5 Top South Korean Stars Celebrating 20 Years of Acting Debut, Potential Legends

Kapanlagi.com - Every year, the entertainment industry in South Korea always manages to produce trending dramas that are loved by fans from various countries. Although there are now many new actors emerging, and even quite a few idols who show their acting talents, the senior stars in the KDrama industry should not be forgotten.

Their acting quality is unquestionable, a series of successful drama titles in the market, and achievements that cannot be taken lightly. Like these 5 top KDrama stars whose comebacks on the screen are always awaited by loyal fans at home. Did you know that this year they are celebrating their 20th debut anniversary? Will they become legends? Who are these figures?

1. Kim Tae Hee

Credit: Story J Company

Starting her career in the modeling world at the age of 21, Kim Tae Hee made her acting debut in a film titled LAST PRESENT starring Lee Jung Jae and Lee Young Ae in 2001. Although she only had a small role, playing the younger version of the main character, it cannot be denied that this opportunity changed Kim Tae Hee's life and led her to her current position.

Her name started to be recognized when she starred in the drama STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN alongside Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo. Playing the disliked second lead character, this actually proved her acting skills. Her career as an actress skyrocketed as she starred in other hit dramas such as LOVE STORY IN HARVARD, IRIS, YONG-PAL, and HI BYE MAMA which aired in 2020.

2. Shin Min Ah

Credit: Elle Singapore

Starting as a commercial and music video model, Shin Min Ah ventured into the acting world by starring in a film titled VOLCANO HIGH in 2001. What's even cooler, she even immediately got the female lead position in the film that brought her together with other top Korean stars, such as Jang Hyuk, Kim Su Ro, Kwon Sang Woo, and Gong Hyo Jin.

Her name shines even brighter since starring in A LOVE TO KILL with Rain. After that, various film and KDrama offers continue to emerge, such as MY GIRLFRIEND IS A GUMIHO, OH MY VENUS, CHIEF OF STAFF, and her latest film titled DIVA.

3. Im Soo Jung

Credit: Instagram/soojunglim_

The 41-year-old actress known for her baby face started her acting career as one of the female leads in the drama SCHOOL 4 in 2001. Her name began to attract attention since starring in the drama SORRY, I LOVE YOU with So Ji Sub. Throughout her 20 years in the acting industry, Im Soo Jung has been more involved in film projects compared to dramas.

4. Namgoong Min

Credit: Instagram/min_namkoong

His debut in the film BUNGEE JUMPING OF THEIR OWN marked the beginning of Namgoong Min's acting career in 2001. Since then, he has been actively involved in many dramas and his name has been recognized as one of the best actors in Korea, along with the success of his various projects. Some of his notable works include DOCTOR PRISONER, HOT STOVE LEAGUE which earned him the Daesang award in 2020, and his latest drama BLACK SUN. So, which drama would you like to see Namgoong Min in next?

5. Gong Yoo

Credit: Instagram/management_soop

Last but not least, there's Gong Yoo who is also celebrating his 20th anniversary in the acting industry. He made his acting debut with a small role in the drama SCHOOL 4. He started gaining attention when he starred in the drama COFFEE PRINCE alongside Yoon Eun Hye in 2007. Gong Yoo's career has been flourishing with the success of the films and dramas he has starred in. Some of his notable works include TRAIN TO BUSAN, GOBLIN, and the upcoming THE SEA OF SILENCE which is highly anticipated by his loyal fans.

After 20 years of being involved in the acting industry with a series of remarkable works, these top Korean stars are truly amazing, KLovers. Which comeback are you most excited for?

(kpl/wri)