You would definitely agree with us that Korean entertainment has taken the world by storm. From exciting romantic K-dramas to their enchanting pop music, the industry has become a favourite among the audience. Their entertainment industry has defied the language barrier and has captivated the audience with its exciting storyline, excellent visuals and stellar performances by the actors.
It has become one of the top contenders in the entertainment industry, having won Oscars and dominating the Billboard charts. Celebrities in the Korean industry are loved by audiences all over the world because of their acting and singing skills and amazing looks. Hence, getting a chance to launch their careers in Hollywood films was bound to happen.
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A few Korean actors debuted a long ago, while others have just started their journey in the international entertainment industry. Check out this list to know which Korean actors have become a successful names in Hollywood as well.
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By now, you must have gotten a glimpse of Park Seo Joon in the latest trailer of The Marvels. He is going to play the role of 'Yan D’ Aladna'. He is a recent actor from South Korea to make his debut in Hollywood. Seo Joon is one of the biggest K-drama stars renowned for his roles in Itaewon Class, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Midnight Runners and the Academy Award winner, Parasite.
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His fans were overjoyed when it was finally revealed that Park Seo Joon would be joining the Marvel Universe. The Marvels is slated to be released in November 2023. We can't wait to watch him spread his aura!
K-pop group, BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently debuted in Hollywood with the HBO series, The Idol. Jennie Kim, a.k.a. Jennie, plays the character of ‘Dyanne’, a backup dancer who is a close friend of ‘Jocelyn’ played by Lily-Rose Depp in the series. The BLACKPINK singer has captured the public with her supporting role, from her exotic dance with male backup dancers to her risqué mood in the premiere episode.
While a segment of her fans hailed her for her bold avatar in the series, others expressed their disliking of the role played by her. Jennie made her debut with the launch of The Idol's first two episodes at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
The actor-singer, Cha Eun Woo is well-known for playing the lead roles in the K-dramas, True Beauty and My ID Is Gangnam Beauty. As per reports, he will make his Hollywood debut with the film, K-pop: Lost In America by director, Yoon Je Kyoon. The exact release date of the film is not known yet.
But the ASTRO band member, Cha Eun Woo, will act opposite the Australian actress, Rebel Wilson. The movie is about a K-pop group that gets lost in America just days before their big American debut. We are very excited to see Cha Eun Woo in this new role.
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Lee Min Ho is undoubtedly the most popular actor when it comes to K-dramas. With famous Korean dramas such as The Heirs, Boys Over Flowers, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Legend Of The Blue Sea to his name, this popular South Korean actor made his Hollywood debut last year with Pachinko.
An American drama series, Pachinko by Soo Hugh, follows a Korean immigrant family over the course of four generations in America. Lee Min Ho plays ‘Koh Hansu’ in the series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lee Min Ho described his character as one of a ‘villain generated by the tragedy of desperate times’ and that he felt ‘fortunate’ to have been chosen for the role.
The famous South Korean actor, Ma Dong Seok, a.k.a Don Lee, has gained immense recognition for his roles in movies like Train To Busan, The Outlaws, and The Bros. If you have watched Marvel’s film, Eternals, then you would know the character ‘Gilgamesh’, Don Lee played that role.
He made his Hollywood debut with the Eternals and has acted alongside some of the most revered names in the industry, like Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, and Kit Harington. You would be shocked to know that he holds American citizenship.
Bae Doona has been in the entertainment industry for more than two decades now. During her time in the industry, she has acted in several popular Korean films such as Sympathy for Mr Vengeance, The Host, and Air Doll. She is regarded as an icon in the Korean entertainment industry.
Bae Doona ventured into Hollywood in 2012 with the science fiction film, Cloud Atlas starring Tom Hanks. She has also acted in the 2015 science fiction film, Jupiter Ascending and the series, Sense8. Bae Doona was last seen in the Netflix series, The Silent Sea.
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Rain, also known as Jung Ji Hoon, is a highly skilled actor and singer who has gained worldwide recognition. With seven albums, 28 singles, and a multitude of successful concerts and tours, Rain initially caught the attention of Hollywood. His sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden solidified his success. It opened up a world of opportunities, including roles in major films such as Speed Racer, Ninja Assassin, and The Prince.
The Flower Of Evil actor, Lee Jong Gi, has proved his mettle to the entertainment industry with his acting skills. He has appeared in several popular Korean dramas such as Hotel Del Luna, Lawless Lawyer, The King And The Clown, My Girl, Iljimae and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Lee Jong Gi stepped into Hollywood with Paul W.S. Anderson’s Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, the sixth and final instalment of the series. Lee made a guest appearance in the movie, playing the antagonist who squares off against Milla Jovovich, the lead actress.
If you have watched the 2021 thriller K-drama, Squid Game, then you may be aware of Lee Byung Hun's role as the ‘Front man’ who was in charge of the deadly games in the series. Lee is well-known for his roles in movies and TV shows such as Inside Men, Our Blues, and Mr Sunshine.
He made his Hollywood debut in 2009's G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, playing the formidable antagonist ‘Storm Shadow’. The actor also made an appearance in G.I. Joe: Retaliation in 2013. Lee Byung Hun can also be seen in Hollywood movies like The Magnificent Seven, Misconduct, Terminator Genisys, and Keys To The Heart.
Jung Ho Yeon, a.k.a. Hoyeon Jung, has gained popularity with her role in the famous Netflix series, Squid Game. She played the character of ‘Kang Sae Byeok’. Hoyeon is all set to debut in Hollywood with two productions, one is Joe Talbot’s The Governesses alongside Lily-Rose Depp. And the other is Alfonso Cuarón's thriller series, Disclaimer, which also features Cate Blanchett and Sacha Baron Cohen.
After the tremendous success of his thriller Korean drama, Squid Game, actor Lee Jung Jae is all set to appear as the protagonist in the Star Wars spinoff, The Acolyte. Even though Lee already has a strong career, Squid Game helped him become a household name outside of the K-drama and K-movie fan base. He has worked in popular movies like Deliver Us from Evil, New World, The Housemaid and Hunt.
Which actor are you excited to see in Hollywood? Let us know.
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