K-Pop Idols Who Successfully Became Actors

12월 13, 2025

Discover popular K-pop idols who are active actors, their hit songs, major dramas and films, and the key reasons behind their global popularity.

Introduction

In South Korea, it is increasingly common for K-pop idols to transition into acting. While some start as idols and later explore dramas or films, others successfully balance both careers. Today, many idol-actors are recognized not only for popularity, but also for solid acting skills and global influence.

This article introduces well-known K-pop singers who are currently active as actors, along with their representative works and why audiences continue to support them.

Introduction

In recent years, many K-pop singers have successfully expanded their careers into acting. These idol-actors are no longer cast only for popularity; many are now recognized for consistent performances and audience appeal in dramas and films.

Below are 10 K-pop singers who are currently active as actors, along with their representative music, acting works, and popularity factors.

1. IU (Lee Ji-eun)

Hit Songs: Good Day, Palette, Love Poem
Dramas: My Mister, Hotel Del Luna
Film: Broker

Popularity Factor: Emotional realism and strong script selection
Episode: Her role in My Mister shifted public perception of idols in serious dramas.

2. Im Si-wan (ZE:A)

Hit Songs: ZE:A group releases
Dramas: Misaeng, Run On
Films: The Attorney, Emergency Declaration

Popularity Factor: Natural acting and office-drama credibility
Episode: Misaeng became a cultural reference for Korean corporate life.

3. D.O. (Do Kyung-soo, EXO)

Hit Songs: Growl, Love Shot
Drama: It’s Okay, That’s Love
Films: Swing Kids, The Moon

Popularity Factor: Subtle emotional control
Episode: Many viewers did not realize he was an idol during early film roles.

4. Cha Eun-woo (ASTRO)

Hit Songs: All Night, Blue Flame
Dramas: True Beauty, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty

Popularity Factor: Visual-role match and steady improvement
Episode: Frequently cast in webtoon-based adaptations.

5. Jisoo (BLACKPINK)

Hit Songs: How You Like That, Pink Venom
Drama: Snowdrop

Popularity Factor: Global fandom and brand power
Episode: International streaming interest surged during Snowdrop.

6. Park Hyung-sik (ZE:A)

Hit Songs: ZE:A group tracks
Dramas: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Happiness

Popularity Factor: Balanced romantic and thriller roles
Episode: Gained strong appeal in both male and female demographics.

7. Suzy (Miss A)

Hit Songs: Bad Girl Good Girl, Only You
Dramas: While You Were Sleeping, Start-Up
Film: Architecture 101

Popularity Factor: Clean image and emotional expressiveness
Episode: Architecture 101 earned her the title “Nation’s First Love.”

8. Ok Taec-yeon (2PM)

Hit Songs: Heartbeat, My House
Dramas: Vincenzo, Bring It On, Ghost

Popularity Factor: Strong physical presence
Episode: Praised for villain role transformation in Vincenzo.

9. Rowoon (SF9)

Hit Songs: SF9 releases
Dramas: Extraordinary You, The King’s Affection

Popularity Factor: Height, visuals, and historical drama suitability
Episode: Noted improvement in emotional acting over time.

10. YoonA (Girls’ Generation)

Hit Songs: Gee, Genie
Dramas: The King in Love, Big Mouth
Films: Exit

Popularity Factor: Long-term public trust and versatility
Episode: Exit became a major box-office success.

Conclusion

K-pop singers active as actors continue to shape the Korean entertainment industry. Their success comes from consistent effort, role diversity, and global fandom, proving that idol-actors are now an established part of film and drama culture.

Kpop & Korea