Top 20 famous male Korean actors every movie lover needs to know
Korean culture is widely known for creating beautiful dramas and movies. Genres of films in which beautiful Korean actors act are not limited only to love or family stories. There are various films, from criminal ones to horror. The actors perfectly cope with such versatile tasks, getting new admirers with each role.
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South Korean actors may not have the Apollo figure's physical strength, but they are gentle and sensual and do not hide their suffering or tears. Korea is also considered a country with the most handsome Korean actors that are very attractive in everything they do.
Top 20 famous Korean actors with names
This list of famous Korean celebrities includes old and young celebs. Have a look at some of the top Korean actors that you should not miss watching.
1. Lee Min Ho
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- Date of birth: 22 June 1987
- Age: 36 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Heukseok, Seoul, South Korea
Lee Min Ho began his acting career while in high school. He began by playing minor roles in several television dramas, such as Nonstop 5 and Recipe of Love. His career debut was in 2003, when he landed a major role in the EBS series Secret Campus.
Since his career debut, Lee Min Ho has been featured in other famous films and shows. He is one of the best Korean actors that will have you glued to the screen. The actor has also received several awards and endorsements. He is also a philanthropist who has been dedicated to helping others.
2. Ahn Sung Ki
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- Date of birth: 1 January 1952
- Age: 71 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Although Ahn Sung Ki may be an unfamiliar name to our younger generation, he has been the darling of the older generation for decades since he debuted as a child actor in the 1960s.
He has appeared in over 100 movies, making him even more prominent in the industry. Because of his ability to speak several foreign languages, UNICEF appointed Ahn as a representative, and his image is often seen in advertisements on planes travelling to Korea.
3. So Ji Sub
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- Date of birth: 4 November 1977
- Age: 45 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Yongsan District, Seoul
While growing up, So Ji Sub was a very insecure and introverted teenager. He is a professional swimmer who has won several bronze medals at the Korean National Games.
So Ji made his career debut in 1995 when he appeared in the sitcom Three Guys and Three Girls. As a famous model, he quickly became famous and took up other significant television roles.
He has appeared in several leading films and shows, such as The Throne, The Battleship Island, Confession and My Secret Terrius.
4. Hyun Bin
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- Date of birth: 25 September 1982
- Age: 40 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Hyun Bin is one of the most famous drama movie stars that have played an important role in various films. He became famous after playing in the 2005 romantic comedy My Name is Kim Sam-soon.
Since then, Hyun Bin has appeared in other leading roles in successful television shows and films such as Tears of Africa, Tears of the Earth, The Negotiation, Memories of the Alhambra and Crash Landing on You.
5. Lee Byung Hun
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- Date of birth: 13 August 1970
- Age: 53 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seongnam, South Korea
Lee Byung Hun is a famous Korean actor and singer. Lee Byung began his career journey in 1991 after making his debut in the television drama Asphalt My Hometown.
Some of his other films and shows are Iris, Diplomat Kosaku Kuroda, A Single Rider, The Man Standing Next and Here.
6. Kim Soo Hyun
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- Date of birth: 16 February 1988
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
He is one of the most-known Korean stars and is consistently ranked among the best and most popular actors. Kim Soo Hyun has also recorded some songs for the dramas he has starred in.
Kim became a household name in 2011 after starring in the teen musical drama Dream High. His popularity skyrocketed when he starred in the hit drama Moon Embracing the Sun as King Leehwon.
His famous films and shows include The Thieves, Secretly, Greatly, Miss Granny, Real, Hotel del Luna, Crash Landing on You, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, and That Night.
7. Seo In-guk
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- Date of birth: 23 October 1987
- Age: 35 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Yaeum, Ulsan, South Korea
Seo In-guk is one of the most beloved Korean drama actors. He is incredibly handsome and has challenged his talent by playing diverse roles. Seo In-guk made his acting breakthrough in Reply 1997.
Since his career debut, he has appeared in television series such as High School King of Savvy, Hello Monster, Squad 38, Shopping King Louie and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.
8. Nam Joo Hyuk
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- Date of birth: 22 February 1994
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Dongsam, Busan, South Korea
Nam started as a model and made a big break in acting soon after. Nam Joo-Hyuk has also endorsed several brands and worked as a philanthropist in donating to the less privileged.
His famous TV films include The Great Battle, The Bride of Habaek, Dazzling, Josée, Remember, The School Nurse Files, Start-Up and Here.
9. Park Bo Gum
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- Date of birth: 16 June 1993
- Age: 30 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Park is a famous Korean actor and singer. Park Bo Gum gained recognition for his diverse range of roles in film and television. Some of the films and TV shows he has appeared in include Runway Cop, Wonderful Mama, Youth Over Flowers and Love in the Moonlight.
10. Lee Seung Gi
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- Date of birth: 13 January 1987
- Age: 36 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Lee Seung-Gi is a South Korean actor, host, singer, and entertainer. He has had numerous hit songs as a singer. Lee Seung Gi gained further recognition as an actor and rose to popularity after playing lead roles in dramas like Brilliant Legacy, My Girlfriend Is a Nine-Tailed Fox, The King 2 Hearts, Gu Family Book, and You're All Surrounded.
