Metro's 50 Most Handsome Korean Actors
They made you laugh, they made you cry, and they've definitely made you fall in love! Meet 50 of the most jaw-dropping men we love in K-drama and beyond.
Oh, oppa! K-drama fans are no strangers to falling for the leading men, for the obvious reason that South Korean actors are truly the complete package! For as long as we can remember, braving hours upon hours of subtitles has become an effortless feat for a lot of Korean drama enthusiasts, partly because we can't get enough of the amazing storylines, sets, cast chemistry, and in huge part because of the dashing gentlemen, the 'oppas', a.k.a South Korean heartthrob actors.
What then makes these men highly pursued, and what makes millions of fans all over the world swoon? An obvious reason would be their jaw-dropping looks, but it's more than just that. The combination of stellar acting, flawless skin, striking eyes, towering heights, and an X factor that is commonly shared by these men easily draws one in.
Many of these actors are also styled exceptionally well when it comes to fashion, with some of them even being experimental in their clothing, making them the complete package, and the perfect ambassadors for big beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle brands worldwide. We're not surprised that many of them become the face of huge cosmetics campaigns, even sometimes outshining the women. Unlike many countries, in South Korea, it's accepted, and quite normal for these men to promote lipstick, sheet masks, serums, foundations, and even LED skincare masks, as these products truly contribute to their entire appeal.
Majority of these actors are not just well-known in their own country, but in many different countries across the globe, as evidenced by their millions of Instagram followers. Thanks to the availability of Korean drama on multiple streaming platforms online, South Korea's most handsome men are easily within reach.
Ahead, we've rounded up our latest list of the 50 Most Handsome Korean Actors, some old, some new, some veterans, some recent breakout stars. As you will find out, some of them began as runway models, eventually venturing out into the wonderful world of K-drama. Get acquainted with the brands they lend their faces to, and why they're worth crushing on. For your viewing pleasure, swipe through the gallery below:
50 Most Handsome
50 Most Handsome
Ahn Bo-hyun
Whether you know him as Park Seo-joon's nemesis in 'Itaewon Class', Kim Go-eun's leading man in 'Yumi's Cells', or Han So-hee's police partner in 'My Name', Ahn Bo-hyun has quickly become one of our Korean actors to watch. With chiseled features and rock-solid body, it's easy to see why we've fallen for his charms. Bo-hyun is also the face of Korean beauty brand Papa Recipe.
Photo Credit: @bohyunahn
Ahn Hyo-seop
Despite being quite a newbie in the industry, 26-year-old Ahn Hyo-seop has already wowed us with his roles in hit dramas like 'Abyss', 'Still 17', and 'Dr. Romantic 2', and 'Lovers of the Red Sky'. He's half Korean, half Canadian, and was supposed to debut with the K-pop boy group Got7, but instead, chose to pursue other projects within showbiz. This handsome face is the ambassador for K-beauty brand Innisfree.
Photo Credit: Esquire Korea
Byeon Woo-seok
This baby-faced model starred as the celebrity friend of Park Bo-gum in coming of age drama 'Record of Youth'. He has then graced the ads of local underwear brand Bench Body, showing off his perfectly chiseled abs. The 6'1 actor has surely made us fall for his baby-faced, boy-next-door strengths!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Cha Eun-woo
There's no question why Cha Eun-woo made it to our ultimate handsome list. One look at this actor slash K-pop idol's face immediately convinces you that he is one of the most stunning stars out there today. His doll-like features have become the perfect ambassador for brands like Clearteen Acne Solution, Pure Vitamin C Skincare, Estée Lauder, and locally here in the Philippines, Frontrow.
Photo Credit: @eunwo.o_c
Choi Min-ho
Another K-pop idol slash actor is Choi Min-ho, 1/5 of the Korean boy group SHINee, which debuted in 2008. The 30-year-old stunner was last seen in the K-drama 'Yumi's Cells', where his visuals were put on full display, playing the role of Kim Go-eun's first crush in the show. Whether he sports fiery red, platinum blonde, or brunette locks, we're all for it!
Photo Credit: @choiminho_1209
Choi Tae-joon
Just recently, this handsome gent has been taken off the market, having married his beau and fellow Korean drama actress Park Shin-hye last January 22, 2022. The 30-year-old stunner gained recognition in his roles in 'Exit' and the romantic comedy 'So I Married The Anti-Fan'.
