With 2024 marking Lee Jun-young’s tenth year working in the entertainment industry, it seems fitting to take a look back on his journey which has been filled with many highlights. From debuting in a K-pop group at the age of 17 to now bringing various characters to life as an actor at the age of 27, Lee Jun-young has never let his passions fade. For the seventh installment of ACT!ON’s From Stage to Screen series, we introduce Lee Jun-young, an idol-turned-actor who continues to show exponential growth.  

Debut in UKISS 

In 2008, the six-member South Korean boy band U-KISS debuted. The name U-KISS stands for “Ubiquitous Korean International Idol Super Star.” The group promoted both in South Korea and Japan. Over the course of many years, the group saw various line-up changes and currently has five members. 

Jun-young, or Jun, was first introduced as a new member of U-KISS on May 15, 2014. He made his debut on June 2, 2014, during the release of their 9th EP, Mono Scandal. The music video for their title track song ‘Quit Playing (​​끼부리지마)’ was rated 19+ and the “inappropriate” choreography was temporarily banned from broadcast until revisions were made. After over seven years with the group, Jun-young left U-KISS and NH Media in August 2021 after his contract expired. In November 2021, it was announced that he had co-founded a new agency, J-flex, to manage his acting projects. In 2023, J-flex merged with Blade Entertainment. 

Acting Debut and Participation in The UNIT

In October 2017, Jun-young’s debut drama Avengers Social Club aired on TVN. The series featured three women and one man who came together to enact revenge on people who harmed them. He played Lee Soo-gyum, who sought revenge on his biological parents who neglected him. 

Representing U-KISS, in 2017 Jun-young joined The Unit, a survival reality show. The show aimed to give already debuted idols a chance to show their true talents. At the end of the show, the finalists formed two project groups. The male project group was named UNB, and the female project group was named UNI.T. 

During the initial evaluations, Jun-young was the first contestant to receive a “Super Boot.” Idols who auditioned for the program received a “Super Boot” when 90% of the audience voted for them. If they received a “Super Boot” they  immediately passed to join the show. During the first evaluation, the judges asked him why he decided to join the show even though U-KISS was relatively popular. He explained that even though he joined late he wanted to help by bringing positive light back to the group. 

Throughout the program, he remained in the top nine ranks. He was constantly competing with Bigflo’s Euijin for the number one spot. At the final, he placed first and secured his spot in UNB with a total of 165,302 points. UNB made their debut on April 7, 2018, with their EP Boyhood. The group held their debut stage at Yoo Hee-Yeol’s Sketchbook performing double title tracks “Feeling” and “Only One.” 

Solo Activities and Continued Acting Endeavors 

After UNB disbanded, Jun-young leveraged his popularity in Japan and released his first solo, “Phenomenal World.” The solo song earned the seventh spot on the list of best-selling Japanese singles by a Korean artist in the first half of 2019. 

The second half of 2019 was busy for Jun-young, as he starred in the OCN drama Class of Lies, and released several more solo songs in Japan and Korea. The series followed Kim Moo-Hyeok (Yun Kyung-Sang), a lawyer who goes undercover at a high school to uncover the truth of a murder case. Jun-young, a member of the supporting cast, played Yoo Beom-Jin, the President of the Veritas Club. His character uses the club as a front to fake awards on student records and help members get into elite universities. 

After Class of Lies finished airing, Jun-young released a Japanese and Korean version of his single “My Way.” He released his first Korean single “Tell” on November 28 and on December 5 he made his Korean solo debut with “Curious About U”. His first single album Gallery featured both songs. 

Later during the remainder of 2019 and leading into 2020, Jun-young featured in the action comedy Good Casting and made a cameo in Backstreet Rookie. 

First Leading Role of Many

Jun-young landed his first lead role in 2020 with the romantic comedy Please Don’t Date Him. The drama stars Song Ha-Yoon, as Seo Ji-Sung, an AI software developer who accidentally creates an AI fridge that can detect bad men. Jun-young plays Jung Kook-hee, a firefighter with no social media presence, providing no data the refrigerator can use to analyze him. Along with playing the leading man, he lent his voice for the original soundtrack “To you who will be tired.” 

In 2021, he continued landing lead roles in dramas like Imitation and Let Me Be Your Knight. On March 20, 2021, Netflix announced the release of a “different romance film”, Moral Sense, and confirmed the casting of Seohyun of Girls’ Generation and Lee Jun-young. Moral Sense, internationally known as Love and Leashes, follows two office workers who begin a secret BDSM relationship. Jun-young played Jung Ji-Hoo, a seemingly normal office worker with a secret. 

Love and Leashes was not Jun-young’s first appearance on Netflix. He played a recurring role in the military action series D.P. Jun-young rounded out 2022 with a leading role in the series May I Help You? with leading actress Lee Hye-ri. Jun-young played Kim Tae-Hee, who runs errands for 100 won (about 10 cents). He teams up with funeral director Baek Dong-ju (Lee Hye-ri) to help grant final wishes for the deceased.  

Current and Upcoming Projects

In 2023, Jun-young made an appearance in the Netflix series Mask Girl and starred in Brave Citizen alongside veteran actress Shin Hye-sun. With four projects and counting, his acting line-up for 2024 is extensive.

On January 26th, Badland Hunters, his first project of the year, was released. The dystopian action Netflix film starred veteran actors Ma Dong-seok and Lee Hee-joon. The film is a sequel to Concrete Utopia and takes place in a post-apocalyptic Seoul, referred to as the “badlands.” 

Lee plays Choi Ji-wan, the right-hand man to Nam-san (Ma Dong-seok). Nam-san and Ji-wan are skilled hunters who team up with special forces agent Lee Eun-ho (Ahn Ji-hye) to rescue Han Sun-na (Roh Jeong-eui) from the clutches of the twisted doctor, Yang Gi-su (Lee Hee-Joon). Badland Hunters was an immediate global hit, racking up 14.3 million views in two days and placing first on the Global Top 10 weekly list of the most watched Netflix TV films (Non-English). 

