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20 Famous Korean Male Actors Every Movie Lover Needs to Know
Korean male actors are really good at acting in movies. Whether you love movies a lot or just like seeing great acting, you should get to know these actors.
In this article, RNN will introduce you to some of the most famous Korean male actors you should know about.
These actors have not only made Korean movies better, but they have also become famous worldwide. People from all over the world love them because of their talent, hard work, and ability to play different roles in movies. If you love movies, it’s important to keep an eye on these actors and see what new movies they will be in. If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, you probably already know about some of them.
Here are the top 20 famous Korean actors every movie lover needs to Know
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20. LEE BYUNG-HUN
Lee Byung-hun, born on July 12, 1970, in South Korea, is a famous actor known for his outstanding work in various genres. Some of his notable works include Joint Security Area (2000), A Bittersweet Life (2005), The Good, the Bad, the Weird (2008), I Saw the Devil (2010), Masquerade (2012), and TV series like Iris (2009) and Mr. Sunshine (2018). His film Inside Men (2015) earned him the Best Actor award at prestigious ceremonies like the 52nd Baeksang Art Awards, 37th Blue Dragon Awards, and 53rd Grand Bell Awards.
Lee has seven films that rank among the highest-grossing films in South Korea: Joint Security Area, The Good, the Bad, the Weird, Masquerade, Inside Men, Master, Ashfall, and The Man Standing Next. He was named Gallup Korea’s Actor of the Year in Film in 2012 and Television in 2018. In 2021, he appeared in the Netflix series Squid Game as the frontman.
19. NAM JOO-HYUK
Nam Joo-hyuk is one of the most famous Korean actors. Joo-Hyuk is a South Korean model and actor from Busan, who started as a model and appeared in music videos. He began his acting career in 2014 with “The Idle Mermaid” and gained fame through “Who Are You: School 2015” in 2015. He’s known for leading roles in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” (2016), “The Bride of Habaek” (2017), “The Light in Your Eyes” (2019), “The School Nurse Files” (2020), “Start-Up” (2020), and “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” (2022).
In 2021, Forbes included Nam Joo-hyuk in their 30 Under 30 list due to his successful acting and modeling career.
18. PARK BO-GUM
Park Bo-gum was born on 16 June 1993 and he is one of the most famous Korean actors. He’s known for his roles in different movies and TV shows. He played a toxic lawyer in “Hello Monster” in 2015, a genius Go player in “Reply 1988” from 2015 to 2016, a Joseon Crown Prince in “Love in the Moonlight” in 2016, a free-spirited man who falls for an older woman in “Encounter” in 2018, and a model who overcomes challenges to become a successful actor in “Record of Youth” in 2020.
Park became Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year at a young age, and he was the first actor to ever top Forbes Korea’s Korea Power Celebrity list.
17. GONG YOO
Gong Yoo, a South Korean actor, was born on July 10, 1979. He gained fame through TV shows like Coffee Prince (2007), Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017), The Silent Sea (2021), and Squid Game (2021), as well as movies such as Silenced (2011), Train to Busan (2016), and The Age of Shadows (2016). His stage name, Gong Yoo, comes from his father’s last name, Gong, and his mother’s last name, Yoo.
16. SEO IN-GUK
Seo In-guk, a South Korean singer-songwriter and actor, began his singing career by winning Superstar K in 2009. He gained fame as an actor in Reply 1997 in 2012. He has since appeared in several TV series, including Master’s Sun in 2013, High School King of Savvy in 2014, Hello Monster in 2015, Squad 38 in 2016, Shopping King Louie in 2016, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes in 2018, Doom At Your Service in 2021, and Café Minamdang in 2022.
15. KIM BUM
Kim Sang-boom was born in Seoul, South Korea on July 7, 1989. He attended Chung-Ang University, majoring in Film and Theater. Kim Sang-bum known professionally as Kim Bum (alternatively Kim Beom), is a South Korean actor, dancer, singer, and model.
He is best known for his television roles as F4 member So Yi-Jung in Boys Over Flowers (2009), guardian angel Lee Gook-soo in Padam Padam (2011), villainous CEO Lee Ro-joon in Mrs. Cop 2 (2016), half-blood gumiho Lee Rang in Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020), and Han Joon Hwi in Law School (2021). In 2022 he played Koh Seung-Tak, a 1st year cardiothoracic surgeon in Ghost Doctor. Kim Bum has reprised his role as Lee Rang in Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 (2023).
14. AHN HYO-SEOP
Ahn Hyo-seop, also known as Paul Ahn, is a Canadian actor and singer based in South Korea. He became famous for his main roles in Korean dramas like Still 17 (2018), Abyss (2019), Dr. Romantic 2 (2020), Lovers of the Red Sky (2021), Business Proposal (2022), and Dr. Romantic 3 (2023).
Hyo-Seop returned to South Korea and was scouted by JYP Entertainment. He trained there for three years and lived with members of the K-pop boy band Got7. However, due to his height and lack of skills, he felt stressed and decided to pursue a career in acting.
