Top 10 Korean Actors: Leading Stars Shaping K-Drama & Film

The Korean entertainment industry has produced some mindblowing dramas and films. It is not for showcasing a roster of exceptionally talented and charismatic actors who have captured hearts worldwide. With groundbreaking performances in critically acclaimed productions and a remarkable knack for connecting emotionally with audiences, Korean actors have made an unforgettable mark on the global stage.

From prestigious accolades to iconic roles, here’s a look at the top Korean actors who have solidified their status as powerhouses in the competitive world of Korean cinema.

List of Best Korean Actors

1: Kim Soo-hyun

Date of Birth: February 16, 1988, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Baek Hyun-woo in Queen of Tears
• Won Ryoo-hwan in Crash Landing on You
• Song Sam Dong in Dream High
• Jang Tae-yeong in Real
• Kim Hyun-soo in One Ordinary Day

Accolades:

• APAN Star Awards
• Asia Artist Awards
• Baeksang Arts Awards
• Korea Drama Awards
• Seoul International Drama Awards

Kim Soo-hyun is one of the top Korean actors in East Asia. He has made marks on the silver screen with his remarkable performances across a wide range of genres, including action, crime, drama, romance, and thriller. His expertise to captivate audiences with his versatile talent and emotional depth has made him a household name.

Kim began his acting journey in 2007 with a supporting role in the family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile. After a decade of success, he took a hiatus in 2017 to fulfill his 21-month mandatory military service, returning to the screen in 2019 with memorable cameo appearances in the hit dramas Crash Landing on You and Hotel del Luna.

With an impressive portfolio of 15 dramas and six films, Kim Soo-Hyun’s dedication and charisma have firmly established him as one of Korea’s top actors.

2: Lee Dong-wook

Date of Birth: November 6, 1981, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Wang Yeo in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
• Kang Ji-wook in Scent of a Woman
• Seo Moon-jo in Hell Is Other People
• Park Ri-hwan in Bubble Gum
• Seol Gong Chan in My Girl

Accolades:

• SBS Drama Awards
• Annual Soompi Awards
• SBS Entertainment Awards

Lee Dong-wook has been a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry for over two decades. He first gained attention in 1999 when he won the grand prize at the V-NESS Model Contest, which led to his acting debut in a single-episode drama for MBC. His career skyrocketed in 2005 with his commercial breakthrough in the romantic comedy My Girl, cementing his status as a star.

Known for his versatility, Lee has excelled in various genres, from comedy and romance to melodrama and fantasy-action, consistently delivering compelling performances and portraying deeply nuanced characters. He has showcased his charisma as a television host, notably on the popular talk show Strong Heart (2012–2013) and his own American-style talk show, Wook Talk (2019).

3: Ji Chang-wook

Date of Birth: July 5, 1987, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

Best Works:

• Yoon Gil-ho in Gangnam B-Side
• Park Jun-mo in The Worst of Evil
• Jo Yong-phil in Welcome to Samdal-ri
• Ko Nam-moo in Queen Woo
• Kim Je-ha in The K2

Accolades:

• Asian Film Awards
• Asia Artist Awards
• KBS Drama Awards

Ji Chang-Wook, a versatile actor and singer, began his career in musical theater before making his on screen debut in the 2006 film Day. With roles spanning action thrillers to romantic comedies, Ji quickly distinguished himself with his diverse acting abilities. He gained immense popularity in 2010 with his first acting as a lead in the daily drama Smile Again, where he earned widespread praise for his powerful performance.

Known for his commitment to his craft, Ji performed his own action stunts in the 2016 series The K2, showcasing his physical prowess and further expanding his fan base. Beyond acting, Ji also lent his voice to the character Taki in the Korean-dubbed version of the animated film Your Name, further proving his range and influence within Korean cinema.

4: Gong Yoo

Date of Birth: July 10, 1979, Busan, South Korea

Best Works:

• The Salesman in Squid Game
• Seok-Woo in Train to Busan
• Kim Shin in Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
• Kang In-ho in Silenced
• Han Jeong-won in The Trunk

Accolades:

• Baek Sang Art Awards
• International Online Cinema Awards
• Korean Film Actor’s Association Awards
• MBC Drama Awards

Gong Yoo, the former model, got his first entertainment role as a VJ for the K-pop channel Mnet in 2000. His acting debut came in 2001 with the television series School 4, where he quickly captured audiences’ attention with his impressive performance.

After enlisting for mandatory military service in 2008, Gong Yoo returned to the screen in 2009. He made a notable comeback with the romantic comedy Finding Mr. Destiny (2010), which enjoyed moderate box-office success in Korea. Over the years, Gong Yoo has showcased his range by portraying a variety of roles, from courageous heroes to romantic leads and action stars, cementing his place as one of South Korea’s most sought-after actors.

5: Jung Hae-in

Date of Birth: April 1, 1988, Daebang-dong, Dongjak District, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Choi Seung-hyo in Love Next Door
• Han Woo-tak in While You Were Sleeping
• An Jun-ho in D.P.
• Seo Joon-hee in Something in the Rain
• Hyun-woo in Tune in for Love

Accolades:

• Asian Academy Creative Awards
• Asia Artist Awards
• Annual Soompi Awards
• Grand Bell Awards

Jung Hae-in first captured attention with his appearance in AOA Black’s 2013 music video for Moya. After completing his military service, he made his acting debut in Bride of the Century in 2014, where his performance quickly won over audiences and set him on a promising path in the entertainment industry. Known for his exceptional acting skills, Jung has effortlessly transitioned between a wide range of roles, from romance and drama to action, solidifying his status as one of the top Korean actors.

His breakthrough came in 2017 with a standout performance in the hit romance series While You Were Sleeping, which catapulted him to stardom and made him a household name in Korea. Beyond his acting, Jung has also made memorable guest appearances on popular variety shows such as Running Man and Three Meals a Day.