A few days after the premiere of Badland Hunters, the first trailer for his second project of 2024, The Impossible Heir, released. The upcoming South Korean television series is scheduled to release on Disney+ on February 28, 2024. Alongside Jun-young, the main cast features Lee Jae-wook and Hong Su-zu. Lee Jun-young plays Kang In-ha, an illegitimate child of a conglomerate owner. He teams up with Han Tae-oh (Lee Jae-wook) and Na Hye-won (Hong Su-zu) to take down the company from the inside and rise to the top of society. 

His other upcoming projects for the year include, I Openly Dream of Cinderella, starring Pyo Ye-Jin, and When Life Gives You Tangerines, starring Lee Ji-eun (IU) and Park Bo-gum. Other future projects to look forward to are Weak Hero Class 2 and Melo Movie. 

Seven years ago Lee Jun-young decided to take a leap of faith and begin his acting journey. Each year he has challenged himself with a variety of roles and has gained recognition for his astounding portrayals of a variety of characters. Having shown immense growth in a short period, there is no doubt that Lee will continue to be a rising star! Be sure to follow Lee Jun-young on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with his future projects!

Want more insight into amazing actors in the Asian diaspora? Check out this piece about Taiwanese American actress Ashley Liao here!

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Junho, best known as K-pop boy group 2PM’s main vocalist, has been the talk of the town due to his recent accolades. From being nicknamed “Little Rain” in his pre-debut days to receiving the Best Actor award for his most recent performance in The Red Sleeve, Junho’s perseverance is reflected in the challenges he’s taken on–especially when it comes to acting. For the sixth installment of ACT!ON’s Stage to Screen series, EnVi follows Junho’s journey from a veteran idol to a stellar actor.

The Start of It All

Born in Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, Lee Junho was stardom-ready since his teens. 16-year-old Junho caught the public’s attention in 2006 when he won the SBS survival show Superstar Survival. Placing first out of the 6,500 participants, he secured a trainee contract with JYP Entertainment. In 2008, Junho then appeared in Mnet’s Hot Blood Men, a documentary following 13 trainees as they prepared to debut as K-pop boy group One Day–which then split into two: 2AM and 2PM.

10 out of 10 with 2PM

2PM officially debuted, six months after Hot Blood Men, with their first single “10 out of 10” and EP Hottest Time of Day. The group’s popularity skyrocketed with their second EP 2:00PM Time For Change. 2PM proceeded to put out EPs and studio albums, becoming a sensation in the K-pop industry. Junho proceeded to sweep hearts with his beautiful vocals, dance, and songwriting skills–he is credited with 110 songs by the Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA).

In 2011, 2PM released their first Japanese studio album Republic of 2PM. The group continued releasing Japanese albums such as Legend of 2PM. After a series of South Korean concerts in early 2017, 2PM went on hiatus as the members started enlisting for their mandatory military service. The hiatus finally came to an end in 2021 with their long-awaited comeback “Make it,” the title track of their 7th album MUST.

Riding Solo

In 2013, Junho debuted as a soloist with the self-produced, composed, and written Japanese mini-album Kimi no Koe. The solo mini-album was an instant success, debuting third on Oricon’s daily chart. The well-charting album led up to his first solo tour, Junho 1st Solo Tour Kimi no Koe. After a few more Japanese releases as well as his 2nd Japanese tour, he released his first Korean album One, which contained 11 tracks–Korean versions of his self-composed Japanese tracks. However, his official Korean debut as a soloist was in 2017 with the mini-album Canvas.

Venturing Into the World of Acting

A shoulder injury and surgery did not stop Junho from creating opportunities for himself. Instead of dwelling on the situation, he took the chance to attend a film audition right after his discharge from the hospital. And, so began his journey in the acting world.

Junho’s acting debut was on the big screen, in 2013, with Cold Eyes. The action-thriller follows a team of detectives that form a police department’s special crime unit. The film carries viewers through the intense battle of wits between the special unit and a gang of robbers. Junho plays the role of Squirrel, a young and ambitious detective. His debut film, with co-stars Sol Kyung Gu, Han Hyo Joo, and Jung Woo Sung, garnered 5.5M cinema admissions during its run. Cold Eyes was also invited to the annual Toronto International Film Festival in 2013.

Junho’s performance in his debut role was what landed him his next gig in 2015. At the recommendation of Jeon Do Yeon, Junho was cast as Yool in Memories of the Sword, a martial arts historical film. Starring Lee Byung Hun, Jeon Do Yeon, and Kim Go Eun, the film follows Seol Hee, a young girl played by Kim Go Eun, who sought revenge for the death of her parents. Junho plays the love interest of Seol Hee. In the same year, he also starred in a coming-of-age film Twenty. Acting the role of an aspiring comic artist, alongside co-stars Kim Woo Bin, Kang Ha Neul, Jung So Min, and Lee Yu Bi.

Building His Repertoire With a Variety of Roles

After experiencing the big screen, Junho then delved into the small screen, building experience from a variety of different roles in both film and television.

After Junho’s role in Twenty, he takes on the challenge of playing a junior associate in a law firm in 2016’s Memory–his first television experience. In the 2017 office comedy drama Good Manager, Junho got recognition for his role as the villainous prosecutor-turned-finance director with the Excellence Award at the 31st KBS Drama Awards. Junho then landed his first lead role, in the same year, with the romantic melodrama Just Between Lovers. He portrayed an emotionally scarred, catastrophe survivor Lee Kang Do who bonds with Ha Moon Soo (Won Jin Ah) over their connected traumas and finds solace in each other. Junho is also seen adorning a chef hat in the 2018 rom-com K-drama Wok of Love. His character, Seo Poong–a talented chef, finds himself cooking at a run-down Chinese restaurant due to unforeseen circumstances. 