13. LEE SOO-HYUK
Have you watched “The Scholar Who Walks In The Night” there’s no how you will watch this movie and you won’t be so obsessed with this guy because ios acting is so extraordinary. Lee Soo-hyuk is a South Korean model and actor. He started as a model in 2006 and worked with famous fashion brands. He also did cover shoots for magazines like GQ, Bazaar, and Elle.
In 2009 and 2010, he appeared in music videos for Gavy NJ and 2NE1. Then, he began acting under the name Lee Soo-hyuk. He acted in TV shows like White Christmas, What’s Up, Vampire Idol, and Shark. He also appeared in movies like The Boy from Ipanema, Runway Cop, and Horror Stories 2.
12. PARK SEO-JOON
Park Seo-Joon is a famous actor from South Korea. He played lead roles in TV shows like “Kill Me, Heal Me,” “She Was Pretty,” “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth,” “Fight for My Way,” “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” and “Itaewon Class.” He was also in movies like “The Chronicles of Evil,” “Midnight Runners,” and “The Divine Fury.”
11. JANG HYUK
Jeong Yong-jun, born on December 20, 1976, is a famous actor from South Korea. He’s most known for playing main roles in movies like Volcano High (2001), Windstruck (2004), The Swordsman (2020), The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die (2022), and TV shows like Successful Story of a Bright Girl (2002), Thank You (2007), The Slave Hunters (2010), Deep Rooted Tree (2011), You Are My Destiny (2014), Voice (2017), Money Flower (2017), Wok of Love (2018), My Country: The New Age (2019), Tell Me What You Saw (2020), and Bloody Heart (2022).
10. LEE DONG-WOOK
Lee Dong-Wook, a South Korean actor, host, model, and entertainer, was born on November 6, 1981. He’s famous for his leading roles in TV dramas like My Girl (2005), Scent of a Woman (2011), The Fugitive of Joseon (2013), Hotel King (2014), Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016–2017), Life (2018), Hell Is Other People (2019), Tale of the Nine-Tailed (2020), Bad (2021), and Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 (2023), where he played the main character.
He also hosted the talk show Strong Heart (2012–2013), the boy group survival reality show Produce X 101 (2019), and had his own American-style talk show called Wook Talk (2019).
Lee began his acting career in 1999 after winning the grand prize in the V-NESS model contest. He made his debut in a single-episode drama on MBC. The drama’s producer noticed him and cast him in the teen drama School 2. Lee’s acting skills gained recognition through his role in School 3.
9. LEE JOON-GI
I love this guy a lot. His name is Lee Joon-gi, and he’s famous for historical movies. He was born on April 17, 1982, in South Korea. Lee Joon-gi does many things – he acts, sings, dances, and models.
People noticed him when he played the main role in a movie called “The King and the Clown” in 2005. It was a great movie, and he played a clown in it. After that, he became even more famous when he acted in the funny love story “My Girl” from 2005 to 2006.
He didn’t stop there. He started doing different kinds of movies and shows, like historical dramas and action-packed thrillers. You might have seen him in “Iljimae” in 2008, “Arang and the Magistrate” in 2012, “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” in 2016, “Lawless Lawyer” in 2018, and “Flower of Evil” in 2020.
People all over Asia really like his work. He’s become a big star not just in South Korea but also in other countries. They call him a Hallyu star because he’s so popular overseas.
8. S0 JI-SUB
Another well-known South Korean actor goes by the name of So Ji-sub. He was born on November 4, 1977, in Seoul, South Korea. So Ji-sub began his career as a model for jeans and later gained fame for his leading roles in TV shows like “What Happened in Bali” (2004), “I’m Sorry, I Love You” (2004), “Cain and Abel” (2009), “Phantom” (2012), “Master’s Sun” (2013), and “Oh My Venus” (2015–16). He has also acted in the movie “Rough Cut” (2008). In addition to his acting career, So Ji-sub has released several hip-hop EPs.
7. HYUN BIN
On the list of famous Korean actors is Kim Tae-Hyung, also known as Hyun Bin. He became popular after starring in the 2005 romantic comedy TV show “My Name is Kim Sam-soon.” He has played leading roles in other successful TV dramas like “Secret Garden,” “Memories of the Alhambra,” and “Crash Landing on You.” Hyun Bin also appeared in hit movies like “Confidential Assignment” and “The Swindlers.”
In 2011, he was named Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year. His success internationally has made him one of the highest-paid and most influential actors in South Korea.
Hyun Bin received praise for his role in the movie “Late Autumn,” which was shown at the 61st Berlin International Film Festival. He has been nominated for many awards and won the Grand Prize for TV at the 47th Baeksang Arts Awards.
6. AHN SUNG-KI
Ahn Sung-ki is a famous South Korean actor. He has acted in over 130 movies for more than 60 years. He started as a child actor in a famous film called The Housemaid in 1960. After that, he took a break from movies to focus on his studies but still did theater in college.
He served in the military as an artillery officer after his studies. After finishing his military service, he went back to acting. He won awards for his roles in movies like A Fine, Windy Day in 1980, and Mandala in 1982. In Mandala, he played a Buddhist monk and even shaved his head for the role.
