Top Korean Actors: The popularity of K-dramas and movies is immense.
Literally, K-dramas and movies are taking over the world..!
Owing to this fact, it’s no wonder that Korean actors are also trending worldwide, and if you are also a crazy Korean actor fan, this article is surely for you.
Best Korean Actors
According to a recent survey on the Korean entertainment industry, in 2021, in the United States, around 5.2 percent of the respondents stated that Hyun Bin was their favorite South Korean actor. The second favorite actor among respondents from the United States was Gong Yoo with a response rate of around 2.7 percent.
Also, have a look at this list of the Most Beautiful & Talented Korean Actresses.
Well, we have created a well-researched as well as the latest list of the top Korean male actors. The factors that have been noticed while the creation of this ranking order are their looks, popularity, projects, fan following, and last but not least brand endorsement.
Here you go…!
- Lee Min-Ho
- Hyun Bin
- Ji Chang-Wook
- Kim Soo-Hyun
- Ju Jin-Mo
- Lee Jong-Suk
- Song Joong-Ki
- Park Seo-Joon
- Lee Joon-Gi
- Gong Yoo
- Cha Eun-woo
- Choi Tae-Joon
- Nam Joo-Hyuk
- Lee Seung-Gi
- Lee Dong-Wook
- Park Hyung-Sik
- Kim Seon-Ho
- Song Seung-Heon
- Yoo Seung-Ho
- Seo In-Guk
20. Seo In-Guk: Talented Korean Singer/Songwriter & Actor
Let’s start our list with one of the rising Korean talented actors; Seo In-Guk. He is not only a handsome hunk but also a diverse performer. Thus, it’s no surprise that he is such a beloved k-drama actor internationally. From a positive type of innocent student role to n intense killer’s portrayal; he has nailed every acting assignment to date.
Seo In-Guk is also a talented singer and songwriter. He was the winner of Superstar K‘s first season. Tell us in the comment section is he your favorite k-drama actor too?
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Doom at Your Service
- The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
- Shopaholic Louis
- Reply 1997
- Hello Monster
19. Yoo Seung-Ho: Korean Child Star to a Movie Star
Yoo Seung-Ho is a Korean Star who came to the limelight significantly as a child star when his movie “The Way Home” hit the theatres back in 2002. Since then, his acting career flourished as he got many movies and shows after that specifically.
Currently, he is the youngest Korean sensation and his followers on Instagram and other social media platforms are rapidly increasing too.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- I’m Not A Robot
- The Emperor Owner Of The Mask
- My Strange Hero
- Moonshine
- Memorist
18. Song Seung-Heon: Most Stylish Korean Actor of All Times
Song Seung-Heon is the most stylish and talented Korean Actor. The most compelling evidence of this actor being a fashion icon is all his awards. To demonstrate, he is the “Style Icon Asia Award” winner in 2016, which is considered very prestigious in the fashion industry.
He is one of those South Korean Actors whose acting skills are critically acclaimed.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Obsessed
- Autumn in My Heart
- Dinner Mate
- Black
- The Third Way of Love
17. Kim Seon-Ho: Highest-Paid Korean Actor
Kim Seon-Ho is the highest-paid Korean Star nowadays. The actor topped “Korean Business Research Institute’s brand Reputation Ranking Index” in 2021. His show “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” broke all the records and became the highest-rated television series in Korean cable television history with an audience rating of 13.322%.
2021 was surely the year of Kim Seon-Ho as he also won the “Gallup Korea’s Television Actor of the Year” award.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
- Start-Up
- 2 Days & 1 Night
- Run On
- Catch the Ghost
16. Park Hyung-Sik: South Korean Heartthrob Hero & Vocalist
Before becoming the beloved TV and movie star, Park Hyung-Sik earned his name as a singer and dancer. Being a member of the South Korean boy group ZE:A, Park Hyung-Sik gained quite a fame.
This fame along with his good looks and skills altogether helped him in becoming a top-notch Korean actor.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Strong Girl Bong-soon
- Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
- Happiness
- Soundtrack #1
- The Inheritors
15. Lee Dong-Wook: Most Popular Male Korean Hero
Next, we have a Korean actor, host, model, and entertainer on our list, Lee Dong-Wook. “My Girl” which was a 2005 rom-com, was the start of his stardom. This show was a domestic as well as an international hit.
