South Korean

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South Korea is a historically significant nation with a rich cultural legacy, and it comes as no surprise that South Koreans have enriched the world in diverse ways through their contributions to the fields of business, science, mathematics, fine arts, and sports. One of the thriving economies of the world, South Korea has been the native land of several successful businesspeople like Moon Kook-hyun, Park Han-yong, and Seokhyo Jang. Their rich literary heritage is reflected in the works of writers and poets like Cheong Chi-yong, Oh Soo-yeon, and Kim Seong-dong. South Koreans are known for their intelligence and creativity. The nation has given birth to numerous creative souls who have made a mark for themselves in the fields of filmmaking, dance, acting, and visual media. The works of film directors like Nelson Shin, Song Hae-sung, and Yoon Je-kyoon are popular not only in South Korea but also have a substantial global audience. Talking of internationally famous South Koreans, we have to mention prominent lawyer Song Sang-Hyun who once served as the President of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Check out this section to know more about famous South Koreans.

Vote For Your Favourite South Korean Personality
 1 
Jungkook
(Singer-Songwriter and Youngest Member and Vocalist of the South Korean Boy Band ‘BTS’)
Jungkook
260
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 1, 1997
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea

One of the most loved South Korean celebrities, Jungkook is the lead vocalist, dancer and rapper of the extremely popular South Korean musical band BTS. The charismatic and talented artist joined BTS in 2013 and has since then entertained audience with his songs, videos and live performances. Jungkook has also done solo projects and appeared in many TV shows.

 2 
Kim Taehyung
(Singer-Songwriter and Member of the South Korean Boy Band ‘BTS’)
Kim Taehyung
266
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 30, 1995
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Daegu, South Korea

Kim Tae-hyung is a South Korean singer, actor, and songwriter. He is best known for his association with the popular boy group BTS, for which he is a vocalist. Renowned for his baritone singing voice, Kim is regarded as a role model by other Korean artists like Younghoon, Jaehyun, Byun Hyun-min, Yeosang, Jungseung, Mingi, and Yunmin.

 3 
Roseanne Park
(Korean-New Zealand Singer and Dancer Known for Her Single ‘On the Ground’)
Roseanne Park
90
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 11, 1997
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Roseanne Park , better known as Rosé, gained fame as part of the South Korean girl group Blackpink. She was featured on G-Dragon's hit track Without You. She has also endorsed Kiss Me and Yves Saint Laurent. As of 2021, she was the most-followed Korean personality on Instagram
 4 
RM (Rap Monster)
(Leader of the South Korean Boy Group 'BTS')
RM (Rap Monster)
78
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 12, 1994
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Yeoui-dong, Seoul, South Korea
 5 
Song Joong-ki
82
Birthdate: September 19, 1985
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Secheon-dong, Daejeon, South Korea

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.

 6 
Jimin
(Singer)
Jimin
121
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 13, 1995
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Geumjeong-gu, Busan, South Korea
 7 
Park Seo-joon
60
Birthdate: December 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

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.

 8 
Lee Jong–suk
(South Korean Actor and Model)
Lee Jong–suk
67
Birthdate: September 14, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Yongin-si, South Korea
Lee Jong-suk is known for his award-winning roles in the series Pinocchio, I Can Hear Your Voice, and While You Were Sleeping. He became the youngest model to be part of the Seoul Fashion Week. He has won the KBS, SBS, and MBC Drama awards. He owns a cafe, too. 
 9 
IU
(Singer)
IU
41
Birthdate: May 16, 1993
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
 10 
Kim Seok-jin
(Member of the South Korean Boy Band "BTS")
Kim Seok-jin
78
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 4, 1992
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Gwacheon-si, South Korea

As a member of the popular South Korean boy band BTS, Kim Seok-jin is idolized in Korea and drooled over by girls across Asia. One of the most popular singer-songwriters in Korea, Kim Seok-jin is popular for his falsetto voice. Also a well-known philanthropist, Kim is a UNICEF Honors Club inductee.

 11 
Park Shin-hye
(Actress)
Park Shin-hye
42
Birthdate: February 18, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Gwangju, South Korea

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.

 12 
Ji Chang-wook
(South Korean Actor Known for His TV Series ‘Smile Again’, ‘Warrior Baek Dong-soo’ and ‘Empress Ki’)
Ji Chang-wook
65
Birthdate: July 5, 1987
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Anyang, South Korea

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.

