My Favorite Korean Stars

Born on June 22^nd, 1987 in Seoul, South Korea, the 25-year-old actor is currently one of the hottest rising stars in Asia. Thanks to his good looks, model figure, and hearty nature he quickly captures the heart of millions around the world. As a young child, his dream was to become a soccer player. However, in the 5th grade of elementary school, an arm injure put an end to that dream. In his second year of high school, he turned to acting. In 2006, his acting career was put on hold for a year following a serious car accident in which he was severely injured along with his childhood friend, Jung Il Woo.

I first notice him in a hit-drama series called “Boys over Flowers” (2009), where he plays the leader of F4 (4 prominent heirs, young, proud, rich, powerful, yet each with a dark secret). Though the work that really draws me in is another drama series called “City Hunter” (2011). He plays a dynamic hero, who fights the injustice. A year before that he starred in a romantic comedy “Personal Taste”, I found it surprisingly good: funny, delightful, heartwarming, and sometimes heart broken. Currently, I fall in love with his new drama “Faith”, a story that depicts the love between a warrior from the Goryeo Period (Year 1300) and a female doctor from the present day, their love transcending time and space.

What I like Lee Minho the best is that he always chooses to play a character that is challenging, diverse, and his acting skills improve each time. What a joy to see him on screen, a face to remember and also a voice to remember. ( I love the fact that he not only can act but sings beautifully too.)

Yoon Shi Yoon, born on September 26^th, 1986, his birth name is Yoon Dong Goo. He used it until his agency recommended an official change of name upon his entry into college. Although High Kick Through the Roof (2009) is Shi Yoon's acting debut, his first screen appearance was in a variety show, Introducing A Star's Friend, as the friend of actor and F.T Island member Lee Hong Ki.

In High Kick Series, he plays a tough, semi-rebellious teenager, who doesn’t care about his studies, but is clearly mentally sharp as a judge of character.He lacks respect for his female English tutor, yet develops a crash on the attractive housemaid.The following year, Yoon Shi Yoon takes the title role in a mega-hit drama series “Baking King, Kim Takgu”, and becomes enormously popular almost overnight. His acting talent blossoms through this drama. And the year after that, he replaces the injured Kim Jae Won and stars in a romantic comedy, “Me too, flower”, also called “I’m a flower, too”. Although the show obtains low rating and was shortened to 15 episodes instead of 16, he, himself receives high praise for his comic skills. Viewers capture a different side of him: passionate, humorous, adorable and romantic.

Yoon Shi Yoon picks his roles carefully. From his debut (2009) to now 2012, he only stars in two drama series and a movie, not much considering what other actors of his age are doing, but every time he makes an appearance, the screen lights up. He is an actor one can’t get enough of. Hopefully, we will see more of him in the future.

Jung Il Woo, born on September 9th, 1987, he is the youngest member of this group. I first notice him in “the Return of Iljimae”. He plays the title role, Iljimae (the name means “a branch of plum blossom”, which insinuates the character’s refined looks and upright personality). To this day, I still consider this drama series my favorite. The role suits him perfectly, despite the fact that he is not originally picked to play the part. Another actor drops out of the production. As a replacement, he steps in and pours his heart and soul into character, and the rest is history.

Born under the sign of Virgo, he pursues perfection, and yearns to become a serious actor. I love the way he carries himself, always hardworking, humble, and eager to learn. His genuine and uplifting personality makes him very attractive. He plants his feet firmly on the ground and walks steadily toward fulfilling his dream.

His hobbies are: watching movies, listening to music and web shopping, and you can find him on facebook. As an actor he has a beautiful speaking voice. As a model, he’s tall, slim, and always wearing a sunny smile. Recently, I discover his other hidden talent, he can sing as well. Below is a YouTube link featuring a song from his most recent Drama series “49 Days”, and guess who sings the song? Yes, it’s none other than Jung Il Woo himself.

I recommend the following TV-series, which he participates in: Unstoppable High Kick (sitcom -167 episode, ½ hour each), the Return of Iljimae, and 49 Days. He is such delightful actor. I am looking forward to see more of him in the future.

Jang Geun Seok, born on August 4^th, 1987, he is one month older than Jung Il Woo, However, he made his acting debut back in the 1997 HBS sitcom "Selling Happiness", and the list of his credentials grows overwhelmingly long and impressive. As a child star, model, singer, and now a serious actor, he accomplishes so much in his still young career. They say that show business is tough and cruel. In this crazy world of spotlight, he maintains a pure and upbeat image. I have always had this feeling that he is a child genius, a born actor. The camera loves him, and he is natural in front of the camera. Often he portraits a mature youth in a drama or movie, (for an example, he plays the sorrowful prince, Lee Chang Hui in “Hong Gil Dong”) the real him, however, is much more innocent, outgoing and fun to be with and sometimes, childlike. After all, he is only 24.

He has a magnetic voice and tremendous talent for singing. In two of his dramas “Mary’s night out” and “You are beautiful”, he plays a professional singer and sings personally all his songs in the dramas. Despite of his outstanding looks and bright delectable personality, he is able to grasp a variety of complicated roles effectively, cruising form horror, murder, suspense films to action, comedy, love story drama series.

I adore him in “Hong Gil Dong”, like him in “Mary’s night out” and love him in “You are Beautiful”. Currently, he is filming a romantic movie called “Pet Lover”.

Below is a YouTube link to the commercial MV called “Just Drag”, where you may capture his acting, dancing, and singing skills.

Finally, in this group, Kim Taegoon, a singer and dancer, born on January 17^th, 1986, he has a nick name “second Rain”, for he bears a great resemblance to Rain (a famous South Korean singer and actor) and has impressive dancing skills. His debut song “Call Me” came out in January 17^th, 2009 (his birthday). I still remember hearing the song for the first time. The music itself captured my attention. It had luminous and luring quality with an excellent dancing beat, unlike most Hip-Pop or R&B songs we hear nowadays. The MV was also beautifully produced, featuring Hero (Kim Jae Joong) of TVXQ and Park Shin Hye (the lead actress from “You are beautiful”).

What makes “Call Me” so unforgettable? To me, it’s the whole package: the style of music, the singer’s vocal ability, dancing skills and choreography. I love both the MV and his live performance of the song, for they are equally exciting.

Below is a YouTube link to the song “Call Me”, hope you enjoy it.

Who are your favorite Korean Stars and share your thoughts on why you like them?