Turning 19 is a big deal in Korea because that's when you are legally considered an adult and can marry. And it's even more fun because you get to celebrate the day you reach adulthood with so many of your peers. Everyone who becomes 19 between certain dates reaches adulthood together on Coming of Age Day, which is celebrated on the third Monday in May.
The custom of assigning a special coming of age day dates back to 965 AD when a prince wore adult robes for the first time on his 20th birthday. Koreans used to be considered adults when they reached their 20th birthday but the law changed in 2013 so that this year it applies to anyone born between July 1, 1994 and Dec. 31, 1995.
The observation of Coming of Age Day fell out of favor in the 19th century only to be revived in 1973 with official ceremonies and celebrations. Those who turn 19 usually receive gifts such as jewelry, watches and toiletries.
So, which stars are celebrating today?
Perhaps the most famous k-drama star is Suzy Bae, who was last seen playing the role of Dam Yeo Wol in "Gu Family Book." The actress and member of the girl band miss A made an impression as an actress in the dramas "Dream High" and "Big" and in the film "Architecture 101."
Also celebrating adulthood today is Krystal Jung of f(x). The singer-actress has had supporting roles in a few dramas and got plenty of positive feedback on her first leading role in "The Heirs." In that drama she played Lee Bo Na.
Another celebrity that reaches adulthood today is Min Do Hee of Tiny G. She was last seen in "Reply 1994," playing Jo Yoon Jin but she also appeared in the films "The Tunnel" and "Secret Temptation."
You may remember actor Park Ji Bin as Geum Jan Di's baby brother Geum Kang San in "Boys Over Flowers." He's all grown up now and turning 19 today. He was last seen in the dramas "The Suspicious Housekeeper," "Incarnation of Money" and "May Queen."
Seolhyun of AOA comes of age today. She played Kong Na Ri in the drama "Ugly Alert" and Seo Eun Soo in last year's hit drama "Seo Young, My Daughter." She landed the enviable a role of Lee Min Ho's younger sister Kim Sun Hye in the upcoming film "Gangnam Blues."
