All Hail to the Breakthrough Korean Actors and Actresses of 2020-2021

Jung Ho-Yeon

She may have started as a model as early as 16 years old but her very first foray into acting is through the hit Netflix series “Squid Game,” which instantly catapulted 27-year-old Jung Ho-yeon into global recognition. As Kang Sae-byeok, the actress easily won the public with her tough as nails yet sympathetic portrayal of the embattled player. With her acting debut, she became one of the most followed South Korean actresses on Instagram. She currently has 20 million followers and counting! She recently appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” with her “Squid Game” co-stars. Her collaborations with different brands, like Louis Vuitton which has chosen her as their new global ambassador, are in the spotlight too.

Photo Credit: Netflix

Jung Ho-Yeon in "Squid Game"

Photo Credit: Netflix

Jeon Mi-Do

“Hospital Playlist” is unimaginable without the presence of 39-year-old actress Jeon Mi-do as the charming doctor Chae Song-hwa. She kicked off her acting career in 2006 in the musical "Mr. Mouse" and has established a name for herself as a multi-awarded theater actress. She has also appeared in minor roles on the 2018 drama "Mother" and on the horror film "Metamorphosis." But her first lead role on TV via the medical drama "Hospital Playlist" not only led to a star-making turn but also earned her a nomination for Best New Actress in the television category at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards. She is set to work on the upcoming JTBC drama "39" with Son Ye-jin and Kim Ji-hyun.

Photo Credit: Bistus Entertainment

Jeon Mi-Do in "Hospital Playlist"

Photo Credit: tvN

Choi Ye-Bin

K-drama “The Penthouse: War in Life” played a huge role in Choi Ye-bin’s career as this is considered her golden debut. In her first-ever K-drama, Choi Ye-bin played the role of Ha Eun-byeol, the soprano student who is bitterly compared to her rival Bae Ro-na (Kim Hyun-soo). Her vast improvement in her portrayal of a daughter struggling to meet her mother’s high expectations and her villainous turn in the drama garnered her a large number of following. After the drama, she went on to be a part of the SBS food-centric show “Delicious Rendezvous” which introduces regional ingredients from Korea through innovative recipes.

Photo Credit: Singles magazine

Choi Ye-Bin in "The Penthouse: War in Life"

Photo Credit: SBS

Jeon Yeo-Been

What is “Vincenzo” without the memorable role of Jeon Yeo-been as feisty lawyer Hong Cha-young? It definitely wouldn’t be the same! The actress made her debut in 2015 in a period film. She appeared in a minor role in drama “Save Me” and starred in series “Be Melodramatic.” But it was her work on the 2021 tvN/Netflix dark comedy drama “Vincenzo” that truly shone a spotlight on her. While she’s riding out her newfound fame, her 2020 film “Night in Paradise” also gained attention from fans as they revisited her filmography. The film showcased the actress’ versatility and how she can take on a darker role. What’s next for her is the upcoming Netflix series “Glitch” as Hong Ji-hyo who conducts searches for her boyfriend who mysteriously disappeared.

Photo Credit: Marie Claire

Jeon Yeo-Been in "Vincenzo"

Photo Credit: tvN/Netflix

Song Kang

Affectionately nicknamed by fans as “The Prince of Netflix” because of his several projects in the OTT platform, Song Kang debuted in 2017 with a supporting role on the drama “The Liar and His Lover.” But more fans became familiar with him via his lead role in the 2019 Netflix original “Love Alarm” that returned for a second season this year. But his career took off last year when he starred in the hit horror Netflix series “Sweet Home.” It landed him a nomination for Best New Actor (TV) at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards. He then followed it up with drama “Navillera” where he portrayed a struggling ballet student and the JTBC/Netflix romance series “Nevertheless” starring opposite Han So-hee. There is no rest for Song Kang just yet as the 27-year-old is confirmed to work on a new drama called “People at Meteorological Service” with Park Min-young.

