Oh my gosh, where do I even begin?! South Korea is a powerhouse when it comes to entertainment, and their movie industry is no exception. From intense dramas to hilarious comedies, South Korean movies have it all. And the actors? Don’t even get me started! These guys are not only talented, but they’re also incredibly good-looking. Here are my top 5 favorite South Korean movie actors, and let me tell you, it was a tough list to narrow down.
First up on my list is the one and only Lee Byung-hun. This man is a legend in the South Korean movie industry, and for good reason. Not only is he an incredible actor, but he’s also incredibly handsome. He is well-known not only in South Korea but internationally as well. He made his acting debut in 1991, and since then, he’s appeared in numerous films and television dramas. He’s won countless awards for his work, including Best Actor at the Asian Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and Grand Bell Awards. Some of his most notable films include “Joint Security Area,” “A Bittersweet Life,” “I Saw the Devil,” and “Inside Men.” And like I said before, he’s also made a splash in Hollywood, appearing in films like “G.I. Joe: Retaliation” and “Red 2.” He’s also been in my favorite Terminator movie, “Terminator Genisys.” I could watch him on the big screen all day, every day.
Song Kang-ho is a national treasure, as far as I’m concerned. He has been a fixture in the South Korean movie industry for over two decades. He’s known for his incredible range as an actor, and has appeared in a wide variety of genres, from dramas to comedies to horror films. Some of his most well-known films include “Memories of Murder,” “The Host,” and “Parasite.” He’s won numerous awards for his work, including Best Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Grand Bell Awards. He’s also known for his collaborations with director Bong Joon-ho, having appeared in four of his films. He always brings his A-game to every role. Plus, he’s got the kind of face that just draws you in. He’s got a bit of a dad vibe, and definitely shows off that dad bod. I love him.
Gong Yoo Oh, Gong Yoo. What can I even say about him? He’s got the kind of smile that lights up a room, and he’s a fantastic actor to boot. He began his career as a model before transitioning into acting. He made his acting debut in 2001, and quickly became known for his good looks and charisma. He’s starred in a number of popular films and television dramas, including “Silenced,” “The Age of Shadows,” and “Goblin.” He’s won numerous awards for his work, including Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards and Korean Association of Film Critics Awards. He’s probably best known for his role in “Train to Busan,” but he’s been in so many other great movies, too. I’ll watch anything he’s in, honestly.
Okay, so Park Seo-joon might be a bit of a newcomer to the South Korean movie scene, but he’s already made a huge impact. He began his career as a television actor, appearing in a number of popular dramas such as “Kill Me, Heal Me” and “She Was Pretty.” He made his film debut in 2017 with “Midnight Runners,” which was a commercial and critical success. He’s also starred in “The Divine Fury” and “Be with You.” He’s known for his ability to balance both comedic and dramatic roles, and has won numerous awards for his work, including Best Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards. My favorite role of his was his TV drama, “Itaewon Class”. He’s got a bit of a bad boy vibe, which I’m totally into.
Last but not least, we’ve got Choi Min-sik. This guy is an absolute original on screen. He’s been in some of the most notable South Korean movies of all time, like “Oldboy” and “I Saw the Devil.” Choi Min-sik is known for his intense, often gritty performances. He’s appeared in “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.” He’s won numerous awards for his work, including Best Actor at the Grand Bell Awards and Blue Dragon Film Awards. He’s known for his collaborations with director Park Chan-wook, having appeared in three of his films. He’s got the kind of intensity that just grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. Plus, he’s got a great voice. Somebody get that man a podcast A.S.A.P!
So there you have it, folks. My top 5 favorite South Korean movie actors. It was tough to narrow down the list, but I think I’ve done a pretty good job. These guys are all incredibly talented, and they’ve made some incredible movies over the years. I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next!
