What is fascinating about South Korean stars is how they are skilled not only in terms of acting, but also in various fields. Did you know that some of the most popular actors first started their careers as aspiring professional athletes?
Keep on reading to know more about the actors who once trained to become an athlete!
1. Ahn Bo Hyun
Ahn Bo Hyun, the actor who generated a lot of buzz after appearing in megahit series "My Name" and "Yumi's Cells," was once a professional athlete.
Prior to his acting debut, Ahn Bo Hyun was a professional and national boxer. He began his training in high school in order to get housing and food, and joined many amateur boxing competitions.
Because of his hard work, the actor won a gold medal at a national boxing competition. He quit the sport after getting injured. After which, he began his career in modeling and soon ventured into acting.
2. Lee Si Young
Another rocket puncher in the industry! South Korean actress Lee Si Young widened her career spectrum while acting.
She decided to take up boxing after getting professional training for her latest project, which was later canceled.
After bagging numerous awards, Lee Si Young became the first South Korean female celebrity to receive the title of "Korean Amateur Representative Boxer" at the "2013 National Athlete Contest."
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In 2015, she unfortunately retired early from boxing due to a dislocated shoulder that made her orthodox stance to a southpaw stance.
3. Song Hye Kyo
"Descendants of the Sun" star Song Hye Kyo once trained to become a figure skating athlete prior to her debut as an actress.
The actress spent years mastering the sport, but soon decided not to continue the training. She then joined the entertainment industry after being discovered by a talent agency.
4. Song Joong Ki
Song Hye Kyo's "Descendants of the Sun" co-star and ex-husband Song Joong Ki was once a national athlete, too!
The actor is a former national athlete for short track speed skating for over 12 years. He represented his hometown, Daejeon, at the nationals.
Sadly, Song Joong Ki injured his ankle which did not let him participate in the competition. Due to this, he decided not to continue his skating career.
In his recent dramas "Triple" and "Vincenzo," the top actor showcased his still alive talent in the arena as a skater. Watch it here:
5. Seo Ji Sub
The original "oppa" and top star Seo Ji Sub trained to become a swimmer when he was 10.
For 11 years, he mastered all the swimming, breathing, and competitive techniques of a swimmer. He even joined the national team and brought home the bronze at the Korean National championship in 1997.
When he became a celebrity, he stopped competing as a swimmer and just focused on his career.
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In spite of that, the 45-year-old star keeps his body lean and firm as an actor, model and singer.
KDramaStars owns this article.
Written by Elijah Mully.
