Twinkle Twinkle

With Covid lock down time on my hands and now having watched a few Korean films and TV series, l thought l’d share some of those actors that have immediately struck a chord with this novice Korean film and TV fan.

To tell you the truth, l’m a little (a lot) embarrassed that l didn’t know these actors beforehand and l guess it partially it goes to how Westernised my viewing habits have been without me knowing it. I apologise to all actors, Korean film and TV lovers and fans in general. From now l will do my best to learn more about Korean and the Asian film/TV industry more generally.

Tune In For Love, 2019

This list (in no particular order), is simply my first impression and l’m sure excludes some real talent that l simply haven’t seen yet. Maybe in a few years, once my knowledge grows, l should revisit this list and see what changes.

Once again, l apologise and hope the following list isn’t too far wrong … l’m getting nervous even writing this.

Son Ye-jin _maybe its because it was one of the first Korean shows l watched (Something in the Rain, 2018). Son Ye Jin is one of those authentic actors who’s warmth leaps off the screen. She is lots of fun to watch and is a big star in Korea and through Asia.

Jung Hae-in _like Son Ye-jin, l first saw Jung Hae-in in Something in the Rain (2018) and once again, he is likeable and a natural actor. Why? l think its because he isn’t perfect or too polished and therefore as a viewer a little more accessible than some other Korean male actors I’ve seen.

Jeon So-nee _she played the main character’s younger self in When My Love Blooms (2020) and a support role in the series The Encounter (2018). Any actor (playing a support role) that can draw attention away from the main character has some talent. She also has some fun posts on Instagram, take a look here.

Kim Go-eun _my first time seeing was Kim Go-eun was in the film, Tune In For Love (2019), with Jung Hae-in. A super likeable actor and l loved her in the final scene (with soundtrack playing to Coldplay Fix You). I also liked her Happy Birthday Instagram post of blowing out the candles on the dog cake (l think its a dog?)

Moon Sung-keun _an actor with presence. I think the mark of a good or great actor is one that plays the ‘good guy’ (see the Encounter, 2018) or the ‘bad guy’ (see When My Love Blooms, 2020) equally. He has a smile that can make you feel at ease or equally, uneasy.

Lim Soo-Hyang _I’m not an actor buy l think that actors that can play that clumsy, nervous teenagers well like Lim Soo-Hyang did in Gangnam Beauty (2018) deserve full credit. Her awkwardness battling with the beauty myth was equally funny and at times sad.

Baek Ji-won _I first saw Baek Ji-won playing the role of mother to the male lead character (played by Park Bo-gum) in the series Encounter (2019). This is an amazing performance of restraint and sensitivity.

The Handmaiden, 2016

Kim Tae-ri _she played the co-lead in the TV series Mr Sunshine (2018) and the lead (in her first film) in the beautifully designed, The Handmaiden (2016). In the two roles l’ve seen her play, strong characters will define her career. I know l shouldn’t be swayed by such things but her very cute photo in her (as a little girl) Instagram profile shot is worth a look.

Bae Suzy _ seen in the feel good TV series Start Up (2020) and While You Where Sleeping (2017), Bae Suzy has a background as a musician, having turned acting and is probably now equally popular for being popular. With over 16 million Instagram followers, she is clearly huge.

Jang Ki-yong _Jang Ki-young has that talent to be both likeable and a nasty character almost at the same time. See him as the lead in the wacky movie Sweet & Sour (2021) and one of my favourite series, My Mister (2018), as the bad guy turned good.

And finally… I didn’t want this to be a ‘Top 10’ list so l’ve added two more name to make it 12 Korean actors names for beginners to start looking at:

Lee Ji-eun (or known as IU) _watch her in My Mister (2018) today. Any actor that can kill a lady bug and still portray a character with empathy has talent. Of course the screen writers and director needs a lot of praise for the script and direction of My Mister but IU’s calm and restraint in this series was super impressive. She was amazing, a great show, see My Mister. With over 22 million Instagram followers, clearly she doesn’t need my support.

Song Hye-kyo _l don’t live in Korea so l’m not quite sure how popular Song Hye-kyo but l think she is hugely popular, not just within Korea but also Asia and into Europe, partially through work as brand ambassador for the likes of Fendi. She has been in many films and TV series and has a long list of awards to back up her popularity.

As l said, I’m there sure there a lot of Korean actors that l simply haven’t seen yet so please don’t be limited by my list. The order of this list largely follows the order of films/TV series l watched so it is not a ranking of talent but rather a recognition that l must open my eyes to more Korean actors, as l am sure there is plenty more talent out there. Use my list a starting point to explore Korean film and TV. Enjoy.

SW.