2019 was a busy year for the idol-actor, starting off by acting in his first Japanese film, Rose and Tulip. Junho portrayed a double role with both Nero, a famous artist, and Dae Won, a naive student with boyish charms. The characters agree to switch places upon meeting each other. Soon after the Japanese film, Junho tackles law again with 2019’s courtroom thriller Confession. He plays the role of a young attorney whose sole goal is fighting to clear his father’s name. For his last role of the year, he takes on the challenge of portraying a very distinct character. Comedy meets history in the romantic film Gibang Bachelor, also known as Homme Fatale. Junho takes on the role of Heo Saek, the first male gisaeng or courtesan in Joseon.

Back on the small screen after his discharge from mandatory military service in 2021, Junho was most recently seen in The Red Sleeve, a historical romantic K-drama set in the 18th century. Junho played the role of Yi San, a Crown Prince who falls in love with a courtesan. While period dramas are not new to the actor, his performance as Yi San landed him several accolades such as Best Actor, Top Excellence, and Best Couple. His versatility as an actor can be seen with all these different roles under his belt.

Breaking Boundaries and Making History

Earlier this year, Junho was appointed as Kakao Webtoon’s new endorser for the Super Webtoon Project, a campaign leading the adaptation of webtoons into dramas and films. The commercial film with Junho for Siren received amazing results, with the webtoon reaching over 1 million views in just 24 hours from the campaign’s launch. 

Junho is also a part of The Actor is Present, a campaign by the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) aiming to showcase 200 representative Korean actors–half of which are male and half female. KOFIC describes him as a “professional entertainer in a boy’s mask.”

Throughout his career, Junho has collected a number of awards, both as an idol and an actor. Since receiving his first acting-related award in 2017 for Good Manager, he now has a total of 11 acting award wins. His most recent one, however, is definitely one for the books. On May 6, Lee won the “Best Actor” award at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in The Red Sleeve, becoming the first idol-actor to achieve this.

What’s Next?

Junho is set to appear alongside Girls’ Generation’s Yoona in the upcoming rom-com Kingderland, playing the role of Goo Won–a chaebol heir. Since the announcement, fans have been excited to see the two idol-actors and their chemistry on screen.

Fans have been enjoying his performances on stage as well as his impeccable acting. As he carves his path in the Korean film and drama industry, Junho’s recent endeavors have been breaking the mold of “idol-actors.” We can’t wait for what he has in store for us next!

Eager for more ACT!ON content? Check out the installment of our Stage to Screen series with SF9’s Rowoon here!

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Choi Minho, arguably the most passionate man in K-pop, has established an impressive reputation in Korea’s entertainment industry as a man of many talents. SHINee’s “flaming charisma” is a rapper, vocalist, songwriter, model, dancer, and show host–and that’s just scratching the surface. Widely known for his competitive streak and commitment to excellence, MINHO takes on each new challenge with gusto, and acting is no exception. In this installment of From Stage to Screen, we’re jumping straight into the flames of this versatile entertainer’s acting portfolio.

MINHO: An Introduction

Born December 9, 1991, in Incheon, South Korea, MINHO entered the entertainment industry in 2006, when he was street cast by SM Entertainment. In March 2008, he modeled for Ha Sang Baek’s Seoul Collection F/W 08-09. Two months later, MINHO debuted as a member of the five-piece boy band SHINee with the now immortalized single “누나 너무 예뻐 (Replay).” A lyricist from the very beginning, he co-wrote several tracks on the group’s debut album The Shinee World. At present, MINHO has songwriting credits on almost all of the group’s official Korean releases, including their 2011 hit “Juliette” and 2018’s “Good Evening.” 

MINHO made his solo debut in 2019 with his debut single “I’m Home.” The song, part of SM Station 3, was released just before the start of his mandatory military enlistment.

In February 2021, MINHO reunited with his bandmates for Don’t Call Me, SHINee’s first release since their hiatus in 2018. The repackage album Atlantis, released that April, featured the track “같은 자리 (Area),” which MINHO co-wrote. With SHINee promotions on pause since member TAEMIN’s enlistment in May 2021, MINHO has returned to focusing on solo activities. An avid athlete and sports fan, he has hosted Naver Now’s sports variety radio show Best Choice since last September. 

On December 21, 2021, MINHO released his second digital single titled “Heartbreak.” This past May, he released two new songs, coinciding with his Japanese solo fan meeting tour Best Choice MINHO 2022. 

A New Spark

Acting has been a running motif throughout MINHO’s almost fifteen-year-long career. As a rookie, he made a cameo in the Korean and Japanese versions of Girls Generation’s “Gee.” He made his official acting debut in 2010, starring in the season one finale of the KBS anthology series KBS Drama Special. In the episode, titled “The Pianist,” MINHO plays Oh Je-ro, a 21-year-old piano repairman and self-taught pianist who falls in love with music teacher Yun In-sa (Han Ji-Hye). 

In 2011, MINHO starred as antisocial genius hacker Choi Min-hyuk in the SBS sitcom Salamander Guru and the Shadows. His character teams up with a pair of fake fortune-tellers to find the mysterious person ‘X’ responsible for his father’s death. The ten-episode series featured several celebrity cameos, including MINHO’s bandmates TAEMIN and KEY.  

MINHO’s first major role came shortly after when he starred opposite labelmate and f(x) member SULLI in To the Beautiful You (2012). He plays Kang Tae-joon, a national high jump gold medalist whose career grounds to a sudden halt when he suffers a serious injury. He is the idol and love interest of Goo Jae-hee (SULLI), who returns to Korea and disguises herself as a boy in order to attend Tae-joon’s school. MINHO put his athletic prowess to good use and was personally trained by former Korean national high jumper Kim Tae-young for the role. His performance won him the New Star Award at the 2012 SBS Drama Awards. 

Over the next few years, MINHO continued to rack up experience on the small screen, with lead roles in the medical drama Medical Top Team (2013) and slice-of-life series My First Time (2015). The former earned MINHO a Best New Actor nomination in 2013. 

Sparks Fly

Having established a firm foundation in acting, MINHO continued his foray into acting, determined to own and redefine the label “idol turned actor.” He made his silver screen debut as high schooler Han-yi in Canola (2016). Set in Jeju Island, the film follows the sudden reunion of troubled teen Hye-ji (Kim Go-eun) with her haenyeo grandmother Gye-Choon (Youn Yuh-Jung) after 12 years.