Photo Credit: @actorctj
Choi Woo-shik
The unassumingly handsome Choi Woo-shik may not be your go-to K-drama oppa, but his lineup of impressive films and his recent role as Choi Woong in the romantic drama 'Our Beloved Summer' cements his status as one of our all-time favorites. Another baby-faced actor, Woo-shik draws you in with is effortless smiles.
Photo Credit: Harper's Bazaar Korea
Daniel Henney
They say the best wine is that which has already aged. Such is the case for Korean-American actor Daniel Henney. At 42 years of age, the seasoned actor continues to make hearts throb with his undeniably good genes. Apart from modeling, Henney is known for his roles in the K-drama 'My Lovely Sam Soon', as well as the movie 'My Father'. He's currently in Europe filming The Wheel of Time season 2.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Gong Yoo
For us, he's an OG oppa, stealing our hearts from the very start. His hit dramas 'Coffee Prince' and 'Guardian: the Lonely and Great God a.k.a. Goblin' are just some of the roles he's played that will remained etched in our minds forever. The now 42-year-old actor is the face of luxury beauty brand La Mer in Korea, and rightfully so, with his gets-better-with-age looks, endearing smile, and unparalleled charm continue to make us swoon.
Photo Credit: Management Soop
Hwang In-yeop
Known for his bad boy roles, Hwang In-yeop is the villain that will make you fall in love. In his role as Han Seo-joon in the drama 'True Beauty', In-yeop convinces us that he could actually be a K-pop idol in real life. His sharp features, and flawless skin landed him an endorsement with Korean skincare brand Celluver, and Filipino-owned BYS Cosmetics here in the Philippines.
Photo Credit: Key East Management
Hyun Bin
Another OG oppa, Hyun Bin continues to make hearts melt, years after his hit drama 'Crash Landing on You' with soon-to-be-wife Son Ye-jin. The 39-year-old actor and entrepreneur (he owns Vast Entertainment) has been the face of many beauty brands, including Mediheal, and most recently, Tom Ford Beauty.
Photo Credit: Vast Entertainment
Jang Ki-yong
Jang Ki-yong unsurprisingly started off as a model, and then debuted on the small screen for his role in 'It's Okay That's Love' in 2014. At 29, he's become one of the staples in K-drama, even landing the role of Yoon Jae-guk in 'Now, We Are Breaking Up', alongside K-drama superstar Song Hye-kyo. This handsome face is the current ambassador of Lancôme Korea.
Photo Credit: Marie Claire Korea
Ji Chang-wook
Ji Chang-wook is no stranger to most handsome lists, and we think you already know why. The 34-year-old heartthrob may be busy stealing our hearts in action-packed dramas like 'Healer', 'K2', or in romantic comedies like 'Lovestruck in the City', but did you know that this actor also sings? His undeniable beauty has been the face of brands like Dhele skincare, Bench Fragrances, and most recently, Heart Evangelista's new wellness and beauty brand Luxelle.
Photo Credit: Allets Korea
Jinyoung
Park Jin-young, best known mononymously as Jinyoung, is a 27-year-old member of the K-pop boy group GOT7. Apart from his dancing and singing prowess, he continues to shine on the small screen as a K-drama actor. We saw him most recently in 'Yumi's Cells', where he plays an colleague, and potential love interest for the show's leading lady. He lends his face as one of the ambassadors of Tom Ford Beauty in Korea.
Photo Credit: @jinyoung_0922jy/Noblesse
Jo In-sung
An OG oppa in his own right, 40-year-old Jo In-sung captures the hearts of the ladies effortlessly. His straight-up good looks were noticed in dramas like 'It's Okay, That's Love', and 'What Happened in Bali'.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Ju Ji-hoon
Ju Ji-hoon may not be your typical oppa or pretty boy, but boy do we appreciate a good Ju Ji-hoon visual. The 39-year-old has wowed us in his roles in shows like 'Kingdom', 'Hyena', and most recently, 'Jirisan'. His sharp, striking features makes him a shoo-in for our list.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Jung Hae-in
What can we say? We're huge fans of Jung Hae-in! The 33-year-old actor hasn't stopped making us fall for him since his roles in 'Something in the Rain', 'One Spring Night', and most recently in 'Snowdrop', and we don't think he's stopping anytime soon. The baby-faced actor may be great in romantic shows, but he's also an amazing actor for action-packed scenes. Dubbed "Korea's Milkman" for being said to have "superior genes", Hae-in has graced ads for brands like JM Solution skincare, Goutal Paris, and Dewytree. Hae-in might as well be synonymous to flawless skin!