11. Ji Sung
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- Date of birth: 27 February 1977
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Ji Sung's initial stage name was Choi Ji Sung. He is best known for his characters in Kill Me Heal Me, Doctor John, All In, New Heart, Protect the Boss and Secret Love.
12. Oh Ji-Ho
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- Date of birth: 14 April 1976
- Age: 47 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Mokpo-si, South Korea
Ji-Ho is famously known for his role in the television drama Couple or Trouble. Oh Ji-Ho has been a household name in Korean films for decades. Besides TV shows, he is famed for his Korean blockbuster films like The Grand Heist, Sector 7', and My Wife is a Gangster 3.
13. Song Seung Heon
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- Date of birth: 5 October 1976
- Age: 46 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seoul, South Korea
Song Seung Heon gained widespread fame and popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming one of the most well-known actors in South Korea and throughout Asia. Song Seung Heon is best known for his roles in Autumn in My Heart, East of Eden, My Princess, and Player.
14. Gong Yoo
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- Date of birth: 10 July 1979
- Age: 44 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Busan, South Korea
Gong Yoo's professional debut on TV was marked when he got his first lead role in SBS's Hello My Teacher in 2005. He gained popularity when he was cast in the romantic comedy Coffee Prince in 2007. Other popular television shows Gong Yoo has starred in include Train To Busan, A Man and Woman, and Finding Mr. Destiny.
15. Jung Ji Hoon
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- Date of birth: 25 June 1982
- Age: 41 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Seosan-si, South Korea
Jung Ji Hoon is a renowned South Korean singer, actor, and producer better known as 'Rain.' Jung Ji Hoon has starred in many award-winning movies and shows, including Ninja Assassin, Come Back Mister, My Lovely Girl, and Full House.
16. Lee Jong-suk
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- Date of birth: 14 September 1989
- Age: 33 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Yongin-si, South Korea
Lee Jong-suk has starred in over a dozen TV shows, including While You Were Sleeping, I Can Hear Your Voice, Romance Is a Bonus and Doctor Strange. Popular movies Lee Jong-suk has starred in include VIP, Hot Young Bloods, and No Breathing.
17. Yook Sung-Jae
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- Date of birth: 2 May 1995
- Age: 28 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Suji-gu, Yongin-si, South Korea
Sung Jae, a multi-talented artist known for his diverse roles as a singer, actor, entertainer, model, and presenter, achieved popularity at a young age. He has graced the big and small screens, starring in numerous award-winning Korean films and TV shows. Yook Sung-Jae notable works include All The Butlers, Plus Nine Boys, and Dae Jang Geum Is Watching.
18.Seo Kang-Joon
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- Date of birth: 12 October 1993
- Age: 29 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Gunpo-si, South Korea
In addition to his acting career, Seo Kang-Joon has garnered recognition for his singing abilities and has been a member of the band 5urprise since 2013. He has gained popularity for his memorable performances in dramas such as Cheese in the Trap, Entourage, Are You Human?, and The Third Charm.
19. Yoo Ah In
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- Date of birth: 6 October 1986
- Age: 36 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Nam-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Yoo rose to prominence with his role in the television series Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Yoo Ah In has since achieved widespread recognition for his appearances in critically acclaimed movies such as the period drama The Throne, the melodrama Secret Love Affair, and the action-packed blockbuster Veteran.
20. Choi Min-Ho
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- Date of birth: 9 December 1991
- Age: 31 years old (as of 2023)
- Place of birth: Incheon, South Korea
Choi not only acts but also raps, sings, performs as a dancer, hosts shows, and does radio gigs. Choi Min-Ho is popularly known for his roles in To The Beautiful You, My First Time, and Medical Top Team. His talents have earned him a significant following and recognition in South Korea and internationally.
Who are the most handsome K-drama actors?
Some of the most handsome K-drama actors include Lee Min Ho, Seo Kang-Joon, Gong Yoo, Kim Soo Hyun, Jung Hae In, Choi Min-Ho and Lee Jong-suk.
Who is the most famous actor from South Korea?
One of the most famous and internationally recognized actors from South Korea is Lee Min Ho. He gained widespread fame for his roles in popular dramas like Boys Over Flowers, City Hunter, The Heirs, and The Legend of the Blue Sea.
Who is the richest South Korean actor?
Kim Soo Hyun is regarded as the richest and one of the highest-paid Korean actors, with an amazing net worth of $1.2 billion.
These famous male Korean actors have left a significant impact on the Korean entertainment industry and have gained international acclaim.
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Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: mercymmbuthia18@gmail.com
Jackline Wangare (Lifestyle writer) Jackline Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng, where she has worked since mid-2021. She tackles diverse topics, including finance, entertainment, sports, and lifestyle. Previously, she worked at The Campanile by Kenyatta University. She has more than five years in writing. Jackline graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2019) and a Diploma in Marketing (2015) from Kenyatta University. In 2023, Jackline finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques and Google News Initiative course in 2024. Email: simwajackie2022@gmail.com.
