negative character in the gangster drama, titled Tazza: The High Rollers.
However, it was his astonishing performance in The Chaser that brought him further fame and critical acclaim.
21. Lee Jung-Jae

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | December 15, 1972 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 180 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1994 |
Debut Film | The Young Man |
Lee Jung-Jae, who happens to be one of the most successful South Korean mainstream actors, is also a businessman and former model.
After having launched himself as a fashion model, the actor tried his hands at acting.
Initially, he was seen in television shows but started to make his presence felt in the movies soon after.
He has been seen in motion pictures such as An Affair, Il Mare, Over the Rainbow, and Last Present, to name a few.
20. Cha Seung-won

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | June 7, 1970 |
Place of Birth | Anyang, South Korea |
Height | 186 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1997 |
Debut Film | Holiday in Seoul |
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 feature films 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.
19. Chun Ho-jin

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 9, 1960 |
Place of Birth | Busan, South Korea |
Height | 173 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1986 |
Debut Film | Street of Desire |
Chun Ho-jin, who used to be a student of chemistry, dropped out of his university in order to pursue his dream of acting in the movies.
He accomplished his dream when he first appeared in the 1986 feature film, titled 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, to name a few.
18. So Ji-sub

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 4, 1977 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 182 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1997 |
Debut TV Show | Model |
So Ji-sub, who made his debut as a jeans model, was first seen making an appearance in a television show, titled Model.
He has been seen playing leading roles in television shows such as What Happened in Bali, I'm Sorry, I Love You, Cain and Abel, Master's Sun, Oh My Venus, Phantom, and What Happened in Bali to name a few.
So Ji-sub has also been seen in a feature film titled Rough Cut which became a surprise box office hit.
17. Hyun Bin

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 25, 1982 |
Place of Birth | Jamsilbon-dong, Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 184 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2004 |
Debut Film | Spin Kick |
Hyun Bin, an actor whose name means "bright light", is truly one of the brighter lights in the South Korean film industry.
He first gained prominence for his promising character play in the 2005 romantic comedy television drama series, titled My Name is Kim Sam-soon.
Soon enough, he was seen making his presence felt in shows such as Secret Garden, Memories of the Alhambra, and Crash Landing on You.
Hyun Bin has also starred in box office hits such as Confidential Assignment, The Swindlers, The Negotiation, and Rampant, to name a few.
16. Yoo Ah-in

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | October 6, 1986 |
Place of Birth | Nam-gu, Daegu, South Korea |
Height | 181 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2003 |
Debut TV Show | Honest Living |
Uhm Hong-Sik, who is professionally known as Yoo Ah-in, is an actor, gallerist, and creative director.
He is known to have played a wide range of roles both on television and in the movies.
Best known for his character projection in movies such as Punch and Secret Affair, Yoo Ah-in has received Asian Film Awards and Fantasia International Film Festival's Cheval Noir Award.
He also got two Blue Dragon Film Awards, and two Baeksang Arts Awards, respectively.
15. Yoo Ji-Tae

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | April 13, 1976 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 186 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1998 |
Debut Film | Bye June |
One can go on to claim that Yoo Ji-Tae is a multi-talented screen personality from South Korea.
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 the year 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, among others.
14. Ma Dong-Seok

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 1, 1971 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2005 |
Debut Film | Heaven's Soldiers |
Ma Dong-Seok, who is now also known as Don Lee, is one of South Korea's better-known actors to the world today.
Gallup Korea's Film Actor of the Year in 2018, 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 titled Train to Busan that brought him global fame.
13. Ha Jung-woo

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | March 11, 1978 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 183 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2003 |
Debut Film | Madeleine |
Ha Jung-woo is yet another top-grossing actor from South Korean cinema to make it to our list.
But, he is not only an actor but also a film director, screenwriter, and film producer, in that order.
Films starring Ha Jung-woo have amassed more than 100 million tickets at the box office.
He has been seen in flicks such as Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time The Chaser, My Dear Enemy, Take Off, and The Yellow Sea, to name a few.
12. Hwang Jung-min

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 1, 1970 |
Place of Birth | Masan, South Korea |
Height | 180 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1990 |
Debut Film | General's Son |
Hwang Jung-min is one of the highest-grossing actors in the history of South Korean cinema.
He has starred in iconic box office blockbusters such as Ode to My Father, Veteran, A Violent Prosecutor, and The Himalayas, to name a few.
He was also seen playing a significant role in the horror-thriller, titled The Wailing - a film that opened to favorable reviews from both the critics and audience alike.
We would also like to inform our readers that Hwang Jung-min is only the third actor in South Korea to be part of the "100 Million Viewer Club" in Chungmuro.
11. Shin Ha-Kyun

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | May 30, 1974 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 175 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1998 |
Debut Film | Gimaghin sanaedeul |
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, to name a few.
Shin Ha-Kyun trained as a stage actor and has appeared in a number of plays before making it into mainstream cinema.
The actor shot to fame after playing a North Korean soldier in Joint Security Area.
10. Jeong Jae-Yeong

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | November 21, 1971 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 180 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1996 |
Debut Film | The Adventures of Mrs. Park |
Jeong Jae-Yeong, who is often seen collaborating with director Jin Jang, first made an appearance in a project, titled The Adventures of Mrs. Park.
He shot to fame after having featured in motion pictures such as Silmido, Right Now, Wrong Then, and On the Beach at Night Alone, to name a few.
For his work in the movies, Jeong Jae-Yeong has received the Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards.
He also received 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, respectively.
9. Lee Byung-hun