MINHO’s growth as an actor became palpable in 2016 when he starred opposite industry veteran Ma Dong-seok in the action crime film Derailed. He plays Jin-il, one of a group of teenage runaways who resell stolen goods in order to keep a roof over their heads. Out of cash, they scheme up a prostitution scam involving one of the runaways, Ga-young (Jung Da-eun). Jin-il is thrust into a spiral of crime and violence when Ga-young’s first “client” Hyung-suk (Ma Dong-seok) takes her hostage, demanding money.

Derailed marked MINHO’s major departure from the clean-cut, boy-next-door image, with the actor swearing, fighting, and even learning to smoke in order to portray the character. MINHO personally went after the role of Jin-il and cited that despite the fear of his agency’s opposition, “[he] didn’t want to see other actors [his] age play this role.” Derailed director Lee Seong-tae credited MINHO and Ma Dong-seok for the success of the indie film, which was rejected multiple times before their casting. 

Ever the multitasker, MINHO continued building his acting resume throughout 2016, amid extensive SHINee promotions. That year also saw MINHO’s return to the K-drama circuit with memorable supporting roles as well as a special appearance in Drinking Solo (2016).

In Drinking Solo (2016), MINHO and bandmate KEY took their playful love-hate dynamic to the small screen.The former made a cameo as a fictionalized version of himself. The fictional MINHO is Kibum’s (KEY) former high school classmate, who is notorious for bullying the latter. Though they shared the screen for only one episode, their scenes were laced with all the bickering and teasing typical of their real-life friendship. 

Diving into the historical genre, MINHO took on the role of Kim Soo-ho in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016-2017). Soo-ho, a high-born aristocrat with little tact, provides comic relief with his overprotectiveness over his younger sister Soo-yeon. MINHO was part of an ensemble cast that also featured Park Seo-joon, Go A-ra, Park Hyung-sik and BTS’ V. His bromance with the rest of the Hwarangs remains the highlight of the series.

MINHO also brought his idol expertise to the role, improvising the choreography for the sword dance scene in episode eight. 

Wrapping up a busy 2017, MINHO went on to star in short-form dramas The Most Beautiful Goodbye and Somehow 18. He returned to the big screen in 2018 with a minor role in the historical comedy The Princess and the Matchmaker (2018). The same year, he took on a supporting role in the sci-fi action film Illang: The Wolf Brigade (2018) as Kim Cheol-Jin. His character is the leader of the Wolf Brigade, a special unit created to combat a terrorist group opposing the reunification of the two Koreas. 

Following Illang, actor MINHO greeted 2019 with The Battle of Jangsari (2019), a war film chronicling the true story of student soldiers thrown into battle during the Korean War. He played the role of Choi Sung-Pil, one of the student squad leaders. The Battle of Jangsari would serve as MINHO’s last acting project prior to his military enlistment.

Following his military discharge in November 2020, MINHO hopped right back into action. He appeared as a police officer in Kakao M’s Lovestruck in the City (2020-2021).

In 2021, he made a cameo in the webtoon adaptation Yumi’s Cells. He played the role of Chae Woo-gi, one of Yumi’s (Kim Go-eun) unrequited crushes, who later reveals he is gay. 

So far, MINHO’s 2022 has been nothing but booked and busy, with the rapper set to take on two major roles before the end of the year. Last September, he was cast as one of the leads in Kakao TV suspense-horror drama Goosebumps. The drama was directed by Jung Bum-shik, who previously directed the breakout horror film Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018). In early June, it was announced that the drama, renamed New Normal, would take on a film format. 

New Normal follows four everyday people weighed down by loneliness and exhaustion and “depicts the unexpected risks and identity of fears…hidden in everyday life and common space.” MINHO will take on the role of Hoon, an “innocent character full of curiosity.” The cast features veteran actress Choi Ji-woo, Block B’s P.O., and Squid Game’s Lee Yu-mi. While its official release date remains undecided, “New Normal” will premiere as the closing film of the 26th Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival in July 2022. 

MINHO is also set to star in the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy The Fabulous, opposite I’m Not a Robot (2018) actress Chae Soo-bin. The drama will follow the personal and professional lives of the people smack dab in the heart of Seoul’s extremely competitive fashion industry. MINHO will play the lead character Ji Woo-min, a handsome, talented freelance photo editor who lacks passion for his craft. Romance is expected to blossom between Woo-min and Pyo Ji-eun (Chae Soobin), a luxury brand PR manager. The official release date is yet to be determined, but fans can expect the show to air sometime in 2022. 

Blazing Trails

MINHO is most certainly a jack of all trades, balancing life as SHINee’s MINHO and the various spheres of his solo career with practiced ease. Unafraid of criticism and dedicated to steady, constant improvement, he gives new meaning to the label “idol actor”, blazing trails for those in his wake. MINHO shows a new side of himself with each new role, taking on unique challenges and delivering quality performances with every line. With passion burning brightly, MINHO is committed to excellence in every aspect of his career, including acting–and there’s no extinguishing this flame.

Want more ACT!ON content? Check out the latest details on WayV’s Winwin’s upcoming drama 25 Hours of Love!

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Known for his soft vocals and charming looks, Rowoon has captivated audiences since 2016 as a lead vocalist of the boy group SF9. After debuting as a singer, Rowoon later dove into acting, taking on a series of outstanding roles in Korean dramas. In ACT!ON’s next installment of the Stage To Screen series, we explore Rowoon’s journey from impressive musician to remarkable actor. 

Introducing: Rowoon

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Kim Seok-woo, stage name Rowoon, became a trainee at FNC Entertainment at the age of 17. After joining the company, he participated in Cheongdam-dong 111, a reality show exhibiting the agency’s trainee process, with fellow SF9 member Zuho. In 2015, Rowoon became part of the pre-debut reality survival team show NEOZ School, where he competed as a member of the dance crew “NEOZ Dance.” After a series of trials, the group won the show with their track “K.O” and got the chance to debut under the name SF9. In October 2016, the nine-member boy group debuted with the single album Feeling Sensation.

