We’re back with a new edition of Soompi & Viki Staff Talk! This time, our staff members share some of our favorite models-turned actors.
Read about our picks below:
Jinny: Lee Sung Kyung
My favorite model-turned-actor is Lee Sung Kyung, who has showcased her incredible versatility and talent through various roles in K-dramas. From the determined and bubbly weightlifter Kim Bok Joo in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” to the skilled and competitive doctor Jin Seo Woo in “Doctors,” her performances have captivated audiences. Her ability to embody diverse characters, whether it’s the quirky Oh So Nyeo in “Cheese in the Trap,” the confident surgeon Cha Eun Jae in “Dr. Romantic 2,” or the publicist Oh Han Byul in “Sh**ting Stars,” highlights her range as an actress. Lee Sung Kyung’s seamless transition from modeling to acting has made her an actress that I can always look forward to as a K-drama fan!
Watch “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo” below:
JJin: Ahn Bo Hyun
My favorite would have to be Ahn Bo Hyun, now better known as an actor. I first saw him in “Military Prosecutor Doberman,” where he excelled as a military prosecutor uncovering corruption. His intense and versatile acting impressed me, especially seeing how he balanced toughness with warmth. He then surprised me in “Yumi’s Cells” with a completely different, romantic role. I admire how he can transform into a completely different person with each drama, and I’m eager to see his diverse acting play out in future roles.
Watch “Yumi’s Cells” below:
Sala: Hwang In Youp
After causing second lead syndrome with “True Beauty,” Hwang In Youp would have to be my pick for favorite model-turned-actor because of his versatility on the screen. Not only did he captivate hearts with his cool “bad boy” portrayal of Han Seo Jun in “True Beauty,” but he also wormed his way into viewers’ hearts with his character’s heartwarming nature as well as his unexpected comical side. Hwang In Youp continued to take on more leading roles through “Why Her?” and “The Sound of Magic,” so I’m looking forward to his upcoming transformation in “Family by Choice”!
Watch “True Beauty” below:
Somni: Byeon Woo Seok
My favorite model-turned-actor is Byeon Woo Seok! While actively working as a model, Byeon Woo Seok started his acting career in 2016 and appeared in a number of projects playing minor roles. Byeon Woo Seok came to my attention for the first time in “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency,” then he really unlocked his potential and stole my heart through the recent drama “Lovely Runner.” In the drama, Byeon Woo Seok perfectly portrayed the top star Ryu Sun Jae. On top of the shocking plot twists, Byeon Woo Seok’s great acting skills got me deeply immersed in the narrative between Ryu Sun Jae and Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon). It’s impossible not to fall in love with Byeon Woo Seok from watching “Lovely Runner”!
Watch “Lovely Runner” below:
Yeon: Gong Hyo Jin
Many K-drama fans may not be aware, but Gong Hyo Jin actually was a model for over a year before beginning her acting career! As a longtime K-drama fan, it’s impossible to not love Gong Hyo Jin, who is known for one of the best filmographies in the industry. She has played the lead role in 13 dramas, and all 13 of them exceeded nationwide ratings of 10 percent with eight of them even exceeding 20 percent! With hits including “Master’s Sun,” “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” “Don’t Dare to Dream,” and more, she is a model-turned-actress who is a true certified hitmaker.
Watch “Master’s Sun” below:
Natalie: Lee Jong Won
Lee Jong Won is hands-down my favorite model-turned-actor. He has been gradually building his acting career with dramas such as “Knight Flower” and most recently “Bad Memory Eraser.” He stands out among the rising K-Drama actors because he has a very wide acting range and can portray wildly different characters so well and convincingly. For instance, his character Lee Shin in “Bad Memory Eraser” is a dashingly handsome tennis player, which is far from his previous character in “Knight Flower” who is a gentle and humble knight. I am so excited to watch his acting career unfold and look forward to watching him in other K-dramas and maybe even films, as well.
Watch “Bad Memory Eraser” below: