While most Korean celebrities knew what they wanted in life and studied under theater or film courses, these stars would have taken a completely different path.
Here are 5 K-drama stars whose college degrees will surprise you.
Kim Tae Hee
A Hallyu queen and one of the most beautiful faces in K-dramaland, Kim Tae Hee graduated from the prestigious Seoul National University with a degree in Fashion Design.
One fun fact about Rain's wife is that her wedding gown, which is a laced longsleeved mini dress, is co-designed by her alongside her stylist. According to Tatler Asia, she wanted a simple and "down-to-earth design" that anyone could wear.
READ MORE: Rain Details What He Loves About Kim Tae Hee
Namgoong Min
Before becoming one of K-drama's versatile actors, Namgoong Min finished his degree in Mechanical Engineering at Chung-Ang University.
At the time, he was heavily influenced by his parents. His father used to be a school principal, while his mother was a full-time housewife.
However, Namgoong Min took a different path and made his on-screen debut for the 2001 movie "Bungee Jumping of Their Own" with lead stars Lee Eun Joo, Lee Byung Hun, and more.
Now, he is considered as one of the bankable stars and recently bagged Daesang or the Grand Prize at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards.
Honey Lee
Before being Miss Universe 2007 third runner up and lead star of "One the Woman," Honey Lee studied Traditional Korean music and graduated with high honors.
After this, she received a PhD in Gukak, known as a traditional Korean instrument.
Music is not new in their household as Honey Lee's mother used to play gayageum, a traditional Korean musical instrument, and a professor of Korean traditional music at Ewha Woman's University.
Kim Ji Seok
Prior to his acting career, Kim Ji Seok held a degree in Foreign Studies, majoring in German at Hankuk University.
The "When the Camellia Blooms" star also got a master's degree in Cultural Contents Planning from Kyung Hee University.
Lee Seung Gi
Who would have thought that this South Korean heartthrob took up International Trade and Commerce at Dongguk University and at the same time, he was training to be a singer.
Interestingly, during his graduation, Lee Seung Gi received a Special Achievement Award.
Years after graduating and at the height of his acting and singing career, he returned to studies and got two master's degrees - one is in Marketing and Trade Theory, and the other in Finance and Cultural Contents.
However, he chose to enter showbiz and is now considered Hallyu's triple threat with his singing, acting, and hosting skills.
