When ZEA's Im Si Wan co-starred with Kang Ha Neul in "Misaeng, he looked years younger than his on-set office mate but at 26 he is actually two years his senior. He looked like a kid when standing next to Daniel Choi in "Expecting Romance," but Choi is only two years older than he is.
Because of his slender frame and fine features, Im Si Wan is one of those actors who will be offered teen roles well into his 30s.
Lee Jong Suk's baby face also lands him younger roles. When Lee co-starred with Daniel Choi in "School 2013," viewers assumed there was a decade of difference between their ages. Lee Jong Suk was only three years younger than Choi. Lee was cast as a teen student while Choi played a teacher.
Lee recently played a prodigy doctor in "Doctor Stranger" and a fresh-faced reporter in "Pinocchio." He has said that he is eager to take on more challenging roles but his offers may be limited by his boyish good looks.
"I want to do something more manly, too but I don't quite fit the requirement," said Lee Jong Suk in an interview with the Korea Herald. "A man's wrinkling face is awesome and they become more handsome with age. I want to be like that but my natural image doesn't quite fit."
Having rugged good looks that are considered more macho may also limit your choices. Daniel Choi was often cast as someone in his 30s when he was still in his 20s. Choi Jin Hyuk also suffered the same fate. He played Lee Seung Gi's immortal father in "Gu Family Book" and he's only 28. Lee Seung Gi is the same age.
Ahn Jae Hyun is another actor whose youthful good looks might limit his choice of roles. K-drama viewers were first introduced to Ahn Jae Hyun played Jun Ji Hyun's high school-aged kid brother in "You Who Came From The Stars." He will soon play a youthful looking immortal in the horror drama "Blood." The model-turned actor looks like he might be 17 but he turns 28 this July.
Other actors whose baby faces betray their real ages are Kim Jae Joong and Song Joong Ki. Kim Jae Joong is 29 but looks years younger even when playing an agent in "Spy. Song Joong Ki, who is the same age, has an innocent look that could land him roles at least eight years younger.