As a member of SF9, Rowoon has showcased his abilities as a vocalist and performer with every new release. His most recent activities with the group include its participation in the survival show Kingdom: Legendary War, as well as the release of the EP album RUMINATION in November 2021, which ranked number one on the Gaon Chart 48th Weekly Retail Album Chart. 

Diving Into The Acting World 

In addition to showing off his musical abilities with SF9, Rowoon has explored another side of himself in the film industry. He made his acting debut in 2017 with the KBS2 coming-of-age teen drama School 2017. This was the seventh installment of the School Series, a Korean drama anthology series that follows the struggle of different students. In the 2017 version, Rowoon took on the role of Kang Hyun-il, a transfer student and member of the K-pop group Cherry On Top.

After exhibiting a promising career in acting, Rowoon kept diving into acting with supporting roles in K-dramas: he played Choi Wee-Jin, the protagonist’s younger brother in tvN’s About Time, and on SBS’ Where the Stars Land he took the role of Ko Eun-sub, the female lead’s best friend who’s secretly in love with her. 

The latter clinched him his first nomination in the acting industry for Best New Actor at the 2018 SBS Drama Awards. Although he did not win, his performance made a good impression, which paved the way for him to take on bigger roles in the future.

Actor Breakthrough 

Following his K-drama appearances in 2018, Rowoon took on his first main role in MBC’s fantasy romance drama Extraordinary You in 2019, based on the webtoon series July Found by Chance. The series follows the story of Eun Dan-oh (Kim Hye-yoon), a high school student with a heart condition. When she discovers she is part of a fantasy comic but only as an extra, she decides to draw her own path by setting herself free from the writer’s original story. There, she meets Rowoon’s character Number 13, another extra in the comic whom she later names Haru. During their time together, they begin to make their own choices and develop romantic feelings for each other. However, they discover that building a new life might come at a price. 

In the role of Haru, Rowoon displayed an introspective side of himself. His soft yet strong persona and mystery surrounding the character had viewers on the edge of their seats. The drama’s huge success allowed Rowoon the chance to later land multiple lead roles. He also received several accolades,  including Best New Actor at the Grimae Awards and the MBC Drama Awards, and Male Idol-Actor Award at the Korea First Brand Awards.

Taking On Diverse Roles 

2021 was a busy year for Rowoon. At the beginning of the year, audiences saw him as the male lead in the romantic comedy She Would Never Know (2021). He played Chae Hyun-Seung, a confident marketing intern in a cosmetics company who falls for his senior. She Would Never Know explores the marketing industry and the complex relationships between a senior and a junior. 

In early October, Rowoon worked on his first historical drama The King’s Affection. Here, he took on the role of Jung Ji-woon, a physician who gets hired by the Crown Prince to join the palace and work as a Royal Tutor. The drama comprises 20 episodes set during the Joseon Dynasty and follows a series of secrets and mysteries that surround the royal twins. The King’s Affection also saw Rowoon play the main character’s first love and friend. 

Rowoon’s memorable work in The King’s Affection landed him several awards such as Best New Actor, Popularity Award Actor, and Best Couple Award with Park Eun-bin, who played Dam-i, at KBS Drama Awards. 

In 2022, Rowoon ventured into a new role that differed from his previous performances with MBC’s fantasy series Tomorrow. The series followed Choi Jun-woong (Rowoon) a half-human and half-spirit unemployed college graduate who starts working for an underworld company preventing suicide and guiding those who want to take their life. The show touched on heavy subjects such as mental health, corruption, and inequality. Jung-woong’s passion, ambition, and skeptical personality make him Rowoon’s most relatable character to date.  

Only Up From Here

Rowoon’s success as a musician and actor has earned him several partnerships in the fashion industry. In 2020 he became the face of the White Label Fall/Winter Collection of the brand The North Face, and in 2021 he was selected as an ambassador of the luxury cosmetic brand Estée Lauder. 

Rowoon continues to prove his versatility and expand his artistry as a musician, actor, and model with every new release. Fans are eager to see what comes next for the artist. On June 29, he and his SF9 bandmates are set to release the Japanese album The Best ~Dear Fantasy~. As for acting, it remains unknown if he will take on new roles in the upcoming months. However, it is safe to say that the future looks very promising for the multi-hyphenate Rowoon. 

Looking for the latest ACT!ON news? Check out our coverage of the Stars Wars Celebration 2022 here!

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Known for her sweet and pure voice, Lee Ji Eun, also known by her stage name IU, has captured the hearts of many people. After IU started her career as a singer, acting was next on her list, and she took  a number of captivating roles in K-dramas. In ACT!ON’s Stage to Screen series, we introduce IU as our next idol who has had a break-through acting career. 

Singer IU

Born in Seoul, South Korea, IU became a trainee for Kakao M (formerly known as Loen Entertainment) in 2007. IU represents I and You to become one, you and me, with music. At 15-years-old, she made her debut in 2008 with her EP called Lost And Found. By 2010, her song “Good Day” gained lots of attention, allowing her to win Best Vocal Performance Solo at the 2011 MAMA awards.  

Her most recent releases include her album Palette, as she uses coming-of-age characteristics to express her fourth album. Four years later, IU’s fifth album LILAC  was released, dedicating it to the end of her 20’s. LILAC gained its popularity making its way into Billboard’s K-Pop 100 and winning Album Of The Year (Daesang) at the 2021 MelOn Music Awards. 

Actress Breakthrough

IU made her acting debut in 2011 with Dream High alongside idols like Bae Suzy and TaecYeon. Soon enough more doors had opened for her as she proved to be a well promising actress. Taking on the role as Hae Soo in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart (2016), the historical romance K-drama would be the turning point of IU’s acting career as her performance left a great impression allowing her to take on more lead roles in the future. 

