5 Korean Stars Who Are Foreign Citizens: Choi Woo Shik, Ahn Hyo Seop, More!
Many K-Dramas give emphasis to its actors' fluency in speaking other languages and their thick accents, leaving quite an impression on its audience.
Ever wondered why they possess such ability? Chances are they grew up in countries! Here are five popular Korean stars who are foreign citizens!
Choi Woo Shik
The "Our Beloved Summer" actor, who portrayed an easy-going bum in the drama, is actually a smart Canadian boy!
Choi Woo Shik and his family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada when he was just in fifth grade. For many years, he lived in the country and finished his education.
When he stepped into college, Choi Woo Shik decided to return to South Korea to take risks and become a star.
Thankfully, he was given the huge opportunity to become the next big actor and made his acting debut in the drama "The Duo."
Ahn Hyo Seop
Recently, Ahn Hyo Seop stole the hearts of many K-Drama fans with his heart-fluttering portrayal of Kang Tae Mu in the blockbuster hit series "A Business Proposal."
In the drama, he also flaunted his top tier English speaking skills while negotiating with foreign clients as a CEO.
But did you know that Ahn Hyo Seop is Canadian? Although born in South Korea, Ahn Hyo Seop spent all his life in Toronto, Canada.
His nationality is Canadian but he's fluent in both English and Korean. Prior to debuting as an actor, he was discovered by a talent scout to become an idol during his visit to South Korea.
READ MORE: 4 Korean Actors Who Played High Schoolers at 30: Hwang In Yeop, Kim Tae Ri, More!
Fun fact: Ahn Hyo Seop was part of the original lineup for GOT7, and he's best friends with Jackson Wang from China!
Ma Dong Seok
Because of his overflowing talent and skills as an actor, Ma Dong Seok appeared in many popular films such as "Train to Busan," "Along With the Gods: The Two Worlds" and "Ashfall," to name a few.
He also appeared in the Marvel superhero film "Eternals," which marks the first English film of the American actor.
That's right! Ma Dong Seok is a South Korean-born American. When he was a senior in high school, he and his family immigrated to Ohio, United States.
He has an American citizenship. Ma Dong Seok also majored in physical education at Colombus State University prior to his acting debut.
Did you know that he worked as a personal trainer for mixed martial artists Mark Coleman and Kevin Randleman? Awesome, right?
Krystal Jung
Probably the most known American in the list, f(x) vocalist, visual and actress Krystal Jung. The "Crazy Love" star was born in San Francisco, California where her family settled in the '80s.
Without a doubt, she and her sister, former Girls' Generation Jessica, are the most popular American stars in the Korean industry, even considered the "IT Girls" of K-Pop!
The singer-actress boasted her English speaking skills, her mother tongue, in many of her works like "The Heirs" and "Sweet & Sour."
Han Chae Young
Born in Daegu, South Korea, the timeless star Han Chae Young and her beloved family immigrated to the United States as soon as she was born.
Han Chae Young
She grew up in suburban Chicago and attended a local high school. Han Chae Young went back to South Korea to pursue a career in the entertainment industry after she was discovered by a talent scout. Now, Han Chae Young is undeniably one of the biggest stars in the industry.
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Although they are born and raised in different country and continent, they are still Korean in blood and heart. Thanks to their experiences and cultural backgrounds, they skillfully portray their characters without fail!
Who is your favorite star from the list? Share it with us in the comments below!
KDramaStars owns this article.
Written by Elijah Mully.
