9 Current Top Korean Actors Who Almost Debuted as Idols

The South Korean entertainment industry is widely known for its high standards and fierce competition, both in acting and music. It is not uncommon for well-known stars, now recognized as top actors and actresses, to have backgrounds or early dreams that are quite different from their current career paths.

Several names of Korean actors and actresses who are currently at the peak of popularity were once on the verge of debuting as idols. Kim Min Kyu, for instance, is widely recognized after starring in various hit dramas, but who would have thought that he was once a trainee at a music agency.

Similarly, Park Shin Hye, who is now synonymous with the image of a sweet and talented actress, once underwent training in singing and dancing like a typical idol candidate. Curious about who the actresses are? Here is more detailed information compiled on Sunday (6/4/2025).

1. Kim Min Kyu

Current Top Korean Actors Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: mydramlist)

Many people know Kim Min Kyu through his roles in several popular dramas such as Business Proposal (2022) and The Heavenly Idol (2023). However, not many are aware that before firmly pursuing a career as an actor, he was once on a completely different path—as a K-pop idol trainee.

In an interview, Kim Min Kyu revealed that he once trained alongside trainees from the group SEVENTEEN. He even practiced for about a month, an experience that became an unforgettable part of his life journey.

2. Park Shin Hye

Current Top Korean Actors Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @ssinz7)

Park Shin Hye is known as one of the Korean actresses with a brilliant career from a young age. However, behind her successful career as an actress, Park Shin Hye was also prepared to become a singer.

This is not too surprising, considering she has a beautiful voice and has been trusted to sing various original soundtracks for the popular dramas she starred in. One concrete proof of her musical ability is her involvement in the musical drama You're Beautiful, where she showcased her vocal quality very well.

3. Kim Ji Won

Current Top Korean Actors Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @geewonii)

This actress is known for her roles in the dramas Descendants of the Sun and Fight for My Way, but before entering the acting world, Kim Ji Won actually underwent training to become an idol. She studied vocals and choreography as part of idol training, a process that is not easy and requires high dedication.

Nevertheless, her career path took her in a different direction, namely the world of acting, which now makes her known as one of the actresses with strong acting abilities.

4. Yoo Ah In

Top Korean Actors Right Now Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @actor.yooahin)

Yoo Ah In is an actor with a strong charisma and is known through intense and high-class drama and film projects, such as Hellbound (2021). However, who would have thought that before being recognized as a top actor, he almost became part of a five-member idol group. He trained as an idol for quite a long time, but because he did not pass several important evaluations, he ultimately decided to give up that dream.

That decision may have been difficult to make at the time, but ultimately it became a turning point in his life. The company he was under decided to debut him as an actor, and that step opened the way for great success for him. Now, Yoo Ah In is known as one of the most character-driven and bold actors in choosing roles.

5. Kim Min Jae

Top Korean Actors Today Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @kimminjae__ina)

Kim Min Jae, known for his cute face and warm demeanor on screen, actually started his journey in the entertainment world from the music industry. He was part of the first batch of trainees at CJ E&M and was initially better known as a rapper. In addition, he has a music education background and studied composition and piano at a music academy.

He then auditioned and underwent three years of training. However, those times were not always easy. Kim Min Jae admitted to experiencing a lot of pressure and difficulties during his trainee period. Feeling that he was more suited to and interested in acting, he eventually shifted his focus to the world of acting. Now, he successfully stars in various dramas and is known as a versatile actor who is also skilled in music.

6. Ahn Hyo Seop

Top Korean Actors Today Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @imhyoseop)

Ahn Hyo Seop may currently be known as an actor who captivates audiences in various popular Korean dramas, but few know that he almost became a member of the boy group GOT7. While he was in high school, he was recruited by JYP Entertainment and underwent training as an idol under the major agency. He even made it into the debut line-up, a position that is not easily achieved.

However, over time, Ahn Hyo Seop felt that he was not quite suited for the idol world. He felt less prominent in performance compared to other trainees and even considered his height a hindrance to fitting in with the group. Because of this, he decided to pursue a career in acting. This decision paid off, as he has now become one of the brightest young actors in the Korean drama industry.

7. Seol In Ah

Top Korean Actors Today Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @_seorina)

Seol In Ah, an actress who began to gain widespread recognition through various hit dramas, actually has a background as an idol trainee. She was once part of a group of trainees who trained alongside members of the legendary South Korean girl group KARA.

Although she did not debut with the group, her experience as a trainee provided her with valuable skills in discipline and hard work, which she later applied in the acting world. Now, she is known as a talented young actress with a cheerful character that captivates many fans.

8. Park Bo Gum

Current Top Korean Actors Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @bogummy)

Park Bo Gum is widely recognized as a Korean actor with a clean image and a warm personality. However, long before debuting as an actor, he aspired to be a singer. After graduating from high school, Park Bo Gum even sent a demo containing recordings of himself playing the piano while singing to several entertainment agencies. His intention at that time was to become an idol.

However, the agency he joined saw other potential in him and suggested that he try the acting route. Although he initially did not envision himself becoming an actor, Park Bo Gum tried to follow that direction. The result? He is now one of the most reputable actors in South Korea, with a plethora of successful drama and film projects under his name.

9. Lee Hanae

Current Top Korean Actors Who Almost Debuted as Idols (Source: IG @honey_lee32)

Lee Hanae, known to the public as an actress and former Miss Korea, also came close to debuting as an idol. She trained under YG Entertainment and almost became part of the famous girl group 2NE1. Although she ultimately did not debut with the group, that experience became an important part of her career journey.

Lee Hanae's career then evolved into modeling, acting, and eventually led her to win the title of Miss Korea. Now, she is better known as a multi-talented public figure with a career that spans various fields in the Korean entertainment industry.

(kpl/ses)