Is EXO The Next Big Acting Idol Group?
EXO has made great strides since their debut in 2011, becoming one of the leading male groups in K-pop. The now-nine-member group continues to blaze a path through music, but establishing serious acting careers appears to be the next goal on their horizon.
It may have taken four years, but EXO is poised to become the next big acting idol group.
While Kai, Sehun, and Chen have yet to fully explore dramatic roles beyond their appearances on the popular Naver TV cast web drama, "EXO Next Door," the majority of the group appears to be smitten with the acting bug.
Baekhyun is rumored to join the adaptation of a hit Chinese series that will be titled, "Moon Lovers. If he confirms his participation, he will join the talented and handsome stars who are also considering the project including Lee Joon Gi (Scholar Who Walks the Night), Kang Ha Neul (Twenty, The Heirs), and Hong Jong Hyun (Dating Agency: Cyrano).
In addition to "Moon Lovers," he will make his film debut opposite acclaimed teen star, Yeo Jin Goo, in "Dokgo."
Xiumin received accolades for his role in the mini web series, "Falling for Challenge," where he appeared with Kim So Eun (Boys Over Flowers).
Chanyeol debuted as a film star in the 2015 romantic comedy, "Salut D'Amour." In the upcoming Korean-Chinese film, "So I Married My Anti-fan," Chanyeol appears opposite Seohyun of Girls' Generation, who makes her cinematic debut as a K-pop trainee signed to the same agency as the EXO star.
Suho will star in the highly-anticipated flick, "Glory Day," with fellow teen heartthrob, Ji Soo, and Kim Dong Wan of the legendary group, Shinhwa.
Lay continues to work within the Chinese market, with two films, "Oh My God" and "To Be a Better Man." He also reached Chinese-speaking audiences through his appearance on the mainland variety program, "Go Fighting!" which features celebrities from the region and Taiwan, including Show Luo.
D.O. (Do Kyung Soo) is one of the most recognizable members of EXO for Korean drama and film buffs. He continues to receive accolades for his notable roles including his cinematic debut in "Cart," followed by his phenomenal portrayal of a schizophrenic delusion in "It's Okay, That's Love."
D.O. is the star of two highly anticipated films, "Pure Love" and "Hyung." In "Pure Love," he appears opposite teen starlet, Kim So Hyun (Who Are You: School 2015) and he joins Hallyu star Park Shin Hye (Pinocchio) and Jo Jung Suk (Oh My Ghost), in "Hyung."
Regardless of the lineup changes they may have faced, in the past year, EXO appears to be unstoppable, as top K-pop stars and emerging actors.
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Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor at KDramaStars. She is also a contributing music writer at KpopStarz, MTV Iggy and other publications. When she is not listening to "Rhythm Ta," she can be found on Twitter. (@retrogirladdy).
