A List Of Korean Actors And Actresses Who Are Fluent In English
They're so impressive when they showcase their English skills whether in films, dramas, or interviews
It's always heart-fluttering when we hear our Korean celebrity faves speak in the language we can understand. Whenever there are fanmeet events in the Philippines, for instance, it's always a staple for them to be requested to say "Mabuhay" or "Mahal ko kayo." And every time they do, they always leave the fans overflowing with kilig.
Since most Filipinos are fluent in English, it's also quite delightful when, all of a sudden, these Korean actors and actresses would deliver lines (or even just a few words) in that language. Recently, in the K-drama Vincenzo, some English lines were integrated in the script of Ok Taceyeon and, in fact, he's really fluent in English.
Check out other Korean actors and actresses who are fluent in English in the gallery below:
Korean Actors & Actresses Who Are Fluent In English
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Rain
A handful of celebrities learned English to cross over to Hollywood, and Rain is one of them. It was in 2008 when he first starred in an English-language film, “Speed Racer.” A year later, he starred in the Hollywood neo-noir martials arts film “Ninja Assassin,” and even did a round of press interviews in English to promote the film. Rain also joined the cast of the American action thriller film “The Prince” alongside Bruce Willis, Jason Patric, and John Cusack.
Photo Credit: @rain_oppa
Kang So-Ra
In the K-drama “Misaeng,” Kang So-ra showcased her fluency in English. In an interview, she revealed, “I liked English as a hobby ever since I was young.” Growing up, she was exposed to a lot of Disney animated videos that didn’t have subtitles, so that got her interested in studying English.
Photo Credit: @kangsoramy
Ok Taecyeon
Ok Taecyeon was born in Seoul, South Korea, but their family moved to Massachusetts when he was 10. They lived there for seven years until he returned to South Korea to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. His skills in speaking in English were seen in some scenes of the recently-concluded series “Vincenzo.” He can also speak Japanese.
Photo Credit: @51k_official
Shin Se-Kyung
In her recent K-drama “Run On,” her character is an English subtitle translator, and she had English speaking lines in it. It was perfect for her, because Shin Se-kyung can actually converse well in English. She even wrote an English poem back when she was in grade 8. She first wowed with her fluency in this language back in 2019 via the reality show “Pocha Beyond Borders.”
Photo Credit: @sjkuksee
Kim Ji-Seok
Kim Ji-seok studied in England for middle school and high school, which explains why he has come to be fluent in English. He also majored in German at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and even received a secondary teaching certificate in German and English.
Photo Credit: @kimjiseok16
Lee Ji-Ah
In her recent K-drama “The Penthouse: War in Life,” Lee Ji-ah had some English speaking lines, and she sure is fluent in the language. That is because their family moved to the US, where she lived for 10 years. She’s also said to have studied at the Pasadena Art Center College of Design in California.
Photo Credit: @e.jiah
Jung Ryeo-Won
Jung Ryeo-won was born in Seoul, South Korea but their family emigrated to Brisbane, Australia when she was about 11. Because she studied there, it was inevitable for her to adopt the language. She graduated from Griffith University with an international business degree. She returned to South Korea as an exchange student, and that’s when she was discovered and launched as a member of K-Pop girl group Chakra shortly after.
Photo Credit: @yoanaloves
Park Bo-Gum
When Park Bo-gum went to Manila for a fanmeet event in 2019, he surprised the members of the press when he answered the questions in English. Apparently, he’s really fluent in this language. In an interview for Singapore’s U Weekly, he did express his intention to cross over to Hollywood one day, so he really studied English. When that Hollywood break comes, at least, he’s already prepared.
Photo Credit: @parkb0gum
Han Ye-Seul
Han Ye-seul was actually born and raised in Los Angeles, California which is why her first language is really English. Her real name is Leslie Kim. When she went to South Korea and pursued a career as an actress, she renounced her US citizenship and became a naturalized South Korean citizen.
Photo Credit: @han_ye_seul
Ahn Hyo-Seop
Ahn Hyo-seop was born in Seoul, South Korea, but his family emigrated to Toronto, Canada when he was seven. He lived there for 10 years until he returned to South Korea by himself and was given an opportunity to train with JYP Entertainment. In his K-drama “Abyss,” he was seen speaking in English. His English name is Paul Ahn.
Photo Credit: @imhyoseop
Park Min-Young
Park Min-young impressed in several interviews, when she spoke in English. She was born in Seoul, South Korea, and she graduated with a degree in theater from Dongguk University. But actually, when she was in high school, she was an exchange student abroad so it was only natural for her to learn the language. Her English name is Rachel, which explains her Instagram handle, @rachel_mypark.
Photo Credit: @rachel_mypark
Lee Byung-Hun
Lee Byung-hun is known for Hollywood films like “G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra,” “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “RED 2,” and “Terminator Genisys.” Because of these projects, he had to learn English. In a 2012 interview, he said, “Speaking English and acting in English are two very different tasks. Acting in English is very difficult. Because I need to act in a different language, I need to practice hard enough so that if I suddenly wake up after a nap, I can still say my lines.”
Photo Credit: @byunghun0712
Bae Doona
Bae Doona is one of the most popular Korean actresses who’s also known to have successfully penetrated the Hollywood scene. This opportunity to be cast in American films prompted her to really improve on her English skills. According to a report by The Korea Herald, she went to the UK to better familiarize herself with the language. Since making her Hollywood debut via the movie “Cloud Atlas” in 2012, she has also appeared in the film “Jupiter Ascending” and the series “Sense8.”
Photo Credit: @doonabae
Sung Joon
In his various films and TV series, Sung Joon was seen displaying his skills in speaking English. It’s not known how he became fluent in the language, but all we know is that he is and he’s done a pretty amazing job with his English speaking lines. He enlisted for mandatory military service in December 2018, and updated his Instagram followers that he got discharged in July 2020.
Photo Credit: @thuggyduck
Jang Keun-Seuk
Born in Danyang County, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea, Jang Keun-suk went to New Zealand for junior high school, and that’s where he learned how to speak in English. An acting opportunity via the MBC sitcom “Nonstop 4” was what prompted him to return to South Korea. In the thriller film “The Case of Itaewon Homicide,” he took on the role of a villain and delivered his lines in English throughout the film. He is also fluent in Japanese.
Photo Credit: @_asia_prince_jks
Kang Dong-Won
Kang Dong-won is pretty new in this list, as it was just last year when he was confirmed to make his Hollywood debut as a surfer via the upcoming movie “Tsunami LA.” Aside from training himself in speaking and acting in English, he’s also learning how to surf.
Photo Credit: CJ E&M
Lead photos from @parkb0gum, @rachel_mypark and Rado
