List of Beautiful Korean Artists Who Have Dressed as Boys in Dramas

Several Korean dramas present unique storylines with female characters disguising themselves as males. These transformations are not only exciting to watch but also showcase the incredible acting skills of the actresses.

In these dramas, beautiful Korean artists successfully deceive other characters and the audience with convincing masculine appearances and gestures.

Here is a list of Korean artists who have played male characters and made their dramas unforgettable.

1. Park Minyoung in Sungkyunkwan Scandal (2010)

Illustration of Drama Poster (Image by mydramalist)

Park Minyoung successfully captured attention through her role as Kim Yoon Hee, a smart girl who disguises herself as a boy to pursue higher education. Set in the era of the Joseon Dynasty, Kim Yoon Hee faces gender discrimination and poverty, forcing her to pretend to be a man to take the entrance exam for Sungkyunkwan.

Her transformation is so convincing that many viewers forget that the character Kim Yoon Shik is actually female. Park Minyoung admits that this is one of the most challenging roles of her career.

2. Sulli in To The Beautiful You (2012)

Drama Poster Illustration (Image by Prime Video)

The late Choi Jin Ri, or Sulli, captivated audiences as Goo Jae-hee, a Korean-American girl who disguises herself as a boy to enter Genie High School. Her goal is to support her idol, high jump athlete Kang Tae-joon.

This drama is an adaptation of the popular Japanese manga "Hana Kimi", featuring many funny and touching moments from Jae-hee's struggle to maintain her disguise. Viewers are both frustrated and entertained by the interactions between Sulli and Minho from SHINee.

Sulli showcased the perfect blend of comedy and emotion, making her drama memorable even to this day.

3. Park Shin Hye in You're Beautiful (2009)

Drama Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Park Shin Hye plays a dual role as Ko Mi Nyeo and Ko Mi Nam, twin siblings in this popular musical drama. When Ko Mi Nam gets injured, Ko Mi Nyeo is forced to disguise herself and join the band A.N.Jell in place of her brother.

Park Shin Hye's acting is very natural, especially when interacting with the band members who do not know her true identity. Her chemistry with Jang Geun Suk is a highlight of this drama.

4. Yoon Eun Hye in Coffee Prince (2007)

Drama Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Go Eun Chan, the character played by Yoon Eun Hye, is a tomboy who pretends to be a man to work in a coffee shop. This character is beloved for her sincerity and her struggle to support her family.

This drama became an icon in the disguise genre because it carries a strong message about gender and unconditional love. The chemistry between Go Eun Chan and Han Gyeol (Gong Yoo) also made many viewers emotional.

Yoon Eun Hye is referred to as a pioneer in the role of women disguising as men in modern K-dramas.

5. Moon Geun Young in Painter of the Wind (2008)

Drama Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Moon Geun Young plays Shin Yun-bok, a young painter who disguises herself as a man to uncover her father's murderer and pursue an art career. This drama is based on a historical fiction novel and highlights the world of painting during the Joseon era.

Moon Geun Young's performance is stunning, even winning the Best Actress award at the SBS Drama Awards 2008. Her interactions with Park Shin Yang as a mentor also strengthen the emotional and intriguing narrative.

6. Park Gyuri in Nail Shop Paris (2013)

Drama Poster Illustration (Image by mydramalist)

Gyuri from the group KARA plays Hong Yeo Joo, an online novel writer who disguises herself as a man to work at a male-exclusive nail art shop called Paris. Her character is unique and brings the world of nail art to the forefront of the story.

This drama showcases the dynamics between Yeo Joo and the other male employees, who gradually become suspicious of her true identity. Although not a mainstream drama, Gyuri's transformation still captures attention.

Gyuri's performance demonstrates her bravery in exploring unusual genres and characters.

(kpl/khs)