From Lee Min Ho to Song Kang: The Most Overrated K-Drama Actors Revealed – Is Your Fave on the List?

Tags

Within the fascinating realm of Korean drama shows, in which heartthrobs and lead stars sweep millions of fans away worldwide, not all stars live up to their fame and popularity. While some actors attain stardom due to their talent and charisma, there are some who get flak and criticism repeatedly for their lack of range and skills and for having an advantage in the industry merely due to their appearance and not their talent at all.

This listicle collates the most common name that keeps appearing as an 'overrated' actor on fan-voted polls on sites like Reddit and on MyDramaList and Quora-related threads and opinion pieces. Of course, all this remains a subjective interpretation and opinion—'beauty 'is in the eye of the beholder.'

1. Lee Min Ho
Coming in at the top of virtually all polls is Lee Min Ho. Fans gripe about his repeat performances as Cain chaebol protagonists who go from arrogant to lovable because of romance in shows such as "Boys Over Flowers" and "The Heirs."

His fans say that Min Ho doesn't have much range in his performances, which always tend to rely on his charm. Lee Min Ho received over 41,000 votes in the MyDramaList poll to come top in the most overrated drama stars.

Lee Min Ho
Merry Aesthetic Thailand

2. Cha Eun Woo
As an idol-actor from the group ASTRO, "his impressive looks tend to overshadow all else." His acting in shows like "True Beauty" and "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" has received criticism for "stiff expressions and lack of expressions" and the belief that "popularity comes from good looks, not acting skill." He came second in the survey, gathering a total of 29,015 votes.

Cha Eun Woo's X account
Cha Eun Woo's X account Cha Eun Woo's X account

3. Lee Jong Suk
Famous for his model-like looks and performances in W and Pinocchio, Lee Jong Suk is often termed as boring or hype, respectively. According to Reddit, his performances are boring, with all his fame being due to his looks rather thangist performances. It took him the same 202 votes, but he managed third position with 19,742 points.

Did You Know? Lee Jong Suk Started as a Part-Time
Did You Know? Lee Jong Suk Started as a Part-Time Worker at a Street Food Stall daum

4. Song Kang
The sudden rise to stardom for the multiple leads in "Nevertheless" and "Sweet Home" has sparked controversy, with fans questioning the basis for his multiple leads despite his wooden expression and lack of expression. The degree to which he received public support for this role can be calculated using 15,347 points generated by 158 fans.

Song Kang
Pinterest

5. Kim Soo Hyun
Although he has starred in critically acclaimed dramas such as "My Love From the Star," Kim Soo-hyun is also considered overrated for his inconsistent acting and bankable star power. In fact, Quora forums have identified him as "hyped beyond acting ability." Kim Soo-hyun received the fifth spot with 12,129 votes from 125 respondents.

Kim Soo Hyun
heraldcorp

6. Nam Joo Hyuk
People dislike Nam Joo Hyuk for playing clingy and weak characters in "Start-Up" and "Twenty-Five Twenty-One", thinking he is acting clingy and not mature at all. His appearance has also been cited for some of the characters he has portrayed. He ranked sixth in the rankings, gathering 11,582 votes from 119 voters.

Nam Joo Hyuk
Nam Joo Hyuk KDramaStars

7. Song Joong Ki
Post-"Descendants of the Sun," his roles in "Vincenzo" and other dramas have been described as having a formulaic pattern by his critics, considering he is playing safe and not taking risks. The charm of Song Joong-ki cannot be denied, but according to his critics, his charm is exaggerated. He was the seventh-ranked actor with 11,143 points and 115 votes.

Song Joong Ki
Song Joong Ki @hi_songjoongki / instagram

8. Kim Seon Ho
Making a dramatic splash with "Start-Up," Kim Seon Ho is criticized for his "good guy" roles and his ubiquity. Some supporters believe he is a fine but hardly spectacular enough actor to warrant recognition. Eighth place: 10,985 votes from 113 voters.

Kim Seon Ho
Disney+

9. Park Bo Gum
Loved for his role in "Reply 1988," Park Bo Gum has been accused of portraying the clean-cut image, as he seems to be typecast as the innocent hero with no sharp angles. Although he has real talent, it's considered overrated by some critics. He ranked ninth with 99 votes and 9,464 points.

Park Bo Gum
Osen

10. Lee Seung Gi
Wooden as he is in roles such as "Vagabond," he is panned for typecasting as reformed-spoiled roles in Lee Seung Gi. Posts in Reddit forums mention the fact that he lacks not only in acting but even in compensating for it because of his looks.

Lee Seung Gi
Lee Seung Gi To Quit Acting? Hallyu Star Dishes On Fatherhood, Career & More Arena Homme Korea
Join the Discussion

Latest News