K-drama Stars Whose Fame Skyrocketed Because of Netflix [Updated 2022]
Netflix not just introduces compelling and enticing K-dramas to the world but also South Korea's roster of talented actors and actresses whose popularity rose in a snap. From rising stars to A-listers, these celebrities (Kim Seon Ho, Song Kang, and more!) reached global stardom who wowed worldwide viewers with their charms and outstanding talent, all thanks to the streaming giant.
Check out these 4 Kdrama stars who became global sensations after appearing in a Netflix series.
Kim Seon Ho: 'Start-Up' and 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha'
2020 is a remarkable year for Kim Seon Ho after becoming the second lead Han Ji Pyeong in the smash hit Kdrama "Start-Up." He instantly gave the whole K-drama fandom major second lead syndrome with his boy-next-door aura and even got the moniker "good boy" because of his role.
READ MORE: Kim Seon Ho's Health Issues Due to Extreme Stress Were 'True' According to THIS YouTuber
In just a year after the blockbuster series was released, Kim Seon Ho landed another notable role Hong Doo Shik with Shin Min Ah in "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha."
Unfortunately, while at the peak of his career, the actor was hounded by criticism involving his ex-girlfriend.
Despite the major blow, the 35-year-old actor is slowly reviving his good boy image, thanks to the support of his global fans.
Song Kang: 'Love Alarm,' 'Sweet Home' 'Nevertheless,' and 'Forecasting Love and Weather'
Dubbed as the "son of Netflix," Song Kang rose to fame after headlining the cast of Netflix's "Love Alarm" as Hwang Sun Oh. With this, the actor gained a huge fan base not just in South Korea but also worldwide.
Apart from the rom-com series, Song Kang also starred in several Netflix series like "Sweet Home" and "Love Alarm 2."
In 2021, he appeared as the talented ballet dancer in "Navillera" with veteran actor Park In Hwan, and art student Park Jae Eon in the webtoon-based Kdrama "Nevertheless" with Han So Hee. He also headlined the romance drama "Forecasting Love and Weather" with A-lister Park Min Young.
Seo Ye Ji: 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay'
Although the actress starred in a number of series since her debut in 2013, the hit K-drama "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" put her name on the map of famous South Korean stars.
Seo Ye Ji played the renowned children's book writer Ko Moon Young, alongside Kim Soo Hyun and Oh Jung Se as siblings Moon Gang Tae and Moon Sang Tae.
Because of the psychological rom-com series, the 31-year-old beauty won the TikTok Popularity Award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards together with Kim Seon Ho.
Given that the category is based on fan votes, it only shows how Seo Ye Ji has amassed an enormous fan base.
Unfortunately, the rising star was also hit by allegations about bullying, which prompted her to go under the radar for quite some time and drop out for her supposed new drama "Island."
Interestingly, she made her grand comeback in "Eve" with Park Byung Eun in 2022.
Jung Ho Yeon: 'Squid Game'
One of the biggest breakout stars this year is none other than model-turned-actress Jung Ho Yeon. The runway model catapulted to fame after starring in "Squid Game," where she took on the role of North Korean defector, Kang Sae Byeok.
Who would have thought it was her first-ever appearance as an actress and what's interesting is that she reached overwhelming global fame due to the "Squid Game" craze.
Now, she is currently reaping her success, gracing magazines left and right.
Interestingly, Jung Ho Yeon also became the muse of Adidas and Louis Vuitton's newest global ambassador.