IU continued to take on bigger roles as she stars in other dramas. In her K-drama My Mister (2018), viewers were able to see her role as a strong independent woman who struggled financially as she lived a difficult life. She had to find a way to seek comfort and heal past scars in her life. My Mister will allow you to understand the pain people may suffer in their life as they try to become a better person of themselves. 

Persona (2019) allowed IU to play many different roles as the series is based on four different stories, each with a different director. It contains four episodes with segments called “Love Set,” “Collector,” “Kiss Burn,” and “Walking at Night.” The mini series showed emotions like determination, love, revenge, and sorrow. 

Receiving high ratings as it was the most viewed tvN drama of 2019, Hotel Del Luna (2019) had IU as Jang Man Wol, the owner of a hotel that served ghosts who fulfill their unfinished business in the real world before passing on to the afterlife. Jang Man Wol was cursed due to her past sins. She met a human who became the hotel manager and helped her lift the curse placed upon her. The drama is filled with a mixture of sorrow and heartwarming emotions that will surely leave the audience in tears. 

Outstanding Awards

Showing her passion as an actress, IU has won awards for her memorizing acting skills. She has won Best Couple Award at the KBS Drama Awards (2013) and the SBS Drama Awards (2016)  for her roles in You Are The Best! (2013) and Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016). At the KBS Awards (2013), IU won Best New Actress for You Are The Best (2013) and Bel Ami (2013). Her popularity increased tremendously as she recently won Most Popular Actress at the 55th BaekSang Arts Awards (2019). 

Future Roles

New projects are on the way for IU as fans await for the release. IU has been casted for the upcoming webtoon based drama Money Game which is set to release later this year. 

The upcoming film Dream, starring IU and Park Seo-Joon, is currently being filmed. The film is about a soccer player who is involved in an unexpected case which he received disciplinary measures for.  A producer visits the national soccer team as they plan to make a documentary, having the two coincidentally meet each other. The film is set to be released later this year. 

IU is ready to show fans a new chapter in her acting career. We can’t wait to see her upcoming projects! You can check out her music on Spotify and Apple Music. 

Looking for the latest ACT!ON news? Check out Squid Game making history at the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards here!

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Captivating audiences with his easy charm and dashing good looks seems to come second nature to ASTRO vocalist and small-screen darling Cha Eunwoo. In ACT!ON’s Stage to Screen series, we explore idols who have made acting a serious career path. Our second installment follows Cha’s career trajectory, from ambitious rookie to a bona fide leading man.

A Little Exposition: The Predebut Years

Born in the scenic city of Gunpo, just south of Seoul, Cha Eunwoo, real name Lee Dong Min, made his foray into the entertainment world after participating in the “Fantagio iTeen Promotional Model Audition” hosted by the pizza chain, Mr. Pizza, in 2013. However, acting may have always been in Cha’s blood– his first on-screen appearance was a quick cameo in the 2014 film My Brilliant Life before his debut. After that, the screen time continued, with Cha appearing in KBS’s Hallyu Star & Gangnam Style: Trainee Interview. Following those appearances, Cha and other ASTRO members were involved in the web drama To Be Continued. 

A Spring Up with ASTRO 

In February 2016, Cha debuted alongside five others to form Fantagio Entertainment’s six-member boy band ASTRO with their first EP, Spring Up. In just a week, Spring Up reached number six on the Billboard World Albums Chart and number four on the Gaon Music Chart.

With ASTRO’s success came more eyes on Cha. After a few variety show appearances, he was announced as an MC of Show! Music Core, where he would co-host alongside actresses Saeron and Lee Soo-min from 2016 to 2018. Cha waded back into acting with a role in the web drama My Romantic Some Recipe (2016), where he plays a version of himself, who emerges to life out of a poster to teach Ahn Mi Nyeo (played by Joo Ah Reum) how to date. The simple romance was overall well-received by fans, praising Cha’s charm and on-screen chemistry opposite Joo. 

Making Waves On-screen

Following his web drama appearance in 2016, Cha was cast in the slice-of-life K-drama Hit The Top (2017), alongside Yoon Shi-yoon, Lee Se-young, Kim Min-jae, and Cha Tae-hyun. The drama recounts the story of a famous 90’s-era idol, Yoo Hyun-jae (played by Yoon Shi-yoon), who is transported twenty years into the future, where he’s faced with adjusting to modern life while investigating his missing persons’ case. Cha plays popular idol MJ but brings more than just a pretty face to the role, bringing cute, fresh energy to his character. 

In the same year, Cha was cast as himself in the teen fantasy web drama Sweet Revenge. In the 2018 YouTube Original series Top Management, Cha stays close to the idol role he’s become known for as Woo Yeon-Woo, delivering a performance that had fans experiencing “second-lead syndrome.”

His first leading role came with the JTBC romantic comedy My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018). The drama follows Kang Mi Rae (played by Im Soo Hyang), who grew up bullied for her looks–and her solution became plastic surgery to transform her face. Cha plays Do Kyung-suk, a childhood friend she reconnects with in college that stands up for Mi-rae as she becomes teased for her “Gangnam Beauty” image. The term itself is a derogatory one, used to look down on attractive people but for whom it’s evident they have had plastic surgery. As Kyung Suk, Cha embodies some classic tsundere lead tropes with warmth and sincerity. 

Shooting to Stardom

2019 was indeed the year of Cha Eunwoo. Opposite industry heavyweight Shin Se-kyung, Cha took the lead role in Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung. Cha’s dashing good looks are right at home in the part of Yi Rim, or Prince Dowon, who moonlights as a romance novelist under a penname. This is one of Cha’s standout roles in a beautifully shot drama that blends comedy with drama and political intrigue, and his chemistry with Shin is one of the series highlights. 

This role earns Cha his first awards–the Excellence Award for an Actor in a Wednesday-Thursday Drama and the Best Couple Award with Shin Se Kyung at the 2019 MBC Drama Awards. After that, Cha returned to the variety scene with Handsome Tigers. Then, in 2020, he became a fixed cast member in the reality series Master in The House, the latter earning him the Rookie Award at the 2020 SBS Entertainment Awards.

