Korean drama stars continue to appeal to the vast Chinese market. There are more than 1.3 billion people living within the region, including residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Chinese fans are drawn to various aspects of Korean entertainment, but dramas like "My Love from the Star" and "The Heirs" have attracted a large number of the population to embrace other aspects of Hallyu (a phenomenon also called the Korean Wave).
Most of the top Korean stars in China received their start in dramas. Lee Min Ho is a prime example of an actor who has capitalized on his K-Drama success to build a lucrative career in film. He is easily identified as one of the most popular actors in China, with more than 27.6 million followers on Weibo.
Social media statistics can serve as a barometer for success in the region, but stars such as Jun Ji Hyun and Jang Nara have less Weibo followers but have demonstrated longevity in the Chinese market.
Here is a look at some of the most popular K-Drama stars in China.
Lee Min Ho has 27.6 million followers on Sina Weibo.
The breakout hit, "Boys Over Flowers," led Lee Min Ho towards pan-Asian stardom. His recent casting in the Korean-Chinese co-production "Bounty Hunters" exemplifies his popularity as a Hallyu star in Asia. A recent report also listed 2014 RE:MINO as one of the top 20 commercially successful tours in China. The only other Korean act to appear on the list was the powerhouse K-pop group, EXO.
Lee Joon Gi demonstrates that he is a top star in China with more than 16.5 million fans on Weibo.
Lee Joon Gi received attention following his role in the 2005 film, "The King and the Clown." In 2015, he returns to the silver screen with "Begin Again" and is starring in the upcoming supernatural period drama, "Scholar Who Walks the Night."
"My Love from the Star" catapulted Kim Soo Hyun into meteoric fame. ( 10.3 million Weibo followers)
Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun became were the K-Drama sensations of 2014, due to the success of "My Love from the Star." His breakout drama role in "Dream High" attracted attention from K-pop fans, due to its idol cast. He is so popular in China, advertisers, and K-pop stars flocked towards "Producer."
Park Shin Hye continues to deliver as one of the top K-Drama ingenues (8.7 million Weibo followers)
Park Shin Hye has appeared opposite some of the hottest actors in Korean entertainment. The 2013 teen drama, "The Heirs" continues to appeal to fans, who have tuned in to see the star interact with Lee Min Ho and Kim Woo Bin. Her ability to win the hearts of viewers continued with "Pinocchio," as she wooed Lee Jong Suk.
Park Min Young wows audiences in her action roles and period dramas (5.3 million Weibo followers)
Park Min Young is at her best in historical series and action-packed dramas. She shined in the 2010 period comedy "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" and was a compassionate presence in the series, "City Hunter." In 2015, she was the center of attention for her role in "Healer," opposite Ji Chang Wook. She and her co-star have continued to generate buzz in China. Her latest role in the mainland period series, "Braveness of the Ming" exemplifies her appeal to Chinese audiences.
Kim Woo Bin (4.9 million Weibo followers) and Lee Jong Suk (4.2 million Weibo followers) are friends who turned their modeling careers into pan-Asian success.
Lee Jong Suk and Kim Woo Bin have come a long way since appearing in the teen drama, "School 2013." Audiences flocked to Lee after his compelling role in "I Can Hear Your Voice," while Kim has become known for his portrayal of Choi Young Do in "The Heirs."
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramastars. She is also a contributing writer for 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).
