Korean Stars Take on Their First Villain Roles, Featuring Lee Chae Min and Jang Nara

Kapanlagi.com - The South Korean entertainment world always presents surprises, especially when top actors and actresses decide to step out of their comfort zones. Like this lineup of top Korean stars who finally got their first roles as villains.

These villain roles mark their transformation from usually playing protagonists. It’s no wonder that this change excites fans with their idols’ new appearances as antagonists.

From senior actress Jang Nara to rising actor Lee Chae Min, here is the roster of Korean stars taking on their first villain roles. Curious who they are? Check it out here, KLovers.

Read more articles on the same topic at Liputan6.com.

1. Jang Nara Appears Fierce in TAXI DRIVER 3

Jang Nara Appears Fierce in TAXI DRIVER 3 (credit: SBS)

Actress Jang Nara, who has been known for her protagonist roles and kind-hearted characters, is now taking on a different role. She has landed her first villain role in the SBS drama TAXI DRIVER 3. This role has garnered attention as it is very different from Jang Nara's soft and elegant image.

In the drama, Jang Nara plays Kang Ju Ri, a former member of a girl group who is now the CEO of the entertainment agency Yellow Star. However, behind the image of a successful businesswoman, she hides a dark side. Her character is portrayed as greedy and unafraid to manipulate those around her. Her goal, of course, is for her own benefit.

Jang Nara's role as Kang Ju Ri appears in episodes 9 and 10 of TAXI DRIVER 3. The drama TAXI DRIVER 3 premiered in November 2025 with an exciting storyline.

2. Lee Chae-min Becomes the Antagonist in CASHERO

Lee Chae-min Becomes the Antagonist in CASHERO (credit: Netflix)

The rising young actor, Lee Chae-min, also makes his villain debut in the Netflix series CASHERO. Previously, Lee Chae-min often played protagonist characters. It’s no wonder that this antagonist role is highly anticipated by his loyal fans.

In the drama CASHERO, Lee Chae-min plays Jonathan, the youngest son of the leader of the Criminal Association, an organization that targets superheroes to steal their powers. He is portrayed as a cruel character who does not hesitate to carry out his sadistic actions.

Meanwhile, CASHERO is a superhero-themed drama adapted from a popular webtoon of the same name. The drama CASHERO premiered on December 26, 2025, on Netflix.

3. Do Kyung-soo (D.O. EXO) Appears Terrifying in THE MANIPULATED

Do Kyung-soo (D.O. EXO) Appears Terrifying in THE MANIPULATED (credit: Disneypluskr)

Do Kyung-soo, also known as D.O. from the K-pop group EXO, is taking on the challenge of his first villain role. He appears as the main antagonist in the Disney+ revenge thriller series titled THE MANIPULATED. This role is a stark contrast to D.O.'s calm image, as he often plays protagonist characters.

In this drama, D.O. portrays Ahn Yo-han, a mastermind who manipulates situations to frame innocent people for the crimes of others. When his plans succeed, Ahn Yo-han finds pleasure in fabricating evidence and reconstructing crimes. As a result, he becomes a formidable enemy of Tae-jung (Ji Chang-wook). The drama THE MANIPULATED premieres on Disney+ on November 5, 2025.

4. Jinyoung GOT7 Becomes a Villain in HI-FIVE

Jinyoung GOT7 Becomes a Villain in HI-FIVE HI-FIVE (credit: mydramalist.com)

Jinyoung GOT7 is also stepping into his first villain role. This time in the action-comedy film HI-FIVE. Jinyoung, known for romantic dramas such as Yumi's Cells, The Devil Judge, and Our Unwritten Seoul, finally gets his first antagonist role.

In the film HI-FIVE, Jinyoung plays the character Young Chun, a cult leader who gains the power to absorb youth after a pancreas transplant. Driven by the desire for immortality, Young Chun hunts other organ transplant recipients to take their powers. This character showcases an ambitious and ruthless side that Jinyoung has not displayed before. The film HI-FIVE premieres on May 30, 2025.

5. Park Hyung-sik Becomes an Evil Spirit in TWELVE

Park Hyung-sik Becomes an Evil Spirit in TWELVE (credit: Disneypluskr)

Park Hyung-sik also takes on a dark role and his first villain role in the action fantasy drama TWELVE. After often appearing as a hero or beloved character, this role gives Park Hyung-sik the opportunity to explore a more complex and challenging side of acting.

In the drama TWELVE, he plays O-gwi, an evil spirit that symbolizes a crow. O-gwi was previously sealed by 12 zodiac angels, but rises again to bring chaos. This role becomes a serious threat to human life.

6. QnA Korean Stars Get Their First Villain Role

1. Which Korean stars have gotten their first villain role in the latest drama or film?

Some Korean stars who have gotten their first villain role in the latest drama or film include Jang Nara, Do Kyung-soo (D.O. EXO), Jinyoung GOT7, Lee Chae-min, and Park Hyung-sik.

2. In which drama or film does Jang Nara play her first villain character?

Jang Nara plays her first villain character as Kang Ju Ri, a greedy CEO of an entertainment agency, in the SBS drama TAXI DRIVER 3 which premieres in November 2025.

3. How is Do Kyung-soo's character in the drama THE MANIPULATED?

Do Kyung-soo plays Ahn Yo-han in THE MANIPULATED, a mastermind who manipulates to frame innocent people.

4. When will the film HI-FIVE featuring Jinyoung GOT7 as a villain be released?

The action-comedy film HI-FIVE features Jinyoung GOT7 as Young Chun, a cult leader with a desire for eternal life, premiering on May 30, 2025.

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(kpl/nlw)