As K-pop and K-Dramas become more of a global phenomenon, more and more stars are being expected to speak English.
Whether these stars have experience abroad, exposure speaking English in their daily lives, or merely studied their butts off to sound like a native, fans were surprised just how fluently these six stars can speak English. A popular YouTube video featuring an English teacher speaking Korean went viral in Korea after he evaluated and ranked the English skills of various stars.
The stars were ranked by a set of unique standards that evaluated their skills through native attributes, grammar, use of vocabulary, overall fluency, as well as their cultural context and phrasal verbs. Each celebrity is able to score up to three stars per category.
From actors like Gong Yoo to beauties like Kim Min Ha, see which stars will surprise you with their natural English speaking skills.
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Gong Yoo
With a honey-like voice and smooth as butter pronunciation, the tone Gong Yoo takes when speaking English completely makes us swoon as if we are meeting a whole new Gong Yoo. The Squid Game star’s sudden change in demeanor when he speaks English isn’t the only thing we noticed; from clear pronunciation and natural intonation, Gong Yoo sounds like he has spoken English since he was born! During the interview, he smoothly revealed how he “doesn’t use any social media,” and he also filmed an advertisement with Louis Vuitton where he spoke poetically with a clean and clear accent. If we had only heard this ad without seeing his face, we would have thought that a native speaker had filmed it themselves. The most charming part that Gong Yoo revealed is that when he drinks, he tends to speak English even more, whether the sentences are right or wrong.
Kim Min Ha
When promoting Pachinko, Kim Min Ha impressed as she appeared in various interviews speaking in English. Kim Min Ha speaks with grace and her sentences pour out as if she has no hesitation in speaking her mind. Not only is she speaking English, but she is doing it in a setting that could be nerve-wracking. Kim Min Ha’s confidence in what she has to say surprised viewers and made many jealous of her abilities. Despite having a slight issue with pronouncing T and D sounds alongside mixed grammar, she perfectly conveys her message and expresses delight, saying, “I’m glad you used the word storyteller to describe it” during the interview. She would have no problem sharing her opinion with any English-speaking foreigner.
Kim Jong Kook
Kim Jong Kook has had various experiences going abroad and holding many interviews in English. However, one of his Running Man interviews surprised many. Kim Jong Kook spoke so effortlessly that some wondered if he received a script in advance! His natural pauses, laughter, and comical responses seemed effortless, and Kim Jong Kook flows through the conversations with ease. He doesn’t tend to use a lot of large or advanced vocabulary words, but he was noted for using common phrases and sentences that felt native. Similar to Kim Min Ha, his interview was evaluated, and despite the pressure of the cameras, he spoke with confidence and left a strong impression when saying, “My fans have done many memorable things for me.”
Sung Si Kyung
Going beyond our expectations, Sung Si Kyung sounds so natural that he could pass as a native English speaker. This time, the situation was flipped, and Sung Si Kyung interviewed a foreigner. He asked many basic questions, such as if the person is married, where they are from, and what they are doing during their travels. He asked the questions with virtually no issues in grammar and pronunciation and was remarked for having “excellent English speaking abilities.” Although he wasn’t using any advanced vocabulary words, he scored high on his ability to carry on a conversation and use native expressions such as “Where ya from” and “Are you seeing someone?” Sung Si Kyung also discussed his school life, singing career, and even his habits in a Radio Korea interview, where he naturally expressed his thoughts and opinions about various topics. He also interacts with foreigners on the streets during his travels as well leading to some funny conversations.
Shin Se Kyung
Another impressive star who can speak English with ease is Shin Se Kyung. During an episode of Olive K-FOOD, Shin Se Kyung had the opportunity to interact with foreigners and discuss food menu options and offer her recommendations to guests. Although she was commented on pronouncing certain words strangely and recommended to be careful (like saying piece instead of piss) she was able to communicate without fail. She also seemed to have mastered the expressions of foreigners as she speaks vibrantly and energetically, mimicking Western tones and energy. She also utilizes natural phrases like “Yea, sorta,” that make her seem casual and carefree when free-talking.
Lee Byung Hun
When promoting Squid Game, Lee Byung Hun had a lot of responsibility to hold interviews in English due to its international success. Lee Byung Hun was noted for his incredible range of vocabulary and ability to understand interviews on the spot despite their difficult questions and speaking speed. Despite using um and uh a lot, it makes Lee Byung Hun appear even more like a native. He tends to take his time when speaking, but Lee Byung Hun articulates himself nicely. He is able to joke in English and controls the environment with ease. Although his grammar mistakes can be cute, such as “He sometimes wrotes book and when we finished the film, he gave me the third book as a present,” listeners can understand his meaning and enjoy his storytelling abilities.
What do you think of these English-speaking pros? Did anyone in particular astonish you with their English prowess? If you know any other notable Korean stars who sound like native speakers, don’t forget to share them with us in the comments below.
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