The appeal of Korean dramas around the world remains on the rise, and with that wave rises a newfound interest in K-drama stars who can speak English fluently. Below are 10 Korean actors who also proved to be good in English:
1. Ryu Jun Yeol
Ryu Jun Yeol, known for his role in "Reply 1988," surprised viewers with his English skills on the travel-reality show "Youth Over Flowers." He took on group challenges and communicated with ease, highlighting his language proficiency. The actor also appeared in the melodrama "Lost" and is set to star in the mystery drama "Money Game."
2. Jang Geun Seok
Famous for series such as "You're Beautiful" and "Pretty Man," Jang Geun Seok honed his English in New Zealand while attending junior high school. His international appeal earned him the moniker "Prince of Asia." He was set to appear in the romance drama "Accidental Country Diary," though production was ultimately canceled.
3. Lee Ji Ah
A star of the hit series "The Penthouse: War in Life," Lee Ji Ah lived in the United States for 10 years starting in the sixth grade. She impresses fans with her English lines in "Penthouse" and is lauded for her clear pronunciation and poise in a second language.
4. Park Eun Seok
Park Eun Seok moved to the United States at age seven and returned to South Korea in his 20s to pursue acting. He completed mandatory military service despite being a U.S. permanent resident. His fluent, accent-perfect English can be heard in "The Penthouse: War in Life."
5. Krystal Jung
K-pop star Krystal Jung of f(x) was born in San Francisco and speaks English with ease. Her acting credits include "The Heirs," where she delivered several English lines. Look for her as a lead in the upcoming romance drama "Crazy Love."
6. Moon Ga Young
Raised in Germany, Moon Ga Young is trilingual, speaking German, English, and Korean. She impressed viewers on the variety show "Problematic Men" with her English, and on "Foodvengers," she showcased her German. She will appear in the fantasy mystery drama "Link: Eat and Love to Kill."
7. Cha Eun Woo
A member of ASTRO, Cha Eun Woo, gained attention on the show "Master in the House" for his strong English vocabulary. He has upcoming roles in the action film "Decibel" and the horror-thriller "Island," and was offered a part in "Sweet and Sour Chicken."
8. Lee Seung Gi
Singer, actor, and host Lee Seung Gi is often referred to as a "Triple Threat." He is proficient in Korean, Japanese, and English. In another "Master in the House" segment, he tackled an English-listening quiz with impressive results. His recent acting work includes the thriller drama "Mouse."
9. Rain
Internationally known for his Hollywood foray in "Ninja Assassin," Rain studied English under Lee Bum Soo's wife, a professional interpreter. Though pressed for time with only 100 days of training, he gave confident, fluent interviews in English. He currently stars in the medical drama "Ghost Doctor."
10. Ok Taecyeon
A singer-actor who spent his childhood in Massachusetts, Ok Taecyeon speaks English with an American accent. Audiences saw his English prowess in the popular series "Vincenzo." He most recently appeared in "Secret Royal Inspector and Joy" and is slated to star in the film "Hansan."
These stars demonstrate the growing global reach of Korean entertainment, proving that their talents extend well beyond acting.