Photo Credit: @holyhaein
Jung Woo-sung
Perhaps one of the most handsome faces in South Korean showbiz, Jung Woo-sung continues to be part of most handsome lists even as years roll by. At 48, he still makes ladies swoon with his mere presence. He's known for his roles in 'Asphalt Man', The Good, The Bad, The Weird', 'Innocent Witness', among a long list of other achievements in film and TV.
Photo Credit: Esquire Korea
Kang Ha-neul
This actor may just be 31 years old, but having already won a Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor, you know he means serious business in acting. This stunning face is the boy-next-door type with superstar charms, and continues to be on most handsome lists.
Photo Credit: elle.co.kr
Kim Jae-wook
One look at Kim Jae-wook's Instagram account and you immediately know this man is drawn to the arts. Being a model and actor himself, he is no stranger to looking good, and loving the beautiful things in life. We adore him with long hair, as it perfectly frames his chiseled facial features, making him one of our favorite Korean actor-models around.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Kim Min-jae
One of the youngest on this list is 25-year-old actor and rapper Kim Min-jae. He's one of those actors that are baby-faced yet strikingly handsome at the same time, and his 2 million Instagram followers seem to agree. Catch him make hearts flutter in dramas like 'Dr. Romantic 1 and 2', and most recently in 'Dali and the Cocky Prince'.
Photo Credit: Naver x Dispatch
Kim Seon-ho
Where are my Chief Hong fans at? Way before he made our hearts flutter in the drama 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha', he was already collecting admirers in the 2020 hit 'Start Up'. 35-year-old actor Kim Seon-ho has that je ne sais quoi, as the French say; a charm that cannot be explained. Perhaps his dimples and disarming smile play a huge role, or maybe it's his unassumingly handsome aura, but either way, we're sold.
Photo Credit: Noblesse
Kim Soo-hyun
Being South Korea's highest-paid actor, Kim Soo-hyun commands a presence that only undeniable talent and equally admirable looks can give. The 34-year-old leading man of remarkable dramas like 'My Love From The Star' and 'It's Okay To Not Be Okay' pulls you in with his enchanting eyes, and endearing smile. He lends his face to brands COSRX, one of the top K-beauty brands worldwide.
Photo Credit: Gold Medalist
Kim Woo-bin
Known for his towering height at 6'2, Kim Woo-bin sure is one of the tallest Korean actors around. He began as a runway model, and then eventually starred in dramas like 'School 2013', and 'The Heirs'. He's been long-time sweethearts with fellow actor Shin Min-ah, who recently starred in hit K-drama 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha'.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Kim Young-dae
Another young one in the list is Kim Young-dae, who also just debuted on the small screen in 2017, for his role in the web drama 'Secret Crushes: Special Edition'. He went on to gather a following through his roles in 'Extraordinary You', and most recently, in 'The Penthouse: War in Life'. He currently endorses beauty and wellness brands like Byredo fragrances, Emnu supplements, Be Ready Project cosmetics, and Clarins Men.
Photo Credit: GQ Korea
Lee Do-hyun
Considered quite the newbie in the industry, 26-year-old Lee Do-hyun just debuted in the acting industry in 2017, and has then given us great performances in dramas like 'Sweet Home', '18 Again', and 'Youth of May'. The fresh-faced actor has that high school heartthrob vibe, with a sharp jawline, disheveled hair, and a mysterious gaze.
Photo Credit: Esquire Korea
Lee Dong-wook
The multi-faceted actor Lee Dong-wook has is not an industry favorite for no reason. The actor/model/host and all-around entertainer gave us memorable performances in dramas like 'Guardian: the Lonely and Great God' as a grim reaper, and as a gumiho in 'Tale of the Nine Tailed", and has a long list of films and shows you can definitely go back to. He's the face of Boy de Chanel in South Korea, perfectly so for his undeniably handsome face, and superstar charms.
Photo Credit: Harper's Bazaar Korea
Lee Jae-wook
One of the youngest ones in the list is 23-year-old actor Lee Jae-wook, who has starred in dramas like 'Memories of the Alhambra' and 'Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol'. The 6'1 stunner is one of the faces of Lancôme in South Korea.
Photo Credit: Marie Claire Korea
Lee Jong-suk
Another OG oppa on our list has got to be Lee Jong-suk, the ever charming leading man who never fails to make the ladies swoon. His soft features and unexplainable charm, combined with stellar acting makes him one of the most sought-after K-drama personalities. Jong-suk has been the face of brands like Su:m37, Hapsode, Skin Food, and Celebeau, making him one of the actors with most beauty endorsements.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Lee Joon-gi
A face to remember—this is what you get when you look at the striking Lee Joon-gi. The 39-year-old actor/model/singer/dancer and Jiujitsu enthusiast has left us with amazing performances in dramas like 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' and 'Flower of Evil', making him one of the most versatile actors out there today.
