Im Siwan and Suzy demonstrate are the top acting idols in Korean entertainment, according to a recent study conducted with more than 40 industry leaders.
On November 1, TV Report published an article reflecting the results of the poll. Within the top five female and male K-pop stars who are considered leading actors, there were some newcomers, but few surprises.
ZE:A's Im Siwan led the list of male stars with 49 points in the poll. He appeared in several supporting and cameo roles before receiving his breakout character in the 2013 film, "The Attorney." He followed with his portrayal of Jang Dong Woo, the wealthy younger brother of Kim Jae Joong in "Triangle." However, his profile with domestic audiences drastically increased with his turn in the tvN office series, "Misaeng."
Yook Sungjae of BtoB placed second on the list with 27 points. He landed on the radar of K-Drama viewers with his portrayal of Sooksookie in "Reply 1994," before attracting positive attention as Kang Min Gu, a lovelorn teen, in "Plus Nine Boys." While those were solid roles, he was catapulted to Hallyu stardom through his emotionally complex delivery of Gong Tae Kwang in the teen melodrama, "Who Are You: School 2015."
EXO's D.O. (Do Kyungsoo) landed in third place with 22 points. D.O. continues to gain momentum as one of the most dynamic male acting idols, who is capable of embracing emotionally fraught characters like his turn in "It's Okay, That's Love," as well as, taking on romantic roles like the upcoming film, "Pure Love."
ZE:A demonstrates their strength as a group that has top actors as the only group with two stars in top five section of the list. Park Hyung Sik, who captivated viewers as Cha Dal Bong in "What's Happening To My Family?" and Yoo Chang Soo in "High Society," placed fourth on the list with 16 points.
Choi Siwon of Super Junior capped off the top five male acting idols with 14 points. In 2015, he delivered a spectacular K-Drama comeback as comic relief and a hopeless romantic in MBC's hit series, "She Was Pretty."
In the female category, Miss A's Suzy maintained a significant lead with 51 points. She returns to acting with the pansori period film "Dorihwaga" and will have her K-Drama comeback opposite Kim Woo Bin in an upcoming romantic comedy.
A Pink's Jung Eun Ji, who wowed audiences in "Reply 1997" and "Trot Lovers," followed with 38 points. The popular acting idol currently stars in the KBS2 teen drama, "Sassy Go Go," where she portrays Kang Yeon Do, a cheerleader with a heart of gold.
Soloist IU was included on the list in third place. While solo artists are often debated as not falling within the acting idol category, she received 22 points. IU delivered a heartfelt performance as Cindy in KBS' hit weekend series, "Producer," channeling the emotionality of past roles including her stellar turn in "Dream High."
The list was completed by AOA's Seolhyun and Hyeri of Girl's Day, two female idols with debatable acting skills. Seolhyun placed fourth with 14 points while Hyeri capped off the top five list with nine.
In 2015, Seolhyun gained positive attention for her silver screen role in "Gangnam 1970," opposite Lee Miin Ho. She followed with a leading role in KBS' supernatural teen drama of "Orange Marmalade.
Hyeri kicked off the year in "Seonam Girls High School Investigation Club" and is on the precipice of her K-Drama comeback with "Reply 1988."
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Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor at KDramaStars. She is also a contributing music writer at KpopStarz, MTV Iggy and other publications. When she is not listening to "Rhythm Ta," she can be found on Twitter. (@retrogirladdy).
