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.

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.

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.

Park Shin-hye is a popular and acclaimed South Korean actress, model, and singer. Regarded as one of the most successful actresses of her generation, Park Shin-hye became the first Korean star to model for Visa and the first Korean celebrity to serve as a global ambassador for jewelry brand Swarovski. She is also known for her involvement in charitable causes.

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.

Bae Suzy was signed as part of the South Korean all-girl group Miss A after being eliminated from Mnet Superstar K. She has appeared in series such as Dream High and movies such as Architecture 101. Her frequent brand endorsements have earned her the nicknames "CF Queen" and "Human Dior."

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.

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.

South Korean actor Gong Yoo is best known for his role in the television drama Coffee Prince. Interested in pursuing an acting career from a young age, he earned a B.A. degree in theater. He began his career as a video jockey and soon debuted as an actor. The talented actor is the winner of many awards.

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.

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.

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!

South Korean actor and singer Lee Byung-hun is known for his work in a wide range of genres. His appearance in the critically acclaimed film Inside Men earned him many prestigious awards. He is also popular in USA and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lee Kwang-soo is a South Korean actor, model, and entertainer. He is best known for his work in the popular variety show Running Man, for which he has won several awards, such as SBS Entertainment Awards. He has also been honored with other prestigious awards like Korea Drama Award, APAN Star Award, and SBS Drama Award.

Ji Soo is a South Korean actor known for playing important roles in popular TV series, such as Angry Mom and Cheer Up. Also known for his work in films, Ji Soo received the Actor of the Year Award at the 2020 Busan International Film Festival for his portrayal of Chan Hee in the independent film, Our Joyful Summer Days.

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.

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.

South Korean actor Yoo Seung-ho soared to stardom as a child actor, with the movie The Way Home. He then starred in series such as The Emperor: Owner of the Mask and movies such as Joseon Magician. He has won honors such as the KBS, MBC, and the SBS awards.

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.

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.