Viral Success

In December 2020, Cha Eunwoo became a household name with the massive success of the webtoon adaptation True Beauty. 

The tvN drama had Cha in the role of Suho, reprising the tsundere lead he played in My ID is Gangnam Beauty, but this time with more depth. Cha nails Suho’s character down to a tee, with his aloof, cold persona remaining a bit of a mystery to viewers until the latter half of the drama. But opposite Moon Ga Young as leading lady Ju Kyung and Hwang In Yeop as Han Seo Joon, Cha brought a combination of swoon-worthy charm and believable high school-aged awkwardness to his performance, rightfully earning his spot as the main lead in the series and the hearts of fans worldwide. His performance in True Beauty also earned him the Emotive Award alongside his co-star Moon Ga Young at the 2021 Asia Artist Awards.

Eunwoo’s success has also won over the fashion industry–his star power earned him a Burberry ambassadorship, and he’s made his mark in fashion with a handful of editorial shoots, luxury brand collaborations, and event invitations. 

Only Up From Here

Coming up, fans can anticipate Cha trying his hand at a new genre. Veering away from his usual slice-of-life dramas, he will play a lead role in the upcoming webtoon adaptation Island, an action-thriller series set on Jeju Island. In addition, Cha has also been rumored to play a character in the forthcoming Sweet and Sour Chicken. 

ASTRO fans and Cha Eunwoo fans alike have long enjoyed his performances on screen, and Cha continues to make waves in the K-drama industry. After successfully carving his path as one of the industry’s rookies to watch, we can’t wait to see where he goes in the future.

Need to update your K-drama watch list? Check out ACT!ON’s roundup of upcoming K-dramas you can anticipate in the first quarter of 2022!

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Best known as one of K-pop EXO’s main vocalists, Do Kyungsoo, stage name D.O., has proven to be as versatile on-screen as he has been on stage. In ACT!ON’s Stage to Screen series, we explore idols who have made acting a serious career path. In our first installment in the series, we’ll follow Kyungsoo’s evolution from vocalist to leading man.

D.O. the Idol

Born in Goyang, South Korea, the 28-year-old has been singing since his primary school days. After winning a local singing competition in 2010, he auditioned for SM Entertainment and trained for his last two years of high school. Introduced as the eighth member of EXO in 2011, Kyungsoo solidified his position as one of the industry’s powerhouse vocalists right from his debut on the teaser track “My Lady.” 

Kyungsoo has had his fair share of solo tracks, such as a few OSTs and some SM STATION tracks–including a duet with iconic SM producer Yoo Young Jin. Just after his enlistment, Kyungsoo left fans with the comforting SM STATION track, “괜찮아도 괜찮아 (That’s okay).” In January, a live clip of the idol performing the track surprised fans after Kyungsoo returned from his military duty.

His first solo mini-album, Empathy, was released last July and received critical acclaim as it climbed global charts. The success came despite there being no music show or variety show appearances due to his filming schedule.

Kyungsoo the Actor

Diving into the acting world was twofold for Kyungsoo–he has had roles in both drama and film. His appearance as himself in SBS’ To The Beautiful You (2012) aside, Kyungsoo made appearances in It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014) and Hello Monster (2015). However, his first starring role on television came in 2018, in tvN’s historical romance 100 Days My Prince. Starring opposite Nam Jihyun (Suspicious Partner, 365: Repeat The Year), Kyungsoo plays Crown Prince Lee Yool, who disappears suddenly for one hundred days. 

Kyungsoo’s foray into film began with 2014’s Cart, directed by Boo Jiyoung. In September, the film made its world premiere in the City to City: Seoul sidebar of the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. Following Cart, Kyungsoo starred in four more films: Unforgettable (2016), My Annoying Brother (2016), Room No.7 (2017), and Swing Kids (2018). 

Challenging, Standout Roles

Each role was challenging and unique, but highlighted what Kyungsoo is a standout at–naturalistic acting. In the romantic drama Unforgettable, Kyungsoo is the romantic lead in a 1990s-era coming-of-age romance, with a Jeolla accent to boot. He tackles comedy next with My Annoying Brother, where he plays newly-blind athlete Dooyoung opposite Jo Jongsuk as his estranged older brother. 

Comedy meets thriller in Lee Yongseung’s Room No.7–Kyungsoo stars opposite Shin Hakyun as Taejung, a part-time DVD room worker that hides drugs in the titular Room 7. In the historical musical Swing Kids, set in a prison camp during the Korean War, Kyungsoo is a rebellious North Korean soldier who falls in love with tap dancing. To round out his filmography, Kyungsoo adds fantasy to the list with the blockbuster Along with the Gods series, playing Private Won Dongyeon in Kim Yonghwa’s gritty film about the afterlife. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEsDQH1SI0I

What has set Kyungsoo apart from other idols who move into acting is his choice of roles. Though he hasn’t shied away from the genre, his choice of romantic roles strays from the stereotypical. Instead, the warm veneer of 90s nostalgia freshens the age-old story of a first love that Unforgettable recounts. In his first recurring K-drama role in It’s Okay, That’s Love, Kyungsoo’s character suffered from domestic violence–his delicate portrayal of a complex character to capture was well-received. In addition, the drama itself handles the contentious topic of psychiatric disorders that are rife with stigma, diverting from safe slice-of-life romances that popular at the time. He’s also moved to animated films, lending his voice to Moongchi in the movie about the adventures of a stray dog in Underdog (2017).

Awards and Accolades

It’s clear that acting is one of Kyungsoo’s true passions. In 2015, while on KBS’ Guerrilla Date with EXO, he expressed his pleasure at being recognized as a rising star in acting and that it was something he was hoping to do seriously. Now, six years later, Kyungsoo’s acting chops have continued to be recognized, with nearly 20 award wins for his acting. In addition, he recently took home the “Most Popular Actor” at the 2019 Baeksang Arts Awards for 100 Days My Prince, making that his third Baeksang.

