Korean dramas are currently populated by an array of K-pop idols-turned-actors. Directors often come under fire for selecting these stars, known as acting idols, over actors who are solely dedicated to the craft. The growing trend has led to interesting results, particularly when an acting idol is cast in a role which requires singing or musical talent.
In 2015, Korean pop stars are leading several high-profile dramas. After School's UEE and Park Hyung Sik of ZE:A are main cast members in the upcoming romantic comedy, "High Society." IU is currently starring as Cindy, a disenfranchised pop star, on "Producer." B1A4's Jinyoung is conspicuously cast in a supporting role in the Hong Sisters' series, "Warm and Cozy." INFINITE's Hoya also appears in a supporting role, in the hit melodrama, "Mask."
Two of the most popular teen dramas of 2015 are led by K-pop stars. BtoB's Yook Sungjae experienced his breakout acting role in "Who Are You: School 2015," which subsequently led to an opportunity to appear on "We Got Married." On "We Got Married," he will join CNBLUE's Lee Jong Hyun, who is also experiencing success in his first leading role. Lee currently stars as a downtrodden teen vampire in the supernatural series, "Orange Marmalade." The cast of "Orange Marmalade" is led by AOA's Seolhyun, who incorporates her vocal and guitarist skills into her portrayal of a self-loathing vampire.
While idols like JYJ's Yoochun, D.O of EXO, and B1A4's Baro have been praised for their transition to acting, others have not fared as well. Hyeri of Girl's Day is currently facing criticism, following her casting as the leading female in "Reply 1988." "Reply 1988" is the third installment in the popular "Reply" series. Hyeri is not the first idol to lead the cast of "Reply." "Reply 1997" launched the acting careers of A Pink's Jung Eun Ji, solo vocalist Seo In Guk and INFINITE's Hoya. Also, the second installment in the series, "Reply 1994," featured B1A4's Baro and Min Do Hee.
Audiences and critics continue to analyze the casting of pop stars like Hyeri, but the acting idol trend appears to be unstoppable. Here are 6 Korean dramas that helped to lead the acting idol phenomenon.
1. "Full House"
"Reply 1997" is responsible for the successful acting careers of Seo In Guk, A Pink's Jung Eun Ji, and INFINITE's Hoya.
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing writer for Kpopstarz, KDramastars, MTV Iggy and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
