Rising Star: Lee Tae Hwan

It can take a few roles as a supporting cast member for some young actors to get noticed. But a few rookie actors seem to stand out from the start.

One young actor attracting plenty of attention from fans is Lee Tae Hwan. The actor and member of the group 5urprise is currently starring in the MBC detective drama "Pride and Prejudice." He plays Kang Soo, the young investigator on Choi Jin Hyuk's team. His character is quiet but in the first few episodes has already demonstrated his caring nature by following prosecutor Baek Jin Hee from a distance to be sure she is safe.

Before Lee Tae Hwan turned to acting, he modeled. And even as a model he stood out. Like his fellow models-turned-actors Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin, Lee Tae Hwan won the rookie award at the Asian Model Awards.

And it seems he won't long have a career playing minor roles. "Pride and Prejudice" is his fourth drama in a year. He previously appeared in "After School Lucky Or Not" and "Wonderful Day in October." He also appeared in "High School King of Manners," playing one of Seo In Guk's best high school friends.

Lee Tae Hwan could technically be called an idol actor except that idol actors usually make music first and then sideline into acting. Lee Tae Hwan is part of the five member group 5urprise that has contributed to a drama soundtrack but has yet to release an album. The group was launched by the agency Fantagio in Sept. 2013. The members were selected through a Fantagio program known as "Actor's League," which discovers and nurtures actors. The group also includes Seo Kang Joon, Gong Myung, Yoo Il and Kang Tae Oh.

Lee's fellow 5urprise member Seo Kang Joon has enjoyed some success with appearances in "Good Doctor," "The Suspicious Housekeeper," and "Cunning Single Lady."

5urprise first acted together in the 12-episode drama "After School Lucky Or Not." The episodes of the mobile drama were only 15 minutes each and could be seen on smartphones and tablets. In that drama they played the members of a high school club. The club members bond and help a shy girl played by Kim So Eun.

The band released the single "Hey U, Come On" for the drama's soundtrack.

The band will debut its first album on Nov. 18. They will also hold showcases in Japan, China, and Thailand.