The generational shift of actors is especially noticeable in 2021. In particular, young actors in their twenties are showing off their presence on the small screen with their solid acting prowess and impressive looks. Based on their performances this year, we introduce five rising stars who make us look forward to their future.
Song Kang
Song Kang can’t be left out when it comes to the rising stars who showed exceptional performance this year. Song Kang starred in tvN’s Navillera and JTBC’s Nevertheless, solidifying his position as a leading actor in his twenties. In Navillera, he took on the role of ballerino Lee Chae Rok and showed impressive chemistry with veteran actor Park In Hwan, presenting a mature performance. In Nevertheless, he realistically portrayed a romantic relationship of a man in his 20s with his role as Park Jae Eon, who is instinctively attracted to romantic feelings. Next year, he’ll make his comeback with Park Min Young in the romance drama Meteorological Agency People: The Cruelty of Office Romance (literal title).
Na In Woo
Na In Woo became a reliever for KBS’s River Where the Moon Rises when he stepped into the shoes of Ji Soo, who exited the show due to his school violence scandal. He flawlessly pulled off the On Dal character and blended right in despite joining the show midway. Next year, he’ll star in two new dramas, Her Bucket List and The Jinx’s Lover (literal titles).
Lee Do Hyun
Lee Do Hyun is enchanting the viewers with his attractive looks and solid acting prowess. In spring, he had turned into medical student Hwang Hee Tae in KBS’s Youth of May set in the 1980s and touched the hearts of many. Currently, he’s starring in tvN’s Melancholia and presenting a teacher-student romance with Im Soo Jung. Playing math genius Baek Seung Yoo, he convincingly depicted the process of a man regaining his love and passion for mathematics. Lee Do Hyun, who always showed splendid chemistry with older actors, will meet Song Hye Kyo in the drama Glory.
Kim Young Dae
Kim Young Dae received a lot of attention for his appearance in SBS’s The Penthouse series. He was well-received for his delicate expression of complicated emotions of Joo Suk Hoon, the son of “absolute evil” Joo Dan Tae. He also won the nickname “little Kang Dong Won” thanks to his gorgeous looks. Next year, he’ll star in tvN’s new drama Shooting Star with Lee Sung Kyung.
Lee Jun Young
U-KISS’s Lee Jun Young is one of the “acting idols” that performed impressive performances this year. This year, he has turned into a K-pop star in both KBS’s Imitation and SBS’s Let Me Be Your Knight. In Imitation, he played Kwon Ryuk, a top idol who has it all, and exuded both charisma and clumsy charm. Currently, he’s playing Yoon Tae In, a world star suffering from sleepwalking, in Let Me Be Your Knight and is showing romance with Jung In Sun. The actor has also left a deep impression in Netflix’s hit series D.P..
Source (1)
Translator Kim Hoyeun: If you are a fan of K-drama, K-movie, and K-pop, I am your guy. I will continue to provide you with up-to-date K-entertainment news.