Photo Credit: Waves Magazine
Lee Joon-hyuk
This hottie caught our eye in the recent 'Our Beloved Summer' drama, where he stars as a client of Kim Da-mi's marketing firm. At 37 years of age, Lee Joon-hyuk already has a long list of projects that has made him a star in his own right. He may be an underrated actor, but we're proof that his charms are ones you can't easily escape!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Lee Junho
Hailing from the K-pop boy group 2PM, Lee Jun-ho, better known as Junho, has made a name for himself outside of performing on stage, on the small screen via dramas like 'Good Manager', 'Rain or Shine', and most recently, 'The Red Sleeve'. This handsome face endorses brands like L'Occitane Korea, and Kiehl's.
Photo Credit: @le2jh
Lee Min-ho
Perhaps one of the Philippines' most loved Korean actors, Lee Min-ho continues to secure his spot as one of our all-time OG oppas. The statuesque actor of 'Boys Over Flowers', 'Legend of the Blue Sea', and 'The King: Eternal Monarch' fame is undeniably one of the most handsome faces of our time. His porcelain flawless skin, high-bridged nose, and perfectly structured facial features are enough to make him an automatic shoo-in for lists like this. His face is the perfect endorser for LED mask brand Cellreturn.
Photo Credit: Netflix
Nam Joo-hyuk
The 6'2 star is unsurprisingly a model before he is an actor. He started off doing runway shows, but soon after went on to star in many beloved Korean dramas like 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo' and 2020's hit 'Start Up'. As the face of Dior Beauty in Korea, Joo-hyuk continues to charm us with his endearing monolid eyes and disarming smile.
Photo Credit: Esquire Korea
Ok Taecyeon
Taecyeon, famously known as a K-pop rapper for K-pop boy band 2PM, is also a K-drama star in his own right. He knocked our socks off in his performance as Song Joong-ki's nemesis in hit drama 'Vincenzo', proving that we can fall for villains too (handsome and talented ones, for that matter).
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Park Bo-gum
No handsome list is complete without this actor in it. Park Bo-gum, the baby-faced pretty boy of South Korea constantly reminds us why he is one of the most stunning faces in hallyu show business. At 28 years of age, Bo-gum continues to prove his prowess by starring in small screen shows, and hosting huge industry events like the notable Baeksang Arts Awards. He has endorsed beauty brands like VPROVE skincare and haircare brand Llang.
Photo Credit: Singles Magazine
Park Hae-jin
Yet another oppa with striking features, Park Hae-jin has become one of our favorite Korean actors, for his roles in dramas like 'My Love From The Star' and 'Doctor Stranger', as well as 'Cheese In The Trap'. Whether he sports wavy long hair, bowl cuts, or even curly locks, we say we're fans of it all!
Photo Credit: Esquire Korea
Park Hyung-sik
Another K-pop star slash actor is Park Hyung-sik, mononymously known as Hyungsik of boy group ZE:A. At 30 years old, he has had unforgettable roles in dramas like 'Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth', and 'Strong Woman Bong-Soon'. The cute Hyungsik has also added endorser of beauty brands like Primera and Bulgari BLV to his list of projects through the years.
Photo Credit: Elle Korea
Park Seo-joon
Definitely a crowd favorite, Park Seo-joon ranks high in everyone's list of favorite Korean actors. He disarms us constantly with his charms, and his jaw-dropping good looks. Whether he's styled as a sleek chaebol or a stylish restaurateur, we've got to admit: we're all in for PSJ. His dramas like 'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?', 'She Was Pretty', and 'Itaewon Class' are just some of the memorable characters he's played through the years, making him a brand favorite for endorsements. In beauty, he has become the face of big brands like Laneige, Cellreturn, Dr. Jart+, TirTir, and most recently, Chanel Beauty.
Photo Credit: Esquire Korea
Rowoon
Rowoon, or Kim Seok-woo, gained popularity as lead vocalist of the K-pop boy group SF9. Like many of his contemporaries, Rowoon has dabbled in acting too, and has then garnered a K-drama following via shows like 'Extraordinary You', 'She Would Never Know', and 'The King's Affection'. He lends his face to hair and skincare brand SimplyO.
