Famous South Korean Film & Theater Personalities

From being a licensed physician, Korean-American actor Ken Jeong went on to do stand-up comedy and eventually ventured into acting. He got his breakthrough role with film Knocked Up but he garnered widespread fame with The Hangover film franchise and the acclaimed sitcom Community. His other notable films include Pineapple Express, Crazy Rich Asian and a recent Netflix stand-up special.

Song Joong-ki is one of the most popular South Korean actors of the current generation; he gained international recognition after his performance in the TV series Descendants of the Sun. A top Hallyu star, Song had become the face of more than 30 brands by 2016. Also known for his humanitarian efforts, Song provides financial support to treat cancer-stricken children.

Song Hye-kyo is one of the most popular South Korean actresses of the current generation. She has gained international recognition for her performance in TV series, such as Descendants of the Sun. In 2018, she was ranked sixth in the Korea Power Celebrity list issued by Forbes magazine. Song Hye-kyo makes social donations and works with non-profit organizations like KARA.

From being a shy kid who found it difficult to speak in front of strangers to becoming one of the brightest stars in South Korean films and television, Kim Soo-hyun has come a long way. The internationally recognised and multiple award winning actor has given numerous hit performances like Dream High, Moon Embracing the Sun, The Thieves and Secretly, Greatly.

Lee Min-ho is a South Korean actor, model, and singer. He is best known for his portrayal of Gu Jun-pyo in the popular television series Boys Over Flowers, for which he received the prestigious Baeksang Arts Award. Widely regarded as a top Hallyu star, Lee Min-ho is one of South Korea's most-followed actors on social media.

South Korean actor and singer, Ji Chang-wook, is best known for playing the lead role of Dong-hae in the daily drama series, Smile Again. Beginning his career in musical theater, he soon ventured into TV and films and made an impact with his role in the TV show Warrior Baek Dong-soo. He has also made a few music video appearances.

Popularly known as the master of romantic comedy in South Korea, Park Seo-joon is an award-winning actor. Having played important roles in popular television dramas, such as She Was Pretty and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Park is the man of many women's dreams. His popularity increased when he made an appearance in the Academy Award-winning film Parasite.

Hyun Bin is one of the most popular actors from South Korea. Over the years, Hyun has used his fame to campaign against animal cruelty. One of the most important members of a group of private donors called Honor Society, Hyun donated 200 million won to an organization called Community Chest of Korea to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Cha Eun-woo is a South Korean model, actor, and singer. He achieved popularity as part of the famous boy band Astro. His popularity increased after playing Do Kyung-seok in a television series titled Gangnam Beauty, after which he was named in GQ Korea magazine's Men of the Year list in 2018.

Regarded as one of the most versatile actresses of South Korea, Son Ye-jin is also one of the highest-paid Korean actresses. She gained international recognition after playing prominent roles in films like The Truth Beneath and The Last Princess and in the popular TV series Crash Landing on You. She is also one of the most decorated South Korean actresses.

Lee Joon-gi is a South Korean actor and model. His popularity overseas has established him as one of the top Hallyu stars. Since he is a martial arts practitioner, Lee Joon-gi seldom uses a stunt double and is recognized as one of Korea's top action stars. His ability to pull off dangerous fight scenes often inspires young talents in Korea.

South Korean model and actor, Kim Woo-bin, has appeared in many hit TV shows and films. Interested in modeling from the time he has in high school, he started working as a runway model when he was 20. He is a cancer survivor and a role model for young people struggling with the disease.

Born in South Korea and abandoned at a young age, actress Soon-Yi Previn was adopted by Hollywood actor Mia Farrow and her then husband André Previn. As an actress, Previn did a few minor roles. However, she attracted much criticism when she began a controversial relationship with filmmaker Woody Allen, who was then Mia’s long-time boyfriend, and eventually married him.

Bong Joon-ho is a South Korean filmmaker whose movies are characterized by the use of black humor, genre-mixing, and social themes. His 2019 film Parasite became the first non-English film to receive the Best Picture award at the Academy Awards, gaining Bong international recognition. In 2020, he was named in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World list.

