6 K-Dramas That Sparked The Acting Idol Trend
Korean dramas are currently populated by an array of K-pop idols-turned-actors. Directors often come under fire for selecting these stars, known as acting idols, over actors who are solely dedicated to the craft. The growing trend has led to interesting results, particularly when an acting idol is cast in a role which requires singing or musical talent.
In 2015, Korean pop stars are leading several high-profile dramas. After School's UEE and Park Hyung Sik of ZE:A are main cast members in the upcoming romantic comedy, "High Society." IU is currently starring as Cindy, a disenfranchised pop star, on "Producer." B1A4's Jinyoung is conspicuously cast in a supporting role in the Hong Sisters' series, "Warm and Cozy." INFINITE's Hoya also appears in a supporting role, in the hit melodrama, "Mask."
Two of the most popular teen dramas of 2015 are led by K-pop stars. BtoB's Yook Sungjae experienced his breakout acting role in "Who Are You: School 2015," which subsequently led to an opportunity to appear on "We Got Married." On "We Got Married," he will join CNBLUE's Lee Jong Hyun, who is also experiencing success in his first leading role. Lee currently stars as a downtrodden teen vampire in the supernatural series, "Orange Marmalade." The cast of "Orange Marmalade" is led by AOA's Seolhyun, who incorporates her vocal and guitarist skills into her portrayal of a self-loathing vampire.
While idols like JYJ's Yoochun, D.O of EXO, and B1A4's Baro have been praised for their transition to acting, others have not fared as well. Hyeri of Girl's Day is currently facing criticism, following her casting as the leading female in "Reply 1988." "Reply 1988" is the third installment in the popular "Reply" series. Hyeri is not the first idol to lead the cast of "Reply." "Reply 1997" launched the acting careers of A Pink's Jung Eun Ji, solo vocalist Seo In Guk and INFINITE's Hoya. Also, the second installment in the series, "Reply 1994," featured B1A4's Baro and Min Do Hee.
Audiences and critics continue to analyze the casting of pop stars like Hyeri, but the acting idol trend appears to be unstoppable. Here are 6 Korean dramas that helped to lead the acting idol phenomenon.
1. "Full House"
K-pop solo vocalist Rain debuted as an actor in 2003 but gained overwhelming popularity through his portrayal of Lee Young Jae in the pan-Asian hit, "Full House."
2. "You're Beautiful"
"You're Beautiful" is one of the primary K-Dramas that is cited by critics and fans, when discussing the acting idol trend. The 2009 Hong Sisters' drama helped to catapult CNBLUE's Jung Yong Hwa and FTISLAND's Lee Hong Ki into Hallyu stardom. Although, she appeared in a supporting role, UEE of After School, benefitted from her portrayal of a spoiled idol, in the drama.
Jang Geun Suk also successfully transitioned from acting to a career as a solo vocalist, following his portrayal of a rock star in the series. The impact of "You're Beautiful" extends past its effect on the careers of acting idols, as exemplified by the widespread popularity of Park Shin Hye.
3. "Dream High"
"Dream High" proved that idols could lead the main cast of a series, with the presence of several talented trained actors. "Dream High" starred Kim Soo Hyun, Miss A's Suzy, T-ARA's Eunjung, IU, alongside 2PM's Taecyeon and Wooyoung. The drama incorporated high-powered musical numbers and scripted stage performances, which highlighted the talents of its young acting idol cast. While he did not enter the series as a vocalist, Kim Soo Hyun emerged with strong skills, due to intense training with JYP Entertainment.
4. "To the Beautiful You"
The 2012 series, "To the Beautiful You" serves as a juxtaposition to dramas like "Dream High." "To the Beautiful You" was led by acting idols, but the series emphasized athletic prowess over musical talent. SHINee's Minho and f(x) member Sulli starred in the drama, along with Lee Hyun Woo and Kang Ha Neul.
5. "High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged"
"High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged" is the third installment in the "High Kick" series. "High Kick: Revenge of the Short Legged" starred Krystal of f(x) and WINNER's Kang Seung Yoon alongside Lee Jong Suk.
6. "Reply 1997"
"Reply 1997" is responsible for the successful acting careers of Seo In Guk, A Pink's Jung Eun Ji, and INFINITE's Hoya.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, KDramastars, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
