7 K-pop Idols Who Broke The Mold To Become Acclaimed Actors
- Anwaya Mane
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Over the years, many K-pop idols have either transitioned from their hectic music careers to pursue more creatively fulfilling roles in acting or have managed to juggle both demanding paths with impressive dedication. However, not everyone who leaps into acting succeeds in shedding their idol image or proving their versatility on screen. Still, a select few have truly broken the mold, rising above typecasting to establish themselves as serious, skilled actors.
Today, we spotlight 7 K-pop idol-actors who have defied expectations and proven they’re far more than just pretty faces.
7. Hwang Min Hyun
Few know that Hwang Min Hyun has had a long idol career. The former NU'EST and Wanna One member has dabbled in Japanese film, musical theater, and web shows. However, it was his performances in Alchemy of Souls (2022) and this year's Study Group that made audiences take notice of this talented idol-turned-actor, proving that he is indeed an actor to watch.
6. Suzy
Suzy has long been Korean entertainment's 'It Girl' and remains one of the most beloved celebrities in the country. She debuted as a member of Miss A while simultaneously building a glamorous acting career with romantic roles in Uncontrollably Fond, While You Were Sleeping, and Start-Up. However, she surprised fans with a powerful performance in the 2022 drama Anna, where she played the titular role. With this, Suzy proved to critics that she's not just a pretty face known for romantic roles, but a capable actress who can carry complex projects on her own.
5. Hyeri
Long-time K-drama fans may remember Hyeri not just as a member of the girl group Girl's Day, but as the lovable Sung Duk Seon from the hit slice-of-life drama Reply 1988. The show made her a household name not only in Korea but also among international fans. However, she struggled to replicate that massive success, appearing in a mix of hit-and-miss roles over the years. That changed with the teen mystery-thriller Friendly Rivalry, where she reinvented her image by portraying a queer character and delivered a standout performance that marks a new chapter in her acting career.
4. Park Ji Hoon
Park Ji Hoon got a solid head start with his stint in the K-pop boy group Wanna One before transitioning to acting. However, it was his remarkable performance as Yoon Si Eun in Weak Hero Class 1 that truly made audiences sit up and take notice of this talented idol-turned-actor. Weak Hero Class 1 was a surprise hit, and Park Ji Hoon followed it up with a brilliant performance in the sequel, Weak Hero Class 2 (2025), which is currently dominating Netflix charts worldwide, sparking increased curiosity for his upcoming acting projects.
3. Lee Jun Young
This is truly Lee Jun Young's year! The idol-actor, who started with humble beginnings in his acting career, has made impressive strides in recent years, with four incredible acting projects just this year alone. His brief but impactful role as IU's sweet and loving ex-boyfriend in When Life Gives You Tangerines, along with his portrayal of the razor-sharp Geum Seong Jae in Weak Hero Class 2, has garnered more attention and showcased his remarkable versatility, earning him new fans along the way.
2. Park Hyung Sik
Who knew the lovable and charming Ahn Min Hyuk of Strong Girl Bong Soon could also transform into the slick and cold-blooded Seo Dong Joo of Buried Hearts? But that’s the incredible versatility of Park Hyung Sik. Many aren’t aware that Park Hyung Sik actually began his career as an idol with the K-pop boy group ZE:A in 2010 and naturally transitioned into acting with smaller and supporting roles. However, in recent years, Park Hyung Sik has reinvented his image by taking on more substantial, acting-driven roles in dramas like Happiness, Our Blooming Youth, and, more recently, Buried Hearts. His performances have proven that he’s not just an idol, but a serious actor capable of commanding the screen.
IU
Multitalented IU stars in Netflix's latest hit When Life Gives You Tangerines (Credits: Netflix)
The multi-hyphenate idol-actress IU truly deserves all the flowers coming her way. From humble beginnings and facing numerous rejections, she rose to stardom as a soloist and eventually made a successful transition to acting with Dream High (2011). Over the past decade, she has taken on some of the most challenging roles, delivering standout performances in My Mister (2018), Hotel Del Luna (2019), Broker (2022), and Netflix’s global hit When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025) — all while managing an equally demanding music career. IU has consistently broken the mold with her bold, thoughtful choices, and fans can't wait to see what she does next.
All the dramas featuring the idol-actors mentioned above are available on various streaming platforms for global audiences. Who is your favorite idol-actor? Did you discover a new favorite from this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!