Lee Seung-gi is a South Korean actor, host, and singer. Dubbed the Triple Treat entertainer, Seung-gi was named in Forbes' Korea Power Celebrity list in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015. One of the top Hallyu stars, Lee Seung-gi is also one of the most popular celebrity endorsers and commercial models in South Korea. 

South Korean actress and model, Song Ji-hyo, is a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry and has appeared in many hit TV shows and films. Beginning her career as a model, she soon branched out into acting. One interesting fact about the actress is that she has a degree in tax accounting!

Park Min-young is one of the most popular South Korean actresses of the current generation. After starting her career by appearing in commercials, Park Min-young went on to play leading roles in TV series, such as A New Leaf and Healer. Park's popularity increased after appearing in Healer. She has also won several awards for her acting performances.

Sulli was a South Korean model, actress, and singer who achieved international recognition as part of the girl group f(x). In Korea, Sulli was recognized as a pop culture icon, mainly thanks to her outspoken persona. Her suicide at the age of 25 left many fans mourning and evoked a strong reaction on various social media platforms.

Ku Hye-sun is a South Korean actress, artist, singer-songwriter, and director. She is best known for her portrayal of Geum Jan-di in the popular television series Boys Over Flowers, for which she received several awards, including three KBS Drama Awards. A multi-talented personality, Ku Hye-sun was adjudged Best Female Artist in the Entertainment Industry in recognition of her versatility in 2012.

Kim Go-eun is a South Korean singer and actress. She is known for playing important roles in TV series, such as Cheese in the Trap, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God. Also known for her work as a philanthropist, Kim was praised for donating 100 million won to provide 40,000 masks amid the covid-19 pandemic.

South Korean actress, Park Bo-young, is best known for her roles in the movies A Werewolf Boy and On Your Wedding Day. Active in the entertainment scene since 2006, she made her debut with a TV series. A teenager at the time, she then proceeded to appear in several acclaimed movies and TV shows to become a much sought-after actress.

Kim Jong-in, better known as Kai, soared to stardom as part of the South Korean-Chinese boy band EXO. A trained dancer, he won the S.M. Youth Best Contest at 13. He later began performing as part of the K-pop supergroup SuperM. He also went solo with a mini-album later.

Sung Hoon is a South Korean voice actor and actor best known for appearing in the popular television entertainment program I Live Alone, for which he has won many awards. Before becoming an actor, Sung Hoon was a swimming champion whose swimming career ended due to a spinal injury.

Im Yoon-ah is a South Korean actress and singer best known for her association with Girls' Generation, one of the most popular South Korean girl groups. Also a popular actress with several awards under her belt, Yoon-ah has established herself as one of the top Hallyu stars. In 2016, she was named in Forbes magazine's Asia's 30 under 30 list.

South Korean singer and actor, Do Kyung-soo, is best known for his association with the South Korean-Chinese boy group, Exo. Interested in singing from primary school, he joined Exo in 2012. As an actor, he has appeared in many TV shows and films. In 2019, he enlisted as an active duty soldier for his mandatory military service.

South Korean actor So Ji-sub is known for his leading role in the TV series  What Happened in Bali. He began his career as a model in commercials and slowly worked his way up to acting. After playing a few supporting roles, he catapulted to fame with his performance in the TV series I'm Sorry, I Love You.

Han Hyo-joo is a South Korean actress known for playing leading roles in popular TV series like Spring Waltz, Dong Yi, and Brilliant Legacy. Over the years, she has won several prestigious awards like KBS Drama Awards and MBC Drama Awards. Because of her ability to speak Japanese, Han Hyo-joo has appeared in a couple of Japanese films as well.

Kim Bum is a South Korean actor, model, singer, and dancer. After finishing sixth in the reality TV competition series Survival Star Audition, Bum landed several roles in television series. He then gained attention for his performance in series like East of Eden, Boys Over Flowers, and Padam Padam. For his role in Padam Padam, Bum underwent severe weight-loss training.