“Prison Playbook” is one of my favorite K-dramas of all time. Unlike the usual plot of violence and gore, it offers an alternative perspective on prisoners and their cells. In addition, the drama is memorable because of the actors who brought life to the characters.
Photo: tvN
One of them was WINNER’s main vocalist and leader, Kang Seung-yoon, who played Joo-hyung, alias “Jean Valjean,” the petty thief imprisoned for stealing bread. His portrayal is the exact opposite of his image as an idol. He is one of the many successful idols who have also made a name for themselves as actors.
Here are some idols turned actors that we met during the Asia Artist Awards last year.
Yoo Seon-ho
This “2 Days 1 Night” regular participated as a contestant in the survival reality show “Produce 101” Season 2. He finished in 17th place in the final episode. In 2018, he debuted as a solo artist with the song “Maybe Spring.” He impressed viewers with his role as Grand Prince Gyeseong in the historical drama “Under the Queen’s Umbrella.” He continued to prove his acting prowess in his last drama, “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract.”
Kang Daniel
Singer, songwriter, and host Kang Daniel was the grand winner of “Produce 101” Season 2 and the center of Wanna One, the group formed through the show. He debuted as a solo artist in 2019 with the EP “Color on Me.”
Kang debuted as an actor in the 2022 drama “Rookie Cops,” where he received various nominations and awards, including Rookie of the Year at the 2022 AAA.
Park Jae-chan
Singer, rapper, and songwriter Jaechan debuted as a member of DKZ (formerly Dongkiz). His popularity increased with his portrayal of Chu Sang-woo in the BL (Boys Love) drama “Semantic Error.”
Jaechan said his agency worried about his image when he accepted the role, but the risk paid off because it became the most-watched OTT content in Korea during its airing in March 2022. The role also gave him a New Wave Award at the 2022 Grand Bell Awards and a nomination for Best New Actor at the 2022 Blue Dragon Series Awards. Jaechan debuted as a solo artist on September 6 with the release of “JCFACTORY,” his first mini-album.
Lee Jun-young
Singer and rapper Lee Jun-young, or Jun, debuted in 2014 as the youngest member of U-KISS. He was also a member of UNB, a project group formed through the reality survival show “The Unit,” where he won first place. He debuted as an actor in the 2017 drama “Avengers Social Club” and earned praise for his role as Lee Soo-gyum. He also won the Best New Actor award for the musical “Swag Age: Shout out, Chosun!”
He showed versatility by playing a villain in the action-comedy film “Brave Citizen.” He played the reckless but brave partner of Ma Dong-seok in the post-apocalyptic action film “Badland Hunters.” He will star in two upcoming dramas, “The Impossible Heir” on Disney+ alongside Lee Jae-wook and Hong Su-zu, and the Netflix series “Melo Movie,” with Choi Woo-shik, Park Bo-young, and Jeon So-nee.
Suho
Kim Jun-myeon or Suho, is the leader of EXO, one of the most influential K-pop groups in the world. He debuted as a solo singer in 2020 and has participated in various acting projects. He recently starred in “Behind Your Touch” with Lee Min-ki and Han Ji-min. The drama ended as the highest-rating program of its time slot. Suho has also returned as a musical actor playing the lead character, Wolfgang Mozart. The musical ran from June to August. He will star in the upcoming sageuk (historical) drama “Missing Crown Prince,” which will premiere in March.
Kim Jae-joong
Jaejoong was a former member of TVXQ and JYJ. Ten years ago, he released “Mine”, his first mini-album in Korea. It conquered the local music charts and other parts of Asia. He performed two songs from the said album at the 2023 AAA, including the title track “Mine” and “One Kiss.”
He captivated the audience, especially his dongsaengs, Stray Kids, who stood with their arms in the air till the song ended. Jaejoong appeared in numerous acting projects like “Protect the Boss,” “Triangle,” “Manhole,” “Spy,” and the film “Heaven’s Postman” co-starring Han Hyo-joo.
In his speech, he said his parents told him to stop working and enjoy life, but he said no because the stage is where he feels the happiest. “I’m Twenty,” a fan concert to celebrate his 20th debut anniversary, was held in Korea in January, followed by Japan on Feb. 10 and 11. He also mentioned working on a new album.
Lee Jun-ho
2PM member Lee Junho and actor Lee Junho have been busy with concerts, fan meetings, K-dramas, and his YouTube channel! Last September, 2PM celebrated its 15th anniversary with concerts in Seoul and Japan, and as a solo artist, Junho finished his fan meeting tour of 8 Asian cities, including Manila, and a 2-day concert in Korea in January.
He played a sociopath in “Good Manager,” a lawyer in “Confession,” a Crown Prince in “The Red Sleeve” and a chaebol in “King the Land.”
Junho works hard to understand the characters he plays. For his role in “Good Manager,” he stayed home for two months to practice how to cuss. For “The Red Sleeve,” he practiced using the chopstick with his right hand in preparation for his role as Yi San.
The role earned him a Best Actor Award for Television at the 58th Baeksang Arts Awards. He also won a Daesang (Grand Prize) for Actor of the Year at the 2022 AAA, making his victories consecutive as he won it again this year for “King The Land.”
Despite his success, Junho remains humble. In his speech, he said, “I’ll work and study more so I can be an actor best fit for this award.”
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