It's true that idols are often cast in dramas to attract k-pop fans but that does not mean they won't turn out to be great actors. In the past few years several idols-turned-actors have impressed audiences with their talent and on the process racked up some acting awards. This year's Baeksang Awards include four idol-actors in the Best New Actor category.
That's four out of five contenders.
The candidates for Best New Actor in a drama are ZE:A's Im Si Wan, ZE:A's Park Hyung Sik, EXO's D.O. aka Do Kyun Soo and former MBLAQ member Lee Joon.
Im Si Wan is nominated for his role as the former badul player and determined office worker Jang Geu Rae in the workplace drama "Misaeng." The drama became a surprise hit because so many young professionals identified with the struggles faced by the smart and yet unprepared Jang Geu Rae. Before that drama, Im Si Wan also scored a hit playing brother to Lee Bum Soo and Kim Jae Joong in "Triangle."
His band mate Park Hyung Sik was nominated for his role as Cha Dal Bong in "What Happens to My Family." Since his breakout role in "Nine: Nine Time Travels," the young actor also appeared in "The Heirs" and "Persevere, Goo Hae Ra." He has landed a role in the upcoming drama "Chaebol's Daughter"
EXO's D.O. was nominated for his role as Han Jung Woo, Jo In Sung's delusional alter ego in "It's Okay That's Love." He appeared in the 2014 film "Cart" and may have a small role in the upcoming drama "Hello Monster."
Lee Joon won a nomination for his role as the conscientious teenage dad in the drama "Heard It Through The Grapevine." The 27-year-old previously won a best new actor award for his work in the film "Rough Play" at the 1st Wildflower Film Awards in 2014. He appeared in the dramas "Mr. Baek" and "Gap Dong."
The fifth and only non-idol contender for the Best New Actor award is Kim Dae Myung, who played Im Si Wan's more seasoned co-worker in "Misaeng."
JYJ member and idol-turned-actor Park Yoo Chun is also up for an award. He has been nominated for Best New Actor in the film category for his work in the film "Sea Fog."
The ceremony will take place at Seoul's Kyung Hee University on May 26, 2015, with broadcast on jTBC.
