All Rounders, 18 K-Pop Idols Who Also Succeeded in Their Careers as Actresses

Kapanlagi.com - The South Korean entertainment industry is indeed famous for its multi-talented individuals, where many K-Pop idols have brilliantly transitioned into the acting world. From the grand music stage, they step onto the screen and achieve remarkable success as actresses. Some names like Suzy, IU, and Yoona are clear evidence that their talents are not limited to music.

The success of these idols in acting is not just a coincidence, but rather the result of hard work and high dedication. With numerous dramas and films they star in, they not only entertain fans but also prove that they are talented actors.

Here, KapanLagi.com summarizes from various sources about K-Pop idols who have succeeded in their careers as actresses. Check out the complete information below, Monday (5/5/2025)!

1. K-Pop Idols Who Shined Immediately Through Their First Leading Roles

Jisoo BLACKPINK's acting debut (Image by mydramalist)

These idols immediately caught the public's attention with their strong acting debuts as lead characters.

Jisoo (BLACKPINK)

Her acting debut in Snowdrop (2021) as Eun Young-ro, a college student involved in a love story and political conflict, successfully attracted public attention. Jisoo's charming performance and deep acting left many impressed.

IU

In My Mister (2018), IU played Lee Ji-an, a young woman facing various life difficulties. Her emotional relationship with a middle-aged man in this drama is very touching and earned her numerous awards.

Jo Yuri (IZ*ONE)

Jo Yuri appeared in Mimicus (2022), a drama depicting the lives of students at an art school. She will also appear in Squid Game 2 (2024), showcasing that she is a rising star.

Minju (IZ*ONE)

Minju stars in Hear Me: Our Summer (2024), a film adaptation of a Taiwanese work. The teenage love story depicted in this film successfully captured the attention of young audiences.

2. K-Pop Idols Consistently Active in the Acting World

Eunji in the drama Reply 1997 (Image by Prime Video)

These names are known to consistently appear on screen with a series of popular dramas year after year.

Jung Eunji (Apink)

Eunji made her acting debut in Reply 1997 (2012) and has remained active with interesting roles. Her latest drama, Work Later, Drink Now (2021–2023), has also garnered a lot of attention.

Seolhyun (AOA)

Seolhyun has appeared in various drama genres, such as Orange Marmalade (2015) and My Country: The New Age (2019). Her acting flexibility makes her one of the actresses to watch.

Sooyoung (Girls’ Generation)

Sooyoung starred in dramas like Run On (2020) and If You Wish Upon Me (2022). The deep character development in these dramas showcases her abilities as an actress.

Han Sunhwa (SECRET)

Sunhwa demonstrated her acting skills in the dramas Work Later, Drink Now (2021–2023) and Pilot (2024). She is further establishing her career as a talented actress.

3. Successful K-Pop Idols Through Viral Dramas

Kwon Nara in the drama Itaewon Class (Image by mydramalist)

Their popularity skyrocketed thanks to their roles in dramas that became national and international highlights.

Kwon Nara (Hello Venus)

Kwon Nara gained widespread attention through her role in Itaewon Class (2020), which became one of the most popular dramas of that year. Her strong performance made her a hot topic among drama fans.

Yeonwoo (MOMOLAND)

Yeonwoo appeared in The Golden Spoon (2022) and The Tale of Lady Ok (2024). Her performances further solidified her position as an actress to watch.

Krystal (f(x))

Krystal showcased her acting skills in dramas such as Prison Playbook (2017) and Crazy Love (2022). The positive response from viewers indicates that she is a talented actress.

4. K-Pop Idols Who Appeared in Korean Fantasy and Thriller Dramas

Gyuri When the Phone Rings (Image by mydramalist)

Showing acting flexibility through challenging and unusual genres.

Jang Gyuri (Formerly fromis_9)

Gyuri caught attention through her role in psychological and mystery dramas such as It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020) and When the Phone Rings (2024). Her deep acting makes her one of the stars to watch.

Nana (After School)

Nana starred in dramas with fantasy and thriller elements like Glitch (2022) and Mask Girl (2023). Her bold performance showcases a different acting side than usual.

Naeun (Formerly Apink)

Naeun appeared in medical and fantasy genre dramas, including Cinderella with Four Knights (2016) and Ghost Doctor (2022). Her ability to adapt to various genres makes her shine even more.

5. Second and Third Generation K-Pop Idols Who Became Role Model Actresses

Yoona's acting in the drama King the Land (Image by Netflix)

They are not only known in the K-Pop world, but are also considered inspirational in the acting world.

Yoona (Girls’ Generation)

Yoona continues to shine in popular projects such as Big Mouth (2022) and King the Land (2023). Her consistency as an actress makes her a role model for many other idols.

Hyeri (Girl’s Day)

Hyeri has built her identity as a talented actress through various roles, including in Reply 1988 and My Roommate is a Gumiho (2021). She has proven that she is more than just an idol.

Suzy (miss A)

Suzy balances idol charm and character depth on screen with roles in While You Were Sleeping (2017) and Anna (2022). This showcases her impressive acting ability.

Seo Hyunjin (M.I.L.K)

Seo Hyunjin is known for her emotional and complex acting in dramas such as Let’s Eat (2013) and Why Her? (2022). She has become one of the most respected idols in the acting world.

(kpl/sfa)