The controversy about idols getting roles in dramas will probably continue as long as there are idols and dramas. People who criticize the idea say that idols take roles away from real actors. They may argue that idols in a drama are just window dressing to lure k-pop fans. In some cases that may be true but quite a few idols have proven they can hold their own with veteran actors. The latest examples are Im Si Wan, who stars in "Triangle," Lee Joon currently appearing in "Gap Dong" and Baro, who recently appeared in "God's Gift - 14 Days."
Several recent dramas prove that idols have what it takes. Park Yoochun is already considered as much an A-list actor as he is a member of JYJ. Kim Jaejoong is reaping praise for his performance of a petty thug in "Triangle." Last year Suzy on acclaim for her role in "Gu Family Book." Chansung of 2Pm did a decent job in "Level 7 Civil Servant" and Ok Taecyeon" is winning positive reviews for his work in the weekend drama "Wonderful Days."
And viewers may forget that some of their favorite actors or actresses were singers once upon a time. That includes Yoon Eun Hye, who was in Baby V.O.X, and Gu Hye Sun who almost became a member of 2NE1.
This year several idols have earned the right to call themselves actors by taking risky roles that might alter the public perception of who they are. Kim Hyun Joong played a tough street fighter in "Inspiring Generation." MBLAQ's Lee Joon took a risk with his R-rated role in the film "Rough Play" and again with his not so likeable role in the drama "Gap Dong."
B1A4's Baro played the disabled Ki Young Gyu in "God's Gift - 14 Days." It was a far cry from his pretty idol boy image. But creating his sympathetic character was a risk worth taking as his performance in that drama is now up for a Baeksang Award.
The latest idol that seems to be succeeding at the transition from singing to acting is ZE:A's Im Si Wan, who won praise in the film "The Attorney" and plays Yoon Yang Ha in "Triangle." He's just playing a cold and superficial character. He did not have to get a less than glamorous bowl haircut as Baro did in "God's Gift - 14 Days.' Nor did he have to play someone evil like Lee Joon or be covered in fake scars like Kim Hyung Joon. But he holds his own on the set among plenty of veteran actors.
He follows in the footsteps of fellow ZE:A member Park Hyung Sik, who did a good job of playing the young Lee Jin Wook in last year's "Nine: Nine Time Travels."
