If you want to make it as an actor in Korea these days, the best way may be to succeed as a kpop idol first. So many new dramas feature boy band and girl group members that it seems like securing an idol may be part of what's needed to get a drama produced.
Not that there's anything wrong with that. Most idols are talented, some are even better actors than singers, and they do draw in a younger, more musically inclined viewing audience. That's good.
And to even things out, there are actors who became singers, like Lee Min Ho, Jang Geun Suk and Kim Bum. Yoona from Girls Generation acted before she debuted, as did Jr. and JB of JJ Project.
But just for fun, lets count up all the idols that appeared in dramas in the last year alone.
Chansung of 2PM starred as Gong Do Ha in "Level 7 Civil Servant," group A Pink's Jung Eun Ji was Moon Hee Sun in "That Winter, The Wind Blows," Kara's Han Seung Yeon plays Maid Choi in the drama "Jang Ok Jung" and JYJ's Park Yoo Chun was Han Jung Woo in "Missing You." "Reply 1997" had Seo in Guk, Jung Eun Ji and Infinite's Hoya.
Miss A's Suzy Bae stars as Dam Yeo Wool in "Gu Family Book," IU plays the lead role in "You're the Best Lee Soon Shin" and Eugene, former SES member, appears as Min Chae Won in "One Hundred Year's Inheritance."
In the latest round of dramas, Girls Generation's Sooyoung plays Gong Min Young in "Dating Agency Cyrano" with a special guest appearance by SHINee's Lee Taemin, Beast's Yong Joon Hyung stars as an idol in "Monstar," 2AM's Im Seulong appears in "Heaven's Order," and Kara's Park Gyuri stars in "Nail Shop Paris." All of Kara have signed on to do a televised series, "Secret Love 2013," which will feature an episode with each of the singers. Wonder Girls' Park Ye Eun was cast in a new series, "Basketball."
This list probably misses someone but there are a lot of idols in kdramas to count. One person that could be blamed for this trend is singer and now also actor Rain, who starred in the 16-episode 2004 drama, "Full House." The show was very successful, earning ratings as high as 42 percent, and it set a precedent.
After that producers were eager to audition idols. They often say they do not cast someone merely because he or she is an idol. They must act well and work for the part. But being an idol can't hurt. What do you think? Should every drama feature an idol? Should they get preferential treatment? Does it matter if it's your favorite idol? Let us know.