As of March 2021, Kyungsoo features in the Korean Film Council’s The Actor Is Present campaign. The campaign, comprised of 100 male and 100 female actors, aims to profile what they call the “200 actors that best represent the present and future of Korean cinema” to the global film industry. 

KOFIC praises Kyungsoo’s diverse acting choices, paying particular attention to setting him apart from other “idol-actors.” He has shifted the public opinion that idols get by on good looks and personality rather than acting talent. Despite having no formal acting training, Kyungsoo has been consistently praised by actors and directors alike in the media, setting a new standard for what it means to be an “idol-actor.” 

What’s Next

Fans of the actor can expect new projects from Kyungsoo soon. Filming for Kim Yonghwa’s The Moon, a sci-fi set in outer space, just wrapped filming on October 12. The Moon is set to release sometime in 2021.

Kyungsoo is also set to star in Secret, a romance about a piano prodigy and the mystery girl he falls for. Secret is a remake of a 2008 Taiwanese film that originally had megastar Jay Chou in the lead role. Filming is still ongoing, and there is no release date yet. 

EXO fans have long been enjoying his performances on screen, and Kyungsoo continues to make waves in the film industry. After successfully carving his path as not just an “idol-actor,” we can’t wait to see what he does next. 

Looking for more idols on screen? Check out our coverage on NCT’s Jaehyun in Bungee Jumping of their Own.

Thumbnail courtesy of SM Entertainment.

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If you’ve watched your favorite idols on variety programs, you are sure to have heard the iconic opening melody of “Paradise,” or heard references to the “F4.” Believe it or not, those are both references to the classic K-drama Boys Over Flowers. Maybe you’ve jotted down a few shows that your favorite idols have recommended on their VLIVE (you can check out some of NCT’s favorite media here and here).

For many K-pop fans, the first time they tread into the world of Korean dramas it has something to do with their favorite idol starring or co-starring in it, or even just trying to immerse themselves into the language their idols speak. Although the K-drama sphere has its own massive viewership, both domestic and global, the movement of idols into the industry has increased the popularity of K-dramas for fans worldwide. 

Versatility is Key: the Idol to Actor Pipeline

Chances are, if you’ve listened to K-pop before, you know that the industry is overflowing with talent. Despite groups assigning the titles of “main” to their vocalists, rappers, and dancers, the influx of trainees and rookie groups means it has become a necessity that idols are well-rounded as artists and performers. One common route idols take as they become more established in their careers is solo or sub-unit projects. Another route they can take is  the mantle of music show MCs or regulars on variety shows. By developing new skills and earning individual screen time, idols can turn themselves into individual brands outside of their respective group or stage persona.

But another route many idols have taken to set themselves apart from their peers in a saturated market is the transition from the music show stage to the small screen. Although it’s not out of the ordinary for idols to make surprise cameos in dramas – say, EXO’s fun appearance as themselves in To The Beautiful You (2012), or GOT7’s BamBam in Don’t Dare to Dream (2016) – it’s another thing entirely to be the lead or second lead of an entire season.

Look, Ma, I Made It!  

If we tried to recount every idol that has made a successful transition into acting via dramas, we would be here all day – instead, here are a few idols who have taken the step into television to great success. 

We’ve already mentioned the lasting impact of a show like Boys Over Flowers (2009) – one of its leads, Kim Hyun Joong, played a member of the iconic F4, a group of the most desirable boys at their wealthy private high school. Before this, he debuted in 2005 as a member of DSP Entertainment’s five-member boy group, SS501. Like 2PM’s Taecyeon, who recently delivered a standout performance in this year’s Vincenzo, other established idols have become industry staples. SHINee’s Minho and BTS’ V also co-starred in the historical drama Hwarang (2016). EXO’s D.O. made his drama debut in 2014’s It’s Okay, That’s Love, moving to lead roles shortly after that in Positive Physique (2016) and 100 Days My Prince (2018).

But it’s not only boy group idols making moves – soloist IU, otherwise known as Lee Jieun, is now synonymous with K-dramas, beginning with her early appearance in star-studded Dream High (2011) to the more recent Hotel del Luna (2019). After debuting in f(x) in 2009, Krystal Jung also began to make drama appearances, in shows like High Kick (2011) and The Bride of Haebak (2017), to Police University, set to start airing in August 2021.

And, of course, it’s impossible to talk about K-dramas without talking about True Beauty. ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo starred as Lee Su-ho in the show, which had a short but much-anticipated run of 16 episodes. However, unlike the other idol-actors mentioned above, Eunwoo debuted as an actor with a small role in the film My Brilliant Life (2014) before ASTRO’s debut in 2016.  

Sometimes the gateway into K-dramas isn’t just supporting an idol you’re a fan of, but supporting their friends or family. Idol-actor siblings like NCT’s Doyoung and his brother Gong-myoung, known for The Bride of the Water God (2017) and Melo is My Nature (2019), and Twice’s Jeongyeon and her sister Gong Seung-yeon, from Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (2019) can lead fans of each sibling to support and check out the other. A well-known idol-actor friendship that often leads to fan crossovers is that of BTS’s V and actors Park Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik, well known for their roles in Itaewon Class (2020) and the award-winning film, Parasite (2019). These supportive friends are always recommending each others’ projects to their fans, which can often bring K-pop fans to start their journeys as K-drama fans.

A Gateway to “Paradise”

Whether you’ve only seen a few clips from trending dramas or binge-watched all of Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon (2017), experiencing the crossover between K-pop and K-dramas as a fan is inevitable. They exist in close spheres, with the stars of each industry often crossing over to try something new, expand their resumes, or be friends and family with idols. With the crossover in the industries, comes the oftentimes head-first dive into the world of K-dramas. Sometimes the nudge might be after picking up intriguing bits of information about an actor from a series off of a Korean entertainment update account, or maybe your favorite idol is starring as the lead in their own K-drama. Whatever the reason is for you to cross the bridge from K-pop to K-dramas, know that it’s a gateway into “Paradise.”

Want more about idol actors, read Upcoming Films Staring Idol Actors.

Image courtesy of GT:st Media. Graphic designed by Astrid.

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