Photo Credit: @songkang_b

Song Kang in "Navillera"

Photo Credit: tvN

Kim Da-Mi

The 26-year-old actress may have debuted and starred in movie projects but in 2020, she made quite a splash with her television debut via the hit drama “Itaewon Class” opposite Park Seo-joon. Her flawless presence as Jo Yi-seo scored her a number of fans and even won her a Baeksang Arts Award for Best New Actress (TV) last year for her excellent performance. Following her TV success, she is currently working on the SBS drama “Our Beloved Summer” with “Parasite” actor Choi Woo-shik, Kim Sung-cheol and Roh Jeong-eui. She is also set to film a sequel to her hit movie “The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion.”

Photo Credit: W magazine

Kim Da-Mi in "Itaewon Class"

Photo Credit: JTBC

Hwang In-Yeop

K-drama “True Beauty” second lead Hwang In-youp may not have won the female lead on the show but he scored legions of fans through this 2020 coming-of-age drama. He started as a model in 2017 and has appeared in notable dramas such as “The Tale of Nokdu” and “18 Again.” However, his role as Han Seo-jun on “True Beauty” led to a massive breakthrough in his career as viewers took delight in his portrayal of a seemingly bad boy with a soft heart. It helped that his good looks and comedic timing mesh well with co-stars Moon Ga-young and Cha Eun-woo, too. Following the success of “True Beauty,” this 30-year-old scored endorsement deals (the latest of which is with beauty brand BYS) and is now one of the most followed Korean actors on Instagram with almost 11 million followers. His next project will be the Netflix drama “The Sound of Magic” with Ji Chang-wook and Choi Sung-eun as his co-stars.

Photo Credit: @hi_high_hiy

Hwang In-Yeop in "True Beauty"

Photo Credit: tvN

Han So-Hee

The most hated mistress of 2020, thanks to the hit drama “The World of the Married,” became a screen darling with her classic beauty and excellent acting skills. Han So-hee turned heads with her notable portrayal of Yeo Da-kyung in the said series, which is currently the highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history. She won several awards for the show including Rookie of the Year at the Asia Artist Awards, Best Actress of the Year-Rising Star at the Brand of the Year Awards and Best Supporting Actress at the Hallyu Drama Grand Prix. Soon, more offers for endorsements (the latest of which is with beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury) and acting projects poured in for the actress-model. This year, the 26-year-old actress starred as the female lead of the buzzworthy JTBC drama “Nevertheless,” and will headline Netflix action drama “My Name” that will be released on October 15.

Photo Credit: Charlotte Tilbury

Han So-Hee in "My Name"

Photo Credit: Netflix

Ahn Bo-Hyun

He made his acting debut in 2014 and even became a part of the Hallyu hit drama “Descendants of the Sun.” Fans became even more familiar with Ahn Bo-hyun as the guy best friend of Park Min-young in K-ddrama “Her Private Life,” but his villainous role in “Itaewon Class” became a turning point in his career. As Jang Geun-won, the antagonist to Park Seo-joon’s Park Sae-royi and the resident bully of the drama, the actor’s chilling performance inspired deep disdain among the viewers. His next project, sci-fi thriller “Kairos,” also impressed the fans. The 33-year-old actor and vlogger is currently booked and busy as he takes on the lead role in romantic drama “Yumi’s Cells,” opposite Kim Go-eun, and another main role in the Netflix action series “My Name” starring Han So-hee.

Photo Credit: @bohyunahn

Ahn Bo-Hyun in "Yumi's Cells"

Photo Credit: TVING

Wi Ha-Joon

This 30-year-old actor has graced some well-loved K-dramas like “Something in the Rain,” “Romance Is a Bonus Book” and “18 Again” via supporting roles; the first two even earned him Best New Actor nominations. But he recently rose to global fame with Netflix’s runaway hit series “Squid Game.” His role as Hwang Jun-ho, a cop in search of truth and his lost brother, captivated the viewers’ attention so much that he’s now one of the most followed Korean actors on Instagram with over 8 million followers (and counting). He debuted in a short film back in 2012, so his newfound success and prominence was a sweet testament to the actor’s hard work and perseverance. Fans will be thrilled to see him in a starring role alongside Lee Dong-wook in the upcoming tvN/iQiyi action drama “Bad and Crazy” slated to air this December.

