Actors Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Min Ho, and Lee Jong Suk are included in the top 10 of a recent poll which named the Most Liked Hallyu Stars in China. On August 26, the Korean outlet Newsen published the results of a poll conducted by the Chinese publication People's Daily, which was conducted from August 10 through August 18.
The results of the consumer and mobile online poll yielded a male-dominated list, which highlighted stars who have prominently appeared in K-Drama, film, K-pop and the variety sector.
Variety stars Yoo Jae Suk and Lee Kwang Soo were included within the top 10. K-pop idol groups that were listed as the Most Liked Hallyu Stars in China included Super Junior, EXO, Big Bang, Girls' Generation and CNBLUE.
A representative for the Korea Consumer Forum discussed the significance of the poll. "Awareness of popular Korean drama and music in China has been raised through beloved stars who obtained a number of votes to be named in the 'Brand of the Year Award,' Hallyu star sector," said the spokesperson for the Korea Consumer Forum.
In its 13th year, the Korea Brand of the Year Award, honors top consumer brands. In 2015, Chinese consumers were designated to select the top stars who have impacted the Hallyu Wave.
Actors that were included in the top 10 of the list are those who have held significant roles in popular dramas that have captured the attention of fans beyond Korea.
Kim Soo Hyun gained prominence with international audiences through his portrayal of Song Sam Dong in the 2011 teen musical drama, "Dream High." He followed with iconic roles in the heist film, "The Thieves" and his portrayal of a spy in "Secretly, Greatly." While his prior accomplishments are significant, audiences throughout Asia were drawn towards his role in the 2013 fantasy series, "My Love from the Star," which significantly raised his profile as a Hallyu star.
Lee Min Ho catapulted to stardom with his role as Gu Jun Pyo in the 2009 Hallyu hit, "Boys Over Flowers." He demonstrated his potential as an action star in "City Hunter," before leading the 2013 teen drama, "The Heirs." His portrayal of Kim Tan, opposite Park Shin Hye, placed him back in the spotlight. Lee demonstrated his potential as a film star in the 2015 crime flick, "Gangnam 1970" and is currently leading the 2016 Korean-Chinese production, "Bounty Hunters."
Lee Jong Suk transitioned from a career in runway modeling to emerge as a top Hallyu star. His portrayal of Go Nam Soon in "School 2013" served as his breakout role before he captured the hearts of drama fans as Park Soo Ha in the tearjerker, "I Can Hear Your Voice." In 2014, he starred in two prominent dramas, "Doctor Stranger" and "Pinocchio." His convincing on-screen romance with Park Shin Hye in "Pinocchio," continues to draw international fans towards the investigative reporting series.
