How Well Do Idols Make The Transition To Kdrama Stars?

Chansung's appearance in "Level 7 Civil Servant" does prove idols can successfully make the transition from performing in a boy band to appearing in a drama.

Although he confessed to being so nervous that he could barely speak when he started the role, he did a decent job portraying Gong Do Ha, a conflicted NIS special-forces agent. And he held his own opposite more experienced actors Choi Kang Hee and Joo Won. The youngest member of the boy band 2PM gave a very natural performance that differed significantly from his boy band image.

But it was not Chansung's first performance. Even before the band's debut, he had a role in "Unstoppable High Kick" and a cameo appearance in KBS's "Dream High."

And he is not the only member of 2PM to try his hand at acting. Taecyeon and Woo Young also had roles in "Dream High," while Taecyeon appeared in the drama "Cinderella's Sister "and a Japanese production, "Boku to Star no 99 Nichi."

Another idol making the transition is Kim Jaejoong of JYJ and previously of TVXQ. Even before hid debut as a singer, Jaejoong starred in a Korean-Japanese production, "Heaven's Postman," as a letter carrier, who helps ghosts settle their earthly affairs. His first appearance in a Korean drama was playing the second lead in "Protect The Boss" with co-stars Choi Kang Hee and Ji Sung. He was well suited to the role of the jealous cousin who plots against a family member but then develops a conscience. His second drama was Dr. Jin, where he played a Joseon-era police officer. Although he was criticized for his initially awkward acting, even his critics agree that he has improved with every role. He will soon appear in the comedic film, "Jackal is Coming."

It's only natural that adding idols to a show's cast will inspire fans to watch and help raise a drama's ratings. That was certainly the case when idol's Lee Hong Ki of F.T. Island and Jung Yong Hwa of CNBLUE appeared and performed in "You're Beautiful. It also helped boost ratings when Kim Hyung Jun of SS501 played roles in "Boys Over Flowers" and "Playful Kiss."

Male idols are not the only ones attempting to make the transition. A good example of a female artist who has successfully developed an acting career is Suzy Bae made her singing debut in the popular girl band Miss A. She has appeared in "Dream High" and then convincingly played the confused heroine Jang Ma Ri in "Big." She is expected to dazzle audiences with her mastery of martial arts in the upcoming drama "Gu Family Book."

For the most part, idols making the transition to dramas have helped improve the dramas and they have made their fans happy in the process.