Photo Credit: Men's Health magazine

Wi Ha-Joon in "Squid Game"

Photo Credit: Netflix

Lee Do-Hyun

He may have debuted in 2017 with the series “Prison Playbook” but 26-year-old Lee Do-hyun is the type of actor who maximizes opportunities that come his way. He was the scene stealer in 2019’s “Hotel Del Luna” but the year 2020 enabled the actor to prove his mettle as a lead star with the success of K-dramas “18 Again” and “Sweet Home.” He scored several awards including Best New Actor (TV) at the Baeksang Arts Awards, APAN Star Awards, and Korea First Brand Awards for his excellent portrayal of an older man stuck in a young man’s body for “18 Again.” He followed it up with another lead role in 2021 through the KBS melodrama “Youth of May” and in the upcoming tvN drama “Melancholia” with top actress Im Soo-jung. The actor is also rumored to star opposite Hallyu actress Song Hye-kyo in upcoming suspense drama “The Glory.”

Photo Credit: @ldh_leedohyun

Lee Do-Hyun in "18 Again"

Photo Credit: JTBC

Oh Jung-Se

This 44-year-old veteran actor is on a roll. Oh Jung-se made his acting debut in 1997 and continued to appear in several notable films and dramas through supporting and minor roles. His contemporary projects include well-loved hits such as “Touch Your Heart,” “When the Camellia Blooms” and “Hot Stove League.” However, 2020 became a banner year for Oh Jung-se when he starred in the healing drama “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” with Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji. His emotional and heartwarming portrayal of Moon Sang-tae, Soo-hyun’s Moon Gang-tae’s older brother with autism, left such an impression on audiences that he won Best Supporting Actor awards at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards and at the 7th APAN Star Awards. The once-in-a-lifetime role cemented his reputation as an excellent and reliable actor in the K-industry. He will star in another high-profile project, the tvN/iQiyi drama “Jirisan” with A-listers Jun Ji-hyun, Ju Ji-hoon, Sung Dong-il, and Cho Han-cheul.

Photo Credit: Prain TPC

Oh Jung-Se in "It's Okay to Not be Okay"

Photo Credit: tvN

Chae Jong-Hyeop

Nice guys finish last? Not for this 28-year-old “Nevertheless” second male lead. Chae Jong-hyeop debuted in 2019 and has appeared in dramas “Hot Stove League” and “Come and Hug Me.” He kicked off 2021 with “Sisyphus: The Myth” alongside Hallyu star Park Shin-hye and immediately followed it up with the trending series “Nevertheless” that concluded recently. The Netflix series gained attention from international fans who took note of Chae Jong-hyeop’s good guy role, opposite the characters of Song Kang and Han So-hee. As the newest addition to the “second lead syndrome” phenomenon, Chae Jong-hyeop gained sympathy and adoration with his role as the childhood friend with an unrequited love for Han So-hee’s character Nabi. He simultaneously promoted the TVING drama “The Witch’s Diner” where he starred with top actresses Song Ji-hyo and Nam Ji-hyun.

Photo Credit: @chaejh_

Chae Jong-Hyeop in "Nevertheless"

Photo Credit: JTBC

Tang Joon-Sang

Our favorite “Crash Landing On You” North Korean squad maknae was played by none other than 18-year-old Tang Joon-sang. He won the hearts of the viewers with his character Geum Eun-dong, one of Captain Ri’s reliable soldiers. Following the phenomenal success of “Crash Landing on You,” the Korean-Malaysian actor soon appeared in a lead role for the Netflix original “Move to Heaven” and in the SBS drama “Racket Boys.” Tang Joon-sang is on a roll as both projects were also critically-acclaimed. He was nominated at the 2021 Asian Contents Awards in the Newcomer Actor category for his role in “Move to Heaven” as a young man with Asperger’s syndrome.