6: Park Seo-joon

Date of Birth: December 16, 1988, Seoul, South Korea

Best Works:

• Ko Dong-man in Fight for My Way
• Park Sae-ro-yi in Itaewon Class
• Lee Young-joon in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
• Yoon Dong-ha in A Witch’s Love

Accolades:

• Asian Film Awards
• Grand Bell Awards
• Blue Dragon Awards
• Korean Association of Film Critics Awards
• KOFRA Film Awards

Park Seo-joon, often hailed as the king of rom-com K-dramas, first gained attention with his appearance in the music video for Bang Yong-guk’s single I Remember in 2011. He started working in supporting roles in the television drama Dream High 2 (2012) and soon landed his first leading role in A Witch’s Love (2014), quickly becoming one of K-drama’s most beloved leading actors.

Park has showcased his acting range in various genres, from romantic comedies to action-packed dramas, effortlessly bringing diverse characters to life. In 2023, Park made his Hollywood debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film The Marvels, where he portrayed Prince Yan.

Beyond acting, Park has also proven his charisma as a host, appearing on the music program Music Bank and the SBS Drama Awards. His remarkable career continues to flourish as he leaves a lasting impact on both Korean and international audiences.

7: Nam Joo-hyuk

Date of Birth: February 22, 1994, Yeongdo District, Busan, South Korea

Best Works:

• Nam Do-san in Start-Up
• Jung Joon-hyung in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
• Baek Ijin in Twenty-Five Twenty-One
• Han Yi An in Who Are You: School 2015
• Prince Baek-ah in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Accolades:

• Blue Dragon Awards
• Korean Association of Film Critics Awards
• KOFRA Film Awards
• APAN Star Awards
• The Seoul Awards
• KBS Drama Awards

Starting as a model, Nam Joo-hyuk quickly gained attention with his appearance in the music video for AKMU‘s hit song. His acting debut came in 2014 with The Idle Mermaid, but it was his role as Han Yi An in Who Are You: School 2015 (2015) that truly propelled him to stardom.

Nam has become one of the top Korean actors, effortlessly transitioning between genres and consistently delivering memorable performances. Beyond acting, he has also become a sought-after brand ambassador, notably for Penshoppe, where he represents the popular clothing brand. In 2021, Forbes recognized Nam as part of their 30 Under 30 list, highlighting his success in acting and modeling.

8: Park Hyung-sik

Date of Birth: November 16, 1991, Yongin, Gyeonggi, South Korea

Best Works:

• Jung Yi Hyun in Happiness
• Yeo Jeong-woo in Doctor Slump
• Jo Myung-soo in The Heirs
• Ahn Min-hyuk in Strong Girl Bong-soon
• Ji Sung-joon in She Was Pretty

Accolades:

• Annual Soompi Awards
• Blue Dragon Awards
• Korean Association of Film Critics Awards
• SBS Drama Awards
• KBS Drama Awards

Park Hyung-sik is a multifaceted actor and singer, best known as a member of the South Korean boy group ZE:A, which he joined in 2010. He began his acting career in 2012 with a role in SBS’ special drama I Remember You and gained wider recognition in 2013 when he appeared on the variety show Real Men, where his nickname “Baby Soldier” captured the hearts of viewers.

Park has proven his versatility by excelling in a wide range of genres, from action and romance to drama, consistently impressing audiences with his ability to take on diverse roles. After taking a break from acting to complete his mandatory military service in 2019, he returned to the screen in 2021 with a starring role in the apocalyptic thriller Happiness, further cementing his status as a beloved figure in both the musical and entertainment industries.

9: Lee Jong-suk

Date of Birth: September 14, 1989, Yongin, South Korea

Best Works:

• Director Jang in The Witch: Part 2. The Other One
• Jung Jae-chan in While You Were Sleeping
• Kang Cheol in W
• Park Chang-ho in Big Mouth
• Go Nam Soon in School 2013

Accolades:

• APAN Star Awards
• Baek Sang Art Awards
• SBS Drama Awards
• Korea Drama Awards
• KBS Drama Awards

Lee Jong Suk, a prominent actor and model, began his career at just 15 years old as the youngest male model to debut at Seoul Fashion Week in 2005. His acting debut came in 2010 with a role in the South Korean television series Prosecutor Princess. However, it was his breakthrough performance as Go Nam Soon in the hit K-drama School 2013 that earned him recognition and critical acclaim for his deeply emotional and realistic portrayal.

Known for his versatility, Lee has taken on a wide range of roles, including in romantic dramas, where he consistently brings his characters to life with authenticity and depth. His command to push the boundaries of his craft has established him as one of the leading figures in the Korean entertainment industry.

10: Song Joong-ki

Date of Birth: September 19, 1985, Daejeon, South Korea

Best Works:

• Vincenzo in Queen of Tears
• Yoo Shi-jin in Descendants of the Sun
• Park Joo-hyung in Little Women
• Gu Yong-ha in Sungkyunkwan Scandal
• Jin Do-jun in Reborn Rich

Accolades:

• APAN Star Awards
• Baek Sang Art Awards
• Blue Dragon Awards
• Chunsa Film Art Awards
• Seoul International Drama Awards

Song Joong-ki began acting in 2008 with a role in the period film A Frozen Flower. Known for his youthful charm and slender physique, he quickly became a versatile actor, excelling in genres ranging from melodrama and romantic comedy to action. His breakthrough came in 2010 with the historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal, which became a cult hit and showcased his remarkable acting talent.

In addition to his acting, Song also hosted the KBS music program Music Bank from 2009 to 2010. Over a career spanning more than 15 years, Song Joong-ki has solidified his position as among the top Korean actors.