In short, Lee Dong-Wook can easily be considered as one of the most popular male Korean heroes.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Goblin: The Lonely and Great God
- Tale of the Nine-Tailed
- Touch Your Heart
- Bad and Crazy
- Hell Is Other People
14. Lee Seung-Gi: Successful Korean Singer & Actor
Next, we have a South Korean singer, actor, host, and entertainer on our list. Yes, you have guessed it right..!
It’s none other than the devilishly handsome and successful Lee Seung-Gi. Since the start of his career, he gained huge success and applause from his fans. In 2021, Lee Seung Gi also became a CEO as he started his own production company, “Human Made”.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Mouse
- Vagabond
- A Korean Odyssey
- All The Butlers
- My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho
13. Nam Joo-Hyuk: Korean Star in Forbes 30 Under 30
And, here comes the most adorable hunk of Korea..! Yes, it’s none other than Nam Joo-Hyuk. He is not only stealing the hearts of his audience with his innocent looks but also successfully running his career as an actor and model.
He also made it to the Forbes list of 30 Under 30 – Asia – Entertainment & Sports (2021).
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Twenty Five Twenty One
- Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
- Start-Up
- Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
- The Bride of Habaek
12. Choi Tae-Joon: Married Young K-drama Actor
The first thing to remember about Choi Tae-Joon is that his career started as a child actor when he was cast in the drama “Piano” in 2001. Now, he is a successful K-dama and TV actor of this era.
Further, Choi Tae-Joon who was previously the most eligible South Korean bachelor, is now married to actress Park Shin-Hye. This adorable couple announced their marriage this year.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- So I Married an Anti-fan
- Suspicious Partner
- Twenty-Five Twenty-One
- The Flower in Prison
- Missing 9
11. Cha Eun-Woo: Highest-Grossing South Korean Star
Cha Eun-woo is among the highest-grossing Korean actors. He is a multi-talented & aspiring actor, singer, and model which makes him a complete entertainment combo for the audience. As a singer, he is a part of the famous South Koren band, Astro.
Due to his popularity and fandom, he is the leading face of numerous fashion brands including Penshoppe, O’Neill, Burberry, Liberclassy, and Dior Beauty.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- True Beauty
- My ID Is Gangnam Beauty
- Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung
- Island
- Sweet Revenge
10. Gong Yoo: Famous Movie & K-Drama Star in the South
Obviously, the zombie blockbuster “Train To Busan” is such a Korean movie that is watched by almost every movie lover. And owing to this fact, we can safely call the male lead of this movie, Gong Yoo, a well-recognized Korean face worldwide.
In addition, Gong Yoo was nominated as an ambassador by UNICEF in 2013, and since that, he has played a constructive role in child rights awareness campaigns.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Goblin: The Lonely and Great God
- Train To Busan
- Coffee Prince
- Squid Game
- The Silent Sea
If you’re a K-drama fan then you must watch these Top 10 Korean TV Shows to Watch.
9. Lee Joon-gi: Young & Emerging Korean Actor
At the present time, Lee Joon-gi is one of the most adored and emerging Korean actors.
In a word, he is a full package as an actor, singer, dancer, and model. His astonishing work as an actor has set him as a top Hallyu star.
Henceforth, this young and talented Korean actor’s popularity is growing, not only in Asia but also in the Middle East and Europe as well.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
- Again My Life
- Flower Of Evil
- Lawless Lawyer
- Scholar Who Walks the Night
8. Park Seo-Joon: Trending Korean Actor Worldwide
There is no wonder that K-drama and Movies are literally taking over the world. In fact, people are crazy about K-Stars. Park Seo-Joon’s name is also on the list of those actors who are trending on all social media platforms.
By and large, has won the hearts of his fans with his innocent face and acting skills.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Itaewon Class
- What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
- Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
- Fight For My Way
- She Was Pretty
7. Song Joong-Ki: Most Popular Korean TV Star Male
Although, K-drama and Movie Industry is full of fresh and emerging young talent that is also gaining worldwide fame mainly owing to Netflix. But some of them are immensely popular like Song Joong-Ki. He is the winner of the “Most Popular Korean Actor Award” in 2021 due to his trending shows.
His drama “Descendants of the Sun” with a rating of 41.6% gave him international fame, it made a smashing record of 2.5 billion views in Asia alone.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Descendants of the Sun
- Vincenzo
- Arthdal Chronicles
- The Innocent Man
- Space Sweepers
6. Lee Jong-Suk: Well-Known Korean TV Actor
If you are a k-drama lover, you will be familiar with the name “Lee Jong-Suk” for sure. He is a well-known Korean TV actor with a massive fan base globally. He started his career as a runway model at the age of 16 in “Seoul Fashion Week”, which made him the youngest male model in the industry literally.
