K-Stars Whose Popularity Rose After Portraying Villain Roles: Lim Ji Yeon, Ahn Bo Hyun, More
Several Korean top stars skyrocketed their popularity after landing a lead role in a K-drama or movie, however, there are celebrities whose fame rose after taking on a villain character.
While it's good to see various series feature interesting protagonists by casting a perfect actor or actress to play the role, others gained the public's praise for perfectly embodying the characters of the antagonist.
From Lim Ji Yeon in "The Glory" to Ahn Bo Hyun in "Itaewon Class" these 4 Korean actors left viewers in awe with their amazing portrayal of villain characters.
Lim Ji Yeon in 'The Glory'
Probably one of the most hated K-drama characters this 2023 is none other than Park Yeon Jin, played by Lim Ji Yeon.
In the hit K-drama "The Glory" she heavily abused Moon Dong Eun, played by Jung Ji So, in high school. She promised to get back at her perpetrators with Park Yeon Jin as her main target.
The revenge drama became a huge hit and was extended to season 2.
READ MORE: Lim Ji Yeon - Lee Do Hyun Relationship: 'The Glory' Stars Confirmed to Be Dating
Interestingly, this is Lim Ji Yeon's next project after "The Rose Mansion."
As for her life after "The Glory" season 2, the actress is set to headline back-to-back series - " A House With A Yard" with Kim Tae Hee and "National Death Penalty Vote" together with Park Hae Jin.
Ahn Bo Hyun in 'Itaewon Class'
From playing supporting roles in "Descendants of the Sun" as one of the members of Song Joong Ki's Alpha Team playing the role of Park Min Young's brother in "Her Private Life," Ahn Bo Hyun changed his image after playing the villain role in "Itaewon Class."
The actor showcased his versatility as he took the role of Jang Geun Won, the son of Jangga Group's chairman, who is entitled and obsessed with power.
In the webtoon-based series, he made sure to make Park Sae Ro's (Park Seo Joon) life a living hell.
After "Itaewon Class" Ahn Bo Hyun began to appear in lead roles - from "Kairos," to "Yumi's Cells," and "Military Prosecutor Doberman."
Heo Sung Tae in 'Squid Game'
As "Squid Game" took the world by storm, cast members skyrocketed their popularity, especially Heo Sung Tae who left a remarkable impression on viewers after portraying the villain role of gangster Jang Deok Soo a.k.a player no. 101.
His appearance in the Netflix series opened a lot of opportunities for the actor and even joined the cast of "The Silent Sea" followed by "Adamas," "Behind Every Star," "Big Bet" and more.
Uhm Ki Joon in 'The Penthouse: War in Life'
From theaters, Uhm Ki Joon also made a name for himself after headlining the hit makjang series "The Penthouse: War in Life."
He played the iconic role of Joo Dan Tae, who is obsessed with wealth and power.
Uhm Ki Joon played the role for three seasons and bagged the Best Actor trophy at the 2020 SBS Drama Awards.
