The Hottest K-Drama Breakout Stars Of 2014: Actors
Talented actors like Choi Woo Shik, EXO's D.O, and Kim Young Kwang came into the spotlight in 2014. While Choi Woo Shik and Kim Young Kwang are not newcomers to acting, D.O (Do Kyung Soo) made a strong impression with his first Korean drama role.
Choi Woo Shik won over audiences through his role as Lee Yong, the half-brother of the temperamental chaebol Lee Gun (Jang Hyuk) in “Fated to Love You.” His comedic timing with Jang Hyuk and Choi Dae Chul, who portrayed Manager Tak, helped to elevate his supporting role. He is currently starring as Moon Hee Man, a haphazard prosecutor, in “Pride and Prejudice.” His playful spirit has infused light into the relatively dark crime drama. He received increased attention thanks to “Fated to Love You” but his previous roles also have merit. One of his funniest prior roles was that of Do Chi San, the eunuch, in “Rooftop Prince.”
Kim Young Kwang held a supporting role in the 2013 drama “Good Doctor” but really came into his own in 2014. His stirring portrayal of Kang Jin Gu in the tvN drama “Plus Nine Boys” made his storyline one of the most compelling of the year. The push and pull of his relationship with Ma Se Young (Kyung Soo Jin) led viewers on a journey right up to the drama's conclusion. Kim Young Kwang is leading the cast of the SBS drama “Pinocchio,” in the role of Seo Beom Jo. As Seo Beom Jo he incorporates the sweet appeal caused viewers to fall in love with him during “Plus Nine Boys.”
D.O of the K-pop group EXO successfully launched his acting career in 2014 with his role in the psychological drama “It's Okay, That's Love.” His portrayal of Han Kang Soo extended beyond the scope of a supporting role as the storyline began to unravel. He convincingly conveyed the fluctuating emotions of Jang Jae Yeol (Jo In Sung). D.O possesses the talent of contemporary actors like Lee Joon, who have transcended the constraints of the acting idol label.
Ahn Jae Hyun had worked as a model and also appeared in music videos, prior to 2013. Ahn Jae Hyun's breakout acting role was the Hallyu sensation “My Love From The Stars.” He was hilarious as Cheon Yoon Jae, the alien-obsessed little brother of Cheon Song Yi (Jun Ji Hyun). He went on to star in “You're All Surrounded” as rookie officer Park Tae Il. With two movies in 2014, “Fashion King” and “Wedding Bible,” Ahn Jae Hyun is on the road to become one of K-Drama's brightest stars.
