Every year, fans welcome a slew of rising Kdrama actors and actresses in Hallyu with their show-stopping performance in a particular series.
As the year is about to close its chapter, here's a rundown of Kdrama's biggest breakout stars this 2021.
Jung Ho Yeon
This year, one of the most remarkable newcomers is none other than the "Squid Game" star Jung Ho Yeon.
Not only did she play her badass character, Kang Sae Byeok, with such perfection, but would you believe that the Netflix series is her first-ever appearance on the small screen?
After her role in the nine-part episode Kdrama, Jung Ho Yeon is reaping the rewards of her success after landing major endorsements such as Adidas, Louis Vuitton and her latest, Calvin Klein.
Wi Ha Joon
Another "Squid Game" cast who made it to our list is Wi Ha Joon.
There's no denying that the 30-year-old actor is the newest heartthrob in the Hallyu world.
He captivates the viewers not just with his impressive portrayal of police officer Hwang Jun Ho but also because of his charm and, as a bonus, his perfectly chiseled abs, which was seen on the cover of Men's Health magazine Korea.
The Netflix series definitely skyrocketed his fame which also translated into his social media followings.
As of this writing, Wi Ha Joon Instagram now has 9.3 million followers and counting.
Jeon Yeo Bin
The top-billed Kdrama "Vicenzo" would not be complete without Jeon Yeo Bin.
Apart from Song Joong Ki being the male protagonist, what made the revenge drama enjoyable was the character of Hong Cha Young, the feisty lawyer played by the 32-year-old beauty.
Although she has been in the industry since 2015 after starring in the period drama movie "The Treacherous," it was her Kdrama with the Hallyu star that catapulted her fame and received an overwhelming response globally.
Now, she is set to return to the small screen with her upcoming mystery sci-fi series "Glitch" with Lee Dong Hwi, Ryu Kyung Soo and "Oh My Ladylord" star Nana.
Han So Hee
From one South Korean beauty to another, the next Kdrama breakout actress 2021 is Han So Hee.
She gained popularity in the mega-hit series "The World of the Married," where everyone loves to hate her character Yeo Da Kyung; however, this year was remarkable for the actress since she headlined two top-rating series.
First is the webtoon-based Kdrama "Nevertheless" with Song Kang, followed by Netflix's "My Name," which is her first-ever action series, where she received a positive response from the public praising her notable stunts.
After her two series, Han So Hee's new drama coming in 2022 is music romance Kdrama "Why Did You Come to My House" and "Hard Creature" with Park Seo Joon.
READ MORE: Netflix 'My Name' Season 2: Will Han So Hee's New Drama Possibly Return for a Sequel?
Ahn Bo Hyun
Like Han So Hee, her "My Name" co-star is considered among the breakout Kdrama actor 2021 as the 33-year-old celebrity finally got the recognition he deserved.
Although his villain role in "Itaewon Class" might be his claim to fame, this year, he showed that he has this leading man material through the webtoon series "Yumi's Cells" and the Netflix revenge series "My Name."
In addition to this, Ahn Bo Hyun recently confirmed his appearance as the male protagonist in "Military Prosecutor Do Bae Man" with Jo Bo Ah.
Tang Jun Sang
Last but definitely not the least is Tang Jun Sang.
After his supporting role in "Crash Landing on You," the 18-year-old actor wowed the viewers with his acting skills and "Move to Heaven" with Lee Je Hoon.
It was this Netflix original series where he earned praise from the public after taking the role of Han Geu Ru, a 20-year-old with Asperger syndrome.
"Move to Heaven" opened a lot of opportunities for the actor and even landed another notable sports-themed Kdrama, "Racket Boys."