Ahn Sung-ki also acted in a popular buddy cop-comedy called Two Cops in 1993 with Park Joong-hoon. They won a big award for their roles, and people loved their chemistry on-screen. Some people call it the original “bromance” in Korean cinema.
5. KIM SOO-HYUN
Kim Soo-hyun, a famous South Korean actor born on February 16, 1988, is known for his impressive career. He’s one of South Korea’s highest-paid actors, with numerous awards, including four Baeksang Arts Awards, two Grand Bell Awards, and one Blue Dragon Film Award. He’s been on Forbes’ Korea Power Celebrity 40 list multiple times.
Kim didn’t start out as an extrovert; he took acting classes on his mom’s advice. He began his TV career in 2007 with the family sitcom Kimchi Cheese Smile. He later starred in hit TV dramas like Dream High and Moon Embracing the Sun, as well as successful films like The Thieves and Secretly, Greatly, winning awards for his acting.
His popularity soared with My Love from the Star and The Producers, where he won three Grand Prizes. After a less successful movie called Real in 2017, he served in the military and returned to acting with It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and One Ordinary Day.
4. LEE SEUNG-GI
Lee Seung-gi is one of the most famous Korean actors. He was born on January 13, 1987, in South Korea. Lee is not just an actor but also a singer, host, lyricist, and entertainer. He’s well-known and earns a lot of money, winning awards for his music and acting. Seung-Gi has been on Forbes’ list of powerful celebrities in South Korea since 2010, ranking sixth in 2022. He’s a “Triple Threat” entertainer, excelling in singing, acting, and hosting, making him a top Hallyu star.
As a singer, he has many hit songs like “Because You’re My Woman,” “Will You Marry Me,” “Return,” and “The Ordinary Man.” As an actor, he became popular in Asia with lead roles in shows like “Brilliant Legacy,” “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho,” “The King 2 Hearts,” “Gu Family Book,” “You’re All Surrounded,” “A Korean Odyssey,” “Vagabond,” “Mouse,” and “The Law Cafe.” He was also part of the show “1 Night 2 Days” and hosted “Strong Heart.”
Forbes recognized him in their Power Celebrity list several times, ranking as high as fourth. In 2021, he was chosen as one of the 200 actors in the Korean Actors 200 Campaign, which aims to showcase Korean film talents to the world.
3. JI CHANG-WOOK
I really admire this guy. I’ve watched all his shows because he’s very talented. He is one of the most famous Korean actors, and you should know about him.
Ji Chang-wook was born on July 5, 1987, in South Korea, and is not only an actor but also a singer. He became famous for his role as Dong-hae in the daily drama series “Smile Again” from 2010 to 2011. He also played important roles in TV series like “Warrior Baek Dong-soo” in 2011, “Empress Ki” from 2013 to 2014, “Healer” from 2014 to 2015, “The K2” in 2016, “Suspicious Partner” in 2017, “Melting Me Softly” in 2019, “Backstreet Rookie” in 2020, “Lovestruck in the City” from 2020 to 2021, “The Sound of Magic” in 2022, and “If You Wish Upon Me” in 2022.
2. SONG JOONG-KI
Second on the list of most famous Korean actors is Song Joong-ki. Song was born on September 19, 1985. He became well-known in 2010 for his role in the historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal and the TV show Running Man, where he was one of the original members.
Since then, he has acted in many different TV series like The Innocent Man (2012), Descendants of the Sun (2016), Arthdal Chronicles (2019), Vincenzo (2021), and Reborn Rich (2022). He has also starred in successful movies like A Werewolf Boy (2012), The Battleship Island (2017), and Space Sweepers (2021).
In 2012 and 2017, Song was named the Television Actor of the Year by Gallup Korea. He first appeared on Forbes Korea’s list of influential celebrities in 2013, ranking seventh. Later, he reached the second spot in 2017 and seventh in 2018. His success on TV and in movies has made him a top Hallyu star in the Korean entertainment industry, recognized not only in South Korea but also internationally.
1. LEE MIN HO
The first famous Korean actor on our list is Lee Min-ho. He was born on June 22, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea. His parents were Buddhists, and he’s the youngest of their two children. When he was a kid, Lee wanted to be a pro soccer player. He became well-known worldwide for playing Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers (2009), and he won the Best New Actor award at the 45th Baeksang Arts Awards for it. He’s had leading roles in TV shows like Personal Taste (2010), City Hunter (2011), Faith (2012), The Heirs (2013), and The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016). In 2020, he starred in The King: Eternal Monarch, which made $135 million.
Lee had 3 million Twitter followers, and 23 million Weibo followers, and was the first Korean celeb to have 20 million followers on Instagram and Facebook. In 2014 and 2015, a Chinese entertainment mag poll called him the “Asian Male God.” In 2017, he was the “Most Favoured Korean Actor” according to US Korean Wave fans. With 65 million followers in total, he’s known as the “King of Social Media.”