 13 
Suga
(Rapper and a Member of the South Korean Group ‘Boy Band BTS’)
Suga
92
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 9, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Buk District, Daegu, South Korea[
Min Yoon-gi, or Suga, gained fame as part of the South Korean pop band BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys, the first K-pop group to earn a Billboard award. His first solo mixtape was featured at the third spot of Billboard's World Albums Chart. Suga has also written many tracks.
 14 
Hyun Bin
(Actor)
Hyun Bin
43
Birthdate: September 25, 1982
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

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.

 15 
Son Heung-min
(Football player)
Son Heung-min
25
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 8, 1992
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chuncheon-si, South Korea
 16 
Song Hye-kyo
(Actress)
Song Hye-kyo
39
Birthdate: November 22, 1981
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dalseo District, Daegu, South Korea

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.

 17 
Gong Yoo
(Actor)
Gong Yoo
31
Birthdate: July 10, 1979
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea

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.

 18 
Son Ye-jin
(Actress)
Son Ye-jin
38
Birthdate: January 11, 1982
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Suseong District, Daegu, South Korea

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.

 19 
Cha Eun-woo
(Singer)
Cha Eun-woo
107
Birthdate: March 30, 1997
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Gunpo-si, South Korea

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.

 20 
Lee Min-ho
(Actor)
Lee Min-ho
80
Birthdate: June 22, 1987
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

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.

 21 
Kim Jong-hyun
(Singer-songwriter)
Kim Jong-hyun
39
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: April 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: yehwa-dong, Seoul
Died: December 18, 2017

Kim Jong-hyun was a South Korean record producer, singer-songwriter, author, and radio host. Kim was the principal vocalist of the popular boy band Shinee before he committed suicide at the age of 27. In 2018, his family members established the Shiny Foundation in an attempt to help struggling young artists.

 22 
Park Bo-gum
60
Birthdate: June 16, 1993
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
 23 
Nam Joo-hyuk
(Actor, Model)
Nam Joo-hyuk
61
Birthdate: February 22, 1994
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea
Nam Joo-hyuk is best known for his award-winning role in the epic film The Great Battle. He began his career as a model and shot to fame with the role of Han Yi-an in the KBS2 series Who Are You: School 2015. He has endorsed Dior Men and Penshoppe
 24 
Bae Suzy
(Singer, Actress)
Bae Suzy
27
Birthdate: December 10, 1994
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Buk District, Gwangju, South Korea

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."

 25 
Kim Soo-hyun
(South Korean Actor)
Kim Soo-hyun
44
Birthdate: February 16, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

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.

 26 
Seo Ye-ji
(Actress)
Seo Ye-ji
21
Birthdate: April 6, 1990
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

Seo Ye-ji is a Korean actress who has captured the world’s attention within her short movie career. Shifting from advertisements to short films to major motion pictures with great ease, Seo Ye-ji is noted for her grace and poise off screen and her diverse roles onscreen. Mostly seen in haute couture, she has helped local Korean brands get international attention.  

 27 
J-Hope
(Rapper)
J-Hope
45
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 18, 1994
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Ilgok-dong, Gwangju, South Korea

J-Hope is a South Korean rapper, record producer, and songwriter. He gained international recognition as one of the members of the popular boy band BTS. Also a well-known philanthropist, J-Hope has donated 250 million Korean won to an organization called Child Fund Korea. His career and humanitarian efforts have made him an idol in Korea.

 28 
Park Hyung-sik
(Singer, Actor)
Park Hyung-sik
32
Birthdate: November 16, 1991
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Yongin, South Korea
South Korean K-pop singer and actor Park Hyung-sik is best known for his stint with the boyband ZE:A. Fans loved him in series such as The Heirs and Dummy Mommy, and the variety show Real Men. He has won multiple KBS Drama awards and joined mandatory military training in 2019. 
 29 
Park Min-young
19
Birthdate: March 4, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

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.

 30 
Jun Ji-hyun
(South Korean Actress)
Jun Ji-hyun
25
Birthdate: October 30, 1981
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
South Korean actor Jun Ji-hyun, or Gianna Jun, is best known for her Grand Bell Award-winning hit My Sassy Girl. Fans also loved her in the films The Thieves and The Berlin File and the SBS Drama Award-winning series My Love from the Star and Legend of the Blue Sea.
 31 
Kim Woo-bin
30
Birthdate: July 16, 1989
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Seoul, South 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.

 32 
Lee Dong-wook
22
Birthdate: November 6, 1981
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Lee Dong-wook is best known for his performances in South Korean TV dramas, or K-dramas, such as My Girl, Scent of a Woman, The Fugitive of Joseon, and Hotel King. He has hosted the shows Strong Heart, Produce X 101, and Wook Talk. He also briefly enlisted in the military.
 33 
G-Dragon
(Singer-songwriter)
G-Dragon
15
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 18, 1988
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

G-Dragon is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper, and fashion designer. Nicknamed the King of K-pop, G-Dragon is recognized for his influence on music, fashion trends, and youth culture in South Korea. In 2016, he was named as one of the most influential Asian under 30 by Forbes. His work is often cited as an influence by many of his contemporaries.