Lee Jong-Suk got 5th position in a survey held by Gallup Korea entitled, “Actors Who Lit Up 2013 “. Along with Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Min Ho, and Kim Woo Bin, he is commonly addressed as one of the big four Hallyu stars.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- W Two Worlds
- Pinocchio
- While You Were Sleeping
- Dr. Stranger
- Romance Is a Bonus Book
5. Ju Jin-Mo: Top Korean Actor on IMDb
Ju Jin-Mo is currently ranking at the top of the Korean Male Actor’s list by IMDb. But this achievement was not a piece of cake for him. He has earned a name in the world of TV and the k-drama industry after a long hectic route of struggles. The first breakthrough that rose him to stardom was “Happy End” in 1999.
Ju was ranked 4th in CNNGo’s “South Korea’s Top 20 Hottest Male Celebs.”
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- A Frozen Flower
- Empress Ki
- 200 Pounds Beauty
- Happy End
- Beloved Eun-dong
I would also recommend that you check out these Top 10 Korean Male Models of All Time That You Must Follow.
4. Kim Soo-Hyun: Richest Korean Celebrity 2022
Kim Soo-Hyun is one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea which makes him the Richest Korean Celebrity too. He also had the privilege of being featured in the Forbes Korea Power Celebrity 40 list in 2012-2016 and 2021. His name was also a part of the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list in 2016.
Furthermore, he has been a part of several critically as well as audience acclaimed projects. That lead him towards many awards-winning moments too including 4 Baeksang Arts Awards, 2 Grand Bell Awards, and 1 Blue Dragon Film Award.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
- My Love From The Star
- The Moon Embracing the Sun
- One Ordinary Day
- Crash Landing on You
3. Ji Chang-Wook: Brightest Star of East Asia
Now, let’s talk about the South Korean handsome and finest actor & singer, Ji Chang-Wook. And not to mention, this incredibly talented brightest star of Asia has a huge fan following around the globe. The portrayal of Dong-hae in the drama series “Smile Again” in 2010 was his first breakthrough. After that, Ji Chang-Wook became a leading South Korean actor.
He is the winner of the Best Actor Asia Artist Award in 2019 and the Most Popular Actor in 2014 as well.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Suspicious Partner
- The K2
- Healer
- The Sound of Magic
- Backstreet Rookie
2. Hyun Bin: Most Handsome Korean Actor
Hyun Bin is one of the most attractive actors in South Korea. During his TV and Film career, he has won many awards, including the Grand Prize (Daesang) for TV at the 47th Baeksang Arts Awards. Hyun Bin enjoys being cast in totally different attires and he can perfectly switch from an adorable and protective hero to a spoiled villain in his shows.
Recently, he got married to Son Ye Jin, his co-star in “Crash Landing On You“. This has made both of them the fan-favorite couple notably.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- Crash Landing on You
- Secret Garden
- Negotiation
- Memories of the Alhambra
- My Lovely Sam Soon
1. Lee Min-Ho: South Korea’s Most Influential Male Artist
Lee Min-Ho definitely is on the top of the list of Korean male actors. Apart from acting, he is also a successful producer as well as a creative director too. Almost 95 million social media followers on Instagram, Facebook, and Weibo, make him one of the most influential and popular TV and Movie stars in the Entertainment world.
Moreover, he has established a versatile acting career over 14 years of work. Talking about his fan base, he is presently endorsing leading fashion brands like Fendi and Hugo Boss.
Most Popular Movies and TV Shows:
- The Inheritors
- Boys Over Flowers
- The King: Eternal Monarch
- Legend of the Blue Sea
- Pachinko
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is the No.1 actor in Korea?
A. Although, it’s really a tough call to name a single South Koren actor that is considered the No.1 actor as there are many factors on the basis of separate lists created every second for this purpose. Anyways, according to our research, Lee Min-Ho is presently the top actor in Korea.
Q. Who is the most handsome actor in Korea?
A. Hyun Bin is the most handsome actor in Korea in 2022.
Q. Who is the most famous male in Korea?
A. Being the winner of the Popularity Award in Korea, Song Joong-Ki is the most famous male in Korea.
Q. Who are the most liked Korean actors?
A. The most liked Korean male actors are:
- Lee Min-Ho
- Hyun Bin
- Ji Chang-Wook
- Kim Soo-Hyun
