From rising stars to veteran celebrities, the Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, have been dominating its neighboring countries - including Japan.
In the past years, K-dramas has reached a whole new level of audience, all thanks to various streaming platforms. With this, the rise of the Korean wave followed.
Japan Named the Top 10 South Korean Actors and Actresses
It came after the Japanese edition of Newsweek unveiled their top 10 South Korean actors and actresses.
The outlet introduces the celebrities by introducing their profiles, such as their filmography, and highlighting their claim to fame.
Making it on the list are Park Bo Gum, EXO's Do Kyungsoo, Kang Ha Neul, and Kim Woo Bin, who were among the actors that said to be mesmerizing the hearts of the Japanese viewers.
With that being said, here are 10 celebrities who are leading the Hallyu craze in the land of the rising sun.
Do Kyungsoo (EXO's D.O.)
Newsweek Japan introduced Do Kyungsoo as the EXO member who has piqued the interest of his fans due to his acting skills.
Moreover, it highlighted the singer-actor's breakthrough performance in the 2018 drama "100 Days My Prince," where he played Lee Yool, the Crown Prince, during the Joseon Dynasty.
Park Bo Gum
As for the "Seobok" star, he was described as the "popular top-class performer with a carefree smile."
The outlet mentioned Park Bo Gum's top-hitting dramas, including "Reply 1988," "Boyfriend", and his recent drama "Record of Youth."
Aside from his famous evening programs, the South Korean heartthrob recently starred in his first film after six years and worked alongside Gong Yoo.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Gong Yoo Reveals Details for Upcoming Movie 'Seobok' with Park Bo Gum
Kim Woo Bin
Newsweek Japan shared Kim Woo Bin's successful battle with nasopharyngeal cancer after he decided to take a break from his acting career.
"In 2017, he stopped working due to nasopharyngeal cancer while he was at the height of his popularity in the dramas "Gentleman's Dignity" and "Heirs" and the movies "Twenty Years Old" and "Master," the outlet mentioned.
On his comeback later in 2020, he is set to star in a new film, "Alien + People," as well as an upcoming drama, "Our Blues," together with Kim Woo Bin's girlfriend, Shin Min Ah.
Kang Ha Neul
Kang Ha Neul was also among the leading Hallyu stars who have been charming the Japanese fans with his "warm personality" that "oozes into his roles.
The 31-year-old actor's breakthrough performance is the 2019 KBS2 drama "When the Camellia Blooms Bloom," where he won the 2020 Baeksang Arts Awards Best Actor category.
IU
Aside from the four actors, singer-actress IU was also included in the list and was praised with her performance in "My Mister" and the popular 2019 drama, "Hotel del Luna."
Nam Ji Hyun, Song Kang, Kim Tae Ri, and more Join the Top Hallyu Stars in Japan
Capping off the top 10 Hallyu stars are Nam Ji Hyun, "Sweet Home" actor Song Kang, Shin Hye Sung, "The Handmaiden" actress Kim Tae Ri, who also ranked 1st in the "Most Notable Actress in 2021" and lastly, Park Yoona for her amazing portrayal in "Two Hearts," "SKY Castle," and "True Beauty."
READ MORE: Kim Woo Bin, Shin Min Ah Dating 2021: 2 Times Celebrity Couple Proved They are the Ultimate #RelationshipGoals
KDramastars owns this article.
Written by Geca Wills