 34 
Kim So-hyun
(Actress)
Kim So-hyun
28
Birthdate: June 4, 1999
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Australia
Kim So-hyun, named "Nation's Little Sister" in South Korea, gained fame as a child actor. She is best known for her roles in series such as Moon Embracing the Sun, Love Alarm, and Missing You. She has also hosted the MBC show Music Core and the reality show Under Nineteen.
 35 
Lee Joon-gi
(Actor, Model)
Lee Joon-gi
31
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: April 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea

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.

 36 
Park Chanyeol
26
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 27, 1992
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
South Korean entertainer Park Chan-yeol, also known as Chanyeol, gained fame as part of the South Korean-Chinese boy group Exo, which has delivered hits such as Mama. He has also starred in series such as Secret Queen Makers and Missing 9, and films such as So I Married an Anti-fan
 37 
Sulli
(Actress, Singer)
Sulli
38
Birthdate: March 29, 1994
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Busan, South Korea

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.

 38 
Song Ji-hyo
(Actress, Model)
Song Ji-hyo
13
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: August 15, 1981
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Pohang, North Gyeongsang, 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!

 39 
Kim Go-eun
(South Korean Actress)
Kim Go-eun
25
Birthdate: July 2, 1991
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea

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.

 40 
Kim Yoo-jung
(South Korean Actress)
Kim Yoo-jung
27
Birthdate: September 22, 1999
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: mho-dong, Sokcho, South Korea
As a child actor, Kim Yoo-jung was known as "Korea's Little Sister.” She delivered powerful performances in series such as Dong Yi and May Queen, and in historical dramas such as Love in the Moonlight. The “Sageuk Fairy” was the youngest to be featured on Forbes Korea’s Power Celebrity list.
 41 
Kim Hyun-joong
(South Korean Actor)
Kim Hyun-joong
43
Birthdate: June 6, 1986
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
South Korean actor and singer Kim Hyun-joong gained recognition as part of the boy band SS501. He also appeared in K-dramas such as Playful Kiss and Boys Over Flowers. He has also released Korean and Japanese solo albums. He also often donates generously for earthquake relief and education. 
 42 
Lee Seung-gi
(Singer)
Lee Seung-gi
27
Birthdate: January 13, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Banghak-dong, Dobong District, South Korea

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. 

 43 
PSY
(Singer-songwriter)
PSY
24
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 31, 1977
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Gangnam District, South Korea

South Korean singer, rapper, and songwriter, Psy, is known internationally for his hit single Gangnam Style. The music video for the song became the first video to exceed one billion views on YouTube and continues to be one of the most viewed videos on the platform. Psy is credited to have popularized K-Pop in the Western music industry.

 44 
John Cho
(Actor)
John Cho
16
Birthdate: June 16, 1972
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
 45 
Lee Sung-kyung
(Actress, Model)
Lee Sung-kyung
20
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: August 10, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea
Lee Sung-kyung shot to fame as a supermodel before appearing in Korean dramas such as Cheese in the Trap and The Doctors. She then delivered an award-winning performance in the series Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, playing her first lead role. She has also collaborated with popular music artists.
 46 
Han Hyo-joo
(South Korean Actress)
Han Hyo-joo
15
Birthdate: February 22, 1987
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, South Korea

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.

 47 
Park Bo-young
(South Korean Actress)
Park Bo-young
17
Birthdate: February 12, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Jeungpyeong County, South Korea

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.

 48 
Kim Tae-hee
(South Korean actress)
Kim Tae-hee
12
Birthdate: March 29, 1980
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Ulsan, South Korea
South Korean actor Kim Tae-hee shot to fame with her performance as Han Yoo-ri in the K-drama Stairway to Heaven. She is one of “The Troika," along with Jun Ji-hyun and Song Hye-kyo and Jun Ji-hyun. She also appeared in prominent roles in My Princess and Love Story in Harvard
 49 
Do Kyung-soo
(K-Pop Singer)
Do Kyung-soo
46
Birthdate: January 12, 1993
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

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.

 50 
Bong Joon-ho
(Film Director, Producer and Screenwriter Known for His Films: ‘Memories of Murder’, ‘The Host’, ‘Snowpiercer’ and ‘Parasite’)
Bong Joon-ho
9
Birthdate: September 14, 1969
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Daegu, 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.