Photo Credit: W magazine

Tang Joon-Sang in "Move to Heaven"

Photo Credit: Netflix

Kim Seon-Ho

It took a while before Kim Seon-ho hit the level of success he’s enjoying right now but it was certainly worth the wait. He began his vibrant career as a theater actor before landing a small screen debut in 2017 with “Good Manager.” He appeared in several dramas both in supporting and lead roles but it wasn’t until “Start-Up” that the world really took notice of him. His portrayal of the character Han Ji-pyeong, the resident “good boy” and the self-made venture capitalist with a tragic past, was heartfelt and memorable. He was so well-loved in it that he even topped the monthly brand reputation ranking index overtaking the leads of the drama. He won the Most Popular Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards this year. His star value was kept steady by being a regular cast member of the popular variety show “2 Days & 1 Night.” Now, his A-list status is cemented by the hit drama “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” wherein he stars alongside Hallyu star Shin Min-ah. Following his K-drama success, the 35-year-old actor will soon make his film debut reportedly with three upcoming movies in the works.

Photo Credit: W magazine

Kim Seon-Ho in "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Photo Credit: tvN

Seo Ye-Ji

2020 was a banner year for 31-year-old Seo Ye-Ji as she rose to fame with her flawless portrayal of a bestselling children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder in the healing drama “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.” It was a patient wait for the actress who debuted in 2013 and found her rising popularity with this drama with Kim Soo-hyun. She won the Excellence Award (Actress) at APAN Star Awards, Best Artist Award at Asia Artist Awards, Most Popular Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards for “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” but her winning year was marred by a scandal involving her ex-boyfriend Kim Jung-hyun. Despite the scandal she figured in this year, her mystery-thriller film “Recalled” topped the local box office. While she’s currently on a hiatus, she is said to be considering the tvN drama “Eve’s Scandal” as her comeback project.

Photo Credit: Gold Medalist

Seo Ye-Ji in "It's Okay to Not be Okay"

Photo Credit: tvN/Netflix

Seo Ji-Hye

The classic beauty who first gained worldwide attention with the 2020 megahit drama “Crash Landing On You” actually debuted in 2003. It took a long time before her star-making turn as North Korean beauty Seo Dan, the fiancée of Captain Ri (Hyun Bin), that led her to capturing the attention of viewers. The 37-year-old was nominated for Best Supporting Actress (TV) at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 7th APAN Star Awards for her role in CLOY. After the success of the drama, Seo Ji-hye was paired with A-list actor Song Seung-heon in the MBC/iQiyi drama “Dinnermate.” She is currently working on Apple TV’s first Korean series “Dr. Brain” with “Parasite” actor Lee Sun-kyun.

Photo Credit: @jihye8024

Seo Ji-Hye in "Crash Landing on You"

Photo Credit: tvN

Kim Jung-Hyun

The 31-year-old actor may have been a familiar face, owing to the successes of “School 2017” and “Welcome to Waikiki.” But it wasn’t until “Crash Landing on You” that industry observers took a real good look at what Kim Jung-hyun can offer. His role as Goo Seung-joon who sacrificed his life to save Seo Dan (Seo Ji-hye) touched the hearts of viewers with his character name even trending number one on Korea’s real-time search rankings. His popularity paved the way for another hit sageuk comedy series “Mr. Queen,” which he starred in alongside Shin Hye-sun. If CLOY was the third highest-rated Korean drama in cable TV history, “Mr. Queen” became the fifth highest rated tvN drama on record. Sadly, he was embroiled in a scandal involving his ex-girlfriend Seo Ye-ji that led to a hiatus. He recently resurfaced on Instagram, offering an apology and opening up about his reflections that signal his intent to make a comeback.

Photo Credit: Arena

Kim Jung-Hyun in "Mr. Queen"

Photo Credit: tvN