12 K-Pop Idols Who Are Also Stellar Actors

There’s too much talent to handle.

K-pop idols know what it takes to put on a good performance, which could explain why so many have made solid careers in film and TV. With all the rehearsals and studio sessions idols have as members of world-famous groups, it’s hard to believe they can squeeze in any side projects. But their dedication to balancing music and acting simultaneously shows how passionate they are about both callings. If you want to know which stars are pulling double duty, here’s a list.

V made his acting debut in the historical drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth in December 2016. He and his fellow BTS member Jin sang a duet for the show’s soundtrack called "It's Definitely You.” Although he hasn’t starred in another project since then, V said in a May 2021 Rolling Stone interview he plans on acting more after he turns 30.

“Palette” singer IU has starred in various television series over the years, including Dream High, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, My Mister, and Hotel Del Luna. She was also in the Netflix web series Persona, which premiered in 2019, and had a leading role in the 2021 film Dream.

Jinyoung’s first role in a television show was in the 2012 drama Dream High 2, which had a star-studded cast featuring many other idols, including his fellow GOT7 bandmate JB. Since then, Jinyoung has acted in other series, like Legend of the Blue Sea and The Devil Judge.

Eunwoo started acting in 2014 — two years before debuting with Astro in 2016. His first role was in the drama film My Brilliant Life. Fans have also seen him in series like Gangnam Beauty and Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung.

After making cameos in The Producers in 2015 and Arthdal Chronicles in 2019, Jisoo is set to make her leading role debut in the drama Snowdrop. The show is rumored to premiere in June 2021, although a specific date hasn’t been confirmed just yet.

Krystal has been acting almost as long as she’s been a member of f(x). A year after debuting with the group in 2009, she had a supporting role in the MBC television series More Charming By The Day. Her résumé has grown a lot since then. It now includes over 20 titles, like My Lovely Girl, Prison Playbook, and Player.

Hyungsik is part of the nine-member boy group ZE:A, which went on hiatus in 2017 after being formed by Star Empire Entertainment in 2010. He’s acted in shows like Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, Strong Girl Bong-soon, and Suits.

Bae Suzy made her acting debut with the 2011 television show Dream High. After making a cameo in the show’s sequel series, Dream High 2, she went on to play other roles in dramas like While You Were Sleeping, Vagabond, and Start-Up.

Minho has been acting for over a decade. After debuting with SHINee in May 2008, fans saw him make a special appearance in the series My Precious You that October. His first official acting role, however, was for the 2010 drama Pianist. Since then, he’s starred in other shows like To The Beautiful You and Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.

After making cameos on shows like Cunning Single Lady and Entertainer, Nara got her first major acting role in the 2017 series Suspicious Partner. She’s since starred in more K-dramas like Your Honor, Doctor Prisoner, and Itaewon Class.

Three years after debuting as a member of Red Velvet in 2014, Joy landed her first leading role in the music-based drama The Liar and His Lover, which was a 2017 Korean adaptation of the Japanese manga Kanojo wa Uso o Aishisugiteru. Joy recorded several songs for the show’s soundtrack, including "I'm Okay,” "Shiny Boy,” and more.

Siwon’s first acting role was a cameo in the 2004 television series Precious Family. Since then, he’s starred in several films and TV shows like Dragon Blade, She Was Pretty, Revolutionary Love, and My Fellow Citizens!