China's Sina Entertainment selected seven up-and-coming Korean actors as the "new gods" of Hallyu.
The domestic outlet TV Report explored the actors who were included in the report, which compared the rising stars to previously named Korean "god," Kim Soo Hyun.
While the 27-year-actor may be incomparable, Sina Entertainment compiled a list of his potential successors, including Park Seo Joon, Yoo Ah In, Nam Joo Hyun, BtoB's Yook Sungjae, Seo Kang Joon, Lee Won Keun, and Ryu Jun Yeol.
The celebrities included in the compilation were noted for their impact on Chinese audiences and increased acclaim, throughout the region.
Park Seo Joon, who experienced explosive success in 2015, following his starring roles in rating hits "Kill Me, Heal Me" and "She Was Pretty," topped the list.
Park made his silver screen debut in the baseball flick, "Perfect Game." He appeared in several supporting roles in dramas including "Dream High 2," before his notable turn as the male lead in tvN's romantic comedy, "A Witch's Romance," the 2014 Uhm Jung Hwa series which was based on the Taiwanese drama, "My Queen."
He followed with a cameo in "Mama" before winning the hearts of viewers as Oh Ri On, the adoptive sibling of Hwang Jung Eum in the psychological drama, "Kill Me, Heal Me." The on-screen pair then tackled romance in the MBC breakout series, "She Was Pretty," where Park portrayed Ji Sung Joon, a successful fashion editor.
Over the past year, Yoo Ah In successfully transitioned from his wholesome, boy-next-door persona to tackle the loathsome role of Jo Tae Oh in the Ryoo Seung Wan blockbuster, "Veteran." The followed with his portrayal of the ill-fated Crown Prince Sado in "The Throne," before taking on the hit period drama, "Six Flying Dragons."
Nam Joo Hyun and BtoB's Yook Sungjae were the breakout stars of the KBS2 teen drama, "Who Are You: School 2015."
The latest installment in the popular "School" series featured Nam, who previously appeared in the tvN fantasy series, "Surplus Princess," as a high-profile swimmer who was pitted against the BtoB member, who delivered a notable turn as the conflicted heir, Gong Tae Kwang.
Nam returns to K-Drama in 2015 for the highly-anticipated adaptation of the popular web comic, "Cheese in the Trap."
Ryu Jun Yeol was noted for his rise to fame due to his nuanced portrayal of Kim Jung Hwan in "Reply 1988." He debuted in the technological commentary film, "Socialphobia," and followed with a role in the coming-of-age movie, "Glory Day."
5urprise's Seo Kang Joon and Lee Won Keun rounded out Sina Entertainment's list of potential successors for the title of Korean "gods."
Seo Kang Joon is included in the cast of "Cheese in the Trap" and Lee Won Keun increased his fan base with his appealing role in the cheerleading drama, "Sassy, Go Go."
Previous actors to receive the honorable title of Korean "gods" include Lee Min Ho, whose lucrative endorsements and position as an honorary ambassador of the 2018 Olympics exemplify his impact as a significant Hallyu star.
