So many dramas seem to feature a scene in which the actors take a long leisurely stroll toward their goal, which is usually the woman they are about to confess their feelings to. It often looks as if the actors are strolling down the catwalk. But there's a reason for that. So many k-drama actors started out as models and their long lanky good looks are part of the appeal.
A good example is the scene in "Personal Taste" where Lee Min Ho finally decides to tell Son Ye Jin that it's "game over." He took so long to stroll over to her that viewers got a good look at every detail of the glossy suit he wore.
Models becoming actors is not a new trend. Song Seung Hoon, So Ji Sub, Cha Seung Won and Hyun Bin also started out as models. So did Jang Geun Suk, who began modeling as a child.
But the latest crop of models-turned-actors seems even longer and lankier. Sung Joon left modeling behind to appear in "Shut Up Flower Boy Band" and can now be seen playing the best boyfriend in "Discovery of Love." Slender stars Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin have channeled their model good looks into successful acting careers. Lee Jong Suk seems likely to star in the drama "Pinoccho" with Park Shin Hye. Kim Woo Bin can be seen in the film "Twenty."
Other new models-turned-actors include Lee Soo Hyuk, Ahn Jae Hyun, Kim Young Kwang andHong Jung Hyun.
Lee Soo Hyuk recently charmed audiences wit his supporting role in 'High School King of Manners" and may soon be headed for his first leading role. Hong Jong Hyun was seen in the 2NE1 video "Falling In Love" with Lee Soo Hyuk. He's had several drama roles, including in "Dating Agency Cyrano" and can now be seen in "Mama: Nothing to Fear." Ahn Jae Hyun had his acting first role in "You Who Came From The Stars" and was quickly snapped up for a supporting role in the cast of "You're All Surrounded." Long lean Kim Young Kwang towers over his romantic interest Se Yong in "Nine Pus Boys" but is sure to win the girl and future roles with his charismatic charm.
SBS Drama Department Director Kim Yeong Sup told Hancinema that viewers can expect to see even more models turn into actors in the near future as agencies are training models in acting skills,
"In the past, former model actors were only known for their good looks, but these days they learn how to act in their model agencies as well," said Kim. "Like Cha Seung Won, Lee Jung Jae and So Ji Sub, who are good examples, the new model-actors are expected to do well".
