7 K-Dramas that Made the Cast Famous: ‘Boys Over Flowers,’ ‘Squid Game,’ More
"Boys Over Flowers," "Dream High," "Squid Game," and more K-dramas made their cast members popular, and are now several of the most sought-after actors and actresses in the industry.
These Korean dramas were the stepping stone for today's celebrated stars. Let's get to know them!
'Sungkyunkwan Scandal'
Thanks to this 2010 historical-romance series, Park Min Young, Song Joong Ki, Yoo Ah In, and Park Yoo Chun all rose to fame. Following "Sungkyunkwan Scandal," these A-listers met bigger opportunities and starred in many acclaimed dramas and films.
In addition, Song Joong Ki and Yoo Ah In are currently among the highest-paid Korean actors.
'Dream High'
"Dream High" was actually starred by established celebrities - Suzy, IU, Eung Jung, 2PM's Taecyeon, and Wooyoung - when it aired. However, this musical drama increased the popularity of these idol-actors.
'Dream High'
Following "Dream High," the cast members landed multiple projects and even won awards. It also marked the start of Kim Soo Hyun being a household name in the K-drama scene.
'Reply 1988'
The massive popularity of Park Bo Gum and Lee Hyeri in the acting world began with this coming-of-age series. The actor starred in another hit drama "Love in the Moonlight," following "Reply 1988." He also became the first-ever actor to top Forbes Korea's power celebrity list.
Hyeri, on the other hand, starred in "Two Cops," "Miss Lee" "My Roommate is a Gumiho," "Moonshine," and more.
Go Kyung Pyo also gained recognition and headlined the hit dramas "Chicago Typewriter," "Private Lives," and more.
Ryu Jun Yeol rose to fame too and starred in "One Way Trip," "Little Forest," "Lost," and more.
'Itaewon Class'
Though already popular through his role in "What's Wrong With Secretary Kim," Park Seo Joon became even more well-known because of "Itaewon Class." Thanks to this, he soon landed his Hollywood debut role through the upcoming "The Marvels."
He is also slated to star in the movie "Dream," "Concrete Utopia," and a new drama "Gyeongseong Creature."
Meanwhile, Kim Da Mi headlined the Netflix series "Our Beloved Summer" with Choi Woo Sik, and has an upcoming movie "The Witch 2."
Kwon Nara, on the other hand, starred in "Secret Royal Inspector" and "Bulgasal Immortal Souls.
Ahn Bo Hyun is also making it big in the K-drama scene. After "Itaewon Class" concluded, he starred in "Yumi's Cells," "Military Prosecutor Doberman," and now preparing for a silver-screen return with the romance movie "2 O'clock Date."
'All of Us Are Dead'
The drama's main cast's fame surged. Young actors Park Ji Hoo, Yoon Chan Young, Jo Yi Hyun, and Lomon (also known as Park Solomon) all surpassed more than 2 million Instagram followers in less than a week after "All of Us Are Dead" hit Netflix. Supporting cast of this series also gained popularity.
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'Boys Over Flowers'
"Boys Over Flowers" sparked massive Korean wave in 2009. Lee Min Ho never left the spotlight since then, and is now one of the highest-paid Korean actors today.
Former SS501 member, Kim Hyun Joong, rose to prominence as one of the top Hallyu stars.
Female star Goo Hye Sun also starred in several lead roles, following BOF, while Kim Bum showcased his exceptional acting through various dramas.
'Squid Game'
Because of the drama's success, its lead stars earned international recognition and bagged major awards in different prestigious ceremonies abroad. Though Lee Jung Jae and Park Hye Soo were already prominent in Korea, they ignited their fame after starring in "Squid Game."
Model-turned actress Jung Ho Yeon also had her successful acting debut in the series and bagged big awards abroad, same as Lee Jung Jae.
Other stars Wi Ha Joon, Oh Young Soo, Heo Sung Tae, Kim Joo Ryung, and Lee Yumi also marked heightened status in the Korean entertainment industry.
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KDramastars owns this article.
Shai Collins wrote this.