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 12, 1970 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1991 |
Debut TV Show | Asphalt My Hometown |
Lee Byung-hun, whose father was an incredibly successful businessman, grew up in a well-off family.
He had never dreamt of pursuing acting as a career. However, he started to take the thought seriously after one of his mother's friends suggested he try his hands at acting.
The actor has been praised for doing a wide range of films. He has been seen making his presence felt in feature films such as Joint Security Area, A Bittersweet Life, I Saw the Devil, The Good, the Bad, the Weird, Masquerade, and Inside Men, to name a few.
The historical Korean drama Mr. Sunshine in which he starred along with Kim Tae-ri was one of the most inspiring yet tragic series one can watch.
8. Ahn Sung-ki

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 1, 1952 |
Place of Birth | Daegu, South Korea |
Height | 176 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1957 |
Debut Film | Twilight Train |
One of the most respected actors in the history of South Korean cinema, Ahn Sung-ki made his debut at the tender age of five in a feature film, titled Twilight Train.
The actor has been a part of over 100 films in a career that has been over six decades-long.
Credited with signing diverse movies that change with time, Ahn Sung-ki has often been called "the nation's actor" by the mainstream media in the country.
A recipient of numerous accolades, he has even served as the Vice President and President of the Korean Film Actors Association.
7. Sol Kyung-gu

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | May 1, 1967 |
Place of Birth | Jihyeon-RI, Seocheon-gun, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1996 |
Debut Film | A Petal |
After completing his graduation in the year 1994, Sol Kyung-gu was seen in a number of theatrical productions before venturing into the film world.
He was seen playing minor roles in feature films that he was a part of during the mid-1990s.
However, he soon made a name for himself after being a part of motion pictures such as Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Silmido, Hope, The Merciless, and the Public Enemy series.
Sol Kyung-gu has won several well-deserved awards in his career so far.
6. Song Joong-ki

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | September 19, 1985 |
Place of Birth | Secheon-dong, Daejeon, South Korea |
Height | 178 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2008 |
Debut Film | A Frozen Flower |
Song Joong-ki made his feature film debut in A Frozen Flower.
He shot to fame after having appeared in the historical coming-of-age South Korean drama, titled Sungkyunkwan Scandal.
Ever since he 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 also 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' which were appreciated by the audience both inside and outside of Korea.
5. Gong Yoo

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | July 10, 1979 |
Place of Birth | Busan, South Korea |
Height | 184 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2003 |
Debut Film | My Tutor Friend |
Gong Yoo shot to international fame after having played a critical role in the critically and commercially acclaimed zombie thriller, titled Train To Busan.
Be that as it may, 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, titled, 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, to name a few.
4. Choi Min-Sik

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | April 27, 1962 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 177 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1992 |
Debut Film | Our Twisted Hero |
Choi Min-Sik rose to prominence after having played a character in acclaimed South Korean motion pictures such as Oldboy, I Saw the Devil, and The Admiral: Roaring Currents, to name a few.
The talented actor was also seen sharing the screen space with Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson in the 2014 science fiction film, titled Lucy.
His performance in Oldboy ended up fetching him the Best Actor award at the 40th Baeksang Art Awards, the 24th Blue Dragon Awards, and the 41st Grand Bell Awards, respectively.
3. Kim Soo-Hyun

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | February 16, 1988 |
Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 180 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2008 |
Debut TV Show | Jungle Fish 1 |
He is 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, who made his debut on a television show titled Jungle Fish 1, gained prominence after having featured in shows such as Moon Embracing the Sun, My Love from the Star, and The Producers, to name a few.
His drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" in which he starred along with Seo Ye-Ji became a global hit bringing him international fame.
2. Lee Min-ho

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | June 22, 1987 |
Place of Birth | Heukseok-dong, Seoul, South Korea |
Height | 187 centimeters |
Debut Year | 2003 |
Debut TV Show | Sharp |
A lot many South Korean actors are multi-talented personalities and our next performer on this list is no different.
Lee Min-ho is not only a competent actor but he is also a singer, model, creative director, and businessman.
His character plays in the television series titled Boys Over Flowers not only brought him widespread recognition but it also fetched him a number of accolades.
He has been seen playing crucial roles in shows such as City Hunter, Personal Taste, City Hunter, The Heirs, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, to name a few.
The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have ranked him the number one Korean actor amongst international audience from 2018 to 2021.
1. Song Kang-ho

Entity | Detail |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 17, 1967 |
Place of Birth | Gimhae-si, South Korea |
Height | 180 centimeters |
Debut Year | 1996 |
Debut Film | The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well |
Song Kang-ho is arguably the most popular film star in South Korea today.
The actor, who made his debut in a feature film titled The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well, delivered a series of stunning performances as he gained nationwide attention.
He was seen winning hearts with his character in motion pictures such as Joint Security Area, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Memories of Murder, The Host, and A Taxi Driver, to name a few.
That said, two of director Bong Joon-ho's classics, namely Snowpiercer and Parasite, are credited with bringing global fame to Song Kang-ho.
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