Photo Credit: @sf9__rowoon
Seo Kang-joon
This man's striking eyes are enough to make anyone melt. Like many K-drama actors, he is a multi-hyphenate, being a singer and member of the group 5urprise. You might have seen him in dramas like 'Cheese in the Trap', 'Entourage', and 'When the Weather is Fine'. We're big fans of his acting, but we're even bigger fans of his porcelain skin and hunky physique!
Photo Credit: Project M
So Ji-sub
Always included in most handsome lists is 44-year-old So Ji-sub, who gave us memorable performances in dramas through the years. Some of our favorites include 'What Happened in Bali', 'I'm Sorry, I Love You', and 'Oh My Venus'. Having started off as a model, So Ji-sub rose to fame because of his acting chops and irresistible bad boy looks.
Photo Credit: High Cut Korea
Song Joong-ki
Definitely one of the most beautiful men in South Korea, Song Joong-ki remains to be undefeated when it comes to charming the ladies' socks off. His flawless skin and baby-faced charms at 36 continue to make him rank high in most handsome lists, and win fans' hearts. Chinese brand Proya Cosmetics, Schwarzkopf Professional, Forencos skincare, and LG Perioe Pumping Toothpaste have had Song Joong-ki endorse their brands, given his top status in the industry. And did you know that he is also the author of a book called 'Beautiful Skin Project'?
Photo Credit: Harper's Bazaar Korea
Song Kang
This young actor has been making waves in recent years, with back-to-back dramas, cementing his status as ones to watch in South Korean showbiz. He may be baby-faced at 27, but he is able to seduce you with his charm and sexy smile. It's no wonder Song Kang has been chosen to endorse beauty brands like Benefit Cosmetics, Banila Co, and Filipino-owned brand Deoproce skincare.
Photo Credit: Singles Magazine
Song Seung-heon
A handsome oppa in his own right, 45-year-old Song Seung-heon continues to be a force to be reckoned with. He still makes us swoon with roles like that of his character in 'Dinner Mate', in which he plays a psychiatrist who agrees to be dinner mates with Seo Ji-hye, and falls in love in the process. Aging like fine wine? A definite yes!
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Sung Hoon
Like a number of guys in this list, Sung Hoon also began his career as a model. His chiseled facial features, as well as well-toned physique and height makes him a shoo-in for runway shows and print ads alike. In terms of acting, notable roles include that in 'Tales of Gisaeng', 'Oh My Venus', 'My Secret Romance', and most recently, 'Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce)'.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Wi Ha-joon
Oftentimes starring in supporting roles, Wi Ha-joon steals the scene with his effortless prowess in acting. Whenever he flashes his smile, you know you're definitely falling prey to his unassuming charm. We loved him in dramas like 'Romance is a Bonus Book', '18 Again', and 'Squid Game'. He may be known to be one of the fittest bodies in the Hallyu world, but as of late, he has also started to endorse luxury beauty brand YSL Beauty.
Photo Credit: Netflix
Woo Do-hwan
This Korean actor's skin is almost unreal. Scroll through his Instagram account @wdohwan and you'll notice that his complexion is #goals-worthy. We loved him in his supporting role in 'The King: Eternal Monarch', where he plays the faithful sidekick to Lee Min-ho, and we honestly can't wait to see him in future roles too. Do-hwan has become the endorser for skincare brand The Oozoo, a perfect fit if we may say so!
Photo Credit: Vogue Korea
Yoo Ah-in
An acting force at 35, Uhm Hong-sik, better known as Yoo Ah-in, is an actor that has proven time and time again that he means serious business. Many of his roles in dramas and films are of the challenging nature, allowing him to bag awards from some of the most prestigious award shows through the years. Yoo Ah-in's appeal is that of the mysterious kind, the one where you can't pinpoint what it is you love about him, but that you simply do. He draws you in with his gaze, and makes you fall in love with every scene. Catch him in 'Punch', 'The Throne', 'Burning', 'Alive', and most recently, 'Hellbound'.
Photo Credit: Marie Claire Korea
Yoo Seung-ho
Yoo Seung-ho started off as a child star and commercial model, and has grown through many different TV show roles through the years. This cutie is charming, whether in Joseon-era garb or otherwise, and continues to win hearts on-and-off the small screen. Check him out in 'The Emperor: Owner of the Mask', 'Memorist', and 'Moonshine'.
Photo Credit: Hancinema
Lead photos via (Cha Eun-woo) @eunwo.o_c, (Kim Seon-ho) Noblesse Korea, (Park Seo-joon) Esquire Korea, (Jung Hae-in) @holyhaein, (Song Kang) Singles Korea, and (Kim Soo-hyun) Gold Medalist Official
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