Park Seo Joon, Ma Dong Seok, and BLACKPINK’s Jenny. Image courtesy: Marvel Studios, HBO
The Korean entertainment industry has become a global phenomenon in recent years, with Korean actors appearing in Hollywood captivating audiences around the world with their rich and diverse content. Korean actors have shown their talent in a variety of genres, both on television and in movies, and have earned critical acclaim in Hollywood. From the riveting suspense of The Squid’s Game and the heartwarming romance of Crash Landing on You, to blockbuster films like Train to Busan and the historic Oscar-winning masterpiece Parasite, this industry has disappeared. I have left behind no trace.
What makes this era even more remarkable is the growing presence of Korean actors in Hollywood. Lee Byung-hun, who made his debut in the “G.I. Joe” series, Ma Dong-seok and Park Seo-joon, who made their mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Bae Doo-na’s outstanding performance in “Cloud’s Atlas” are Hollywood stars. Not only attracted attention, but also became an integral part of the international project.
K-pop sensation Jennie of BLACKPINK also made her acting debut in the highly anticipated HBO series The Idol, sharing the screen with international talents such as Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd. It’s an exciting time for both the industry and fans, as Korean artists continue to make waves on the world stage. You can get a glimpse of the amazing journey of Korean celebrities who have successfully entered Hollywood and left an indelible mark on the world stage.
Introducing 13 Korean actors who are famous in Hollywood.
1. Park Seo Joon
A prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry, Park Seo Joon is known for his remarkable performances in Korean dramas and has made an exciting leap into Hollywood. He is widely known as one of the greatest actors in the K-drama field due to his performances in dramas such as “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?”, “Kill Me Heal Me”, and “Itaewon Class”.
Park Seo Joon confirmed his participation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, exciting fans who are looking forward to his Hollywood debut. He made his Hollywood debut playing Prince Yang of Aradna in the MCU movie Marvels. The announcement sparked widespread excitement, marking an important milestone in Park Seo Joon’s career and adding another prominent name to the ever-growing list of Korean talents making waves in Hollywood.
2. Ma Dong Seok
Ma Dong-seok, known as Dong Lee, has emerged as one of South Korea’s most successful actors, gaining international acclaim for his roles in hit films such as Train to Busan, Derailed, and The Brothers. are collecting. His remarkable foray into Hollywood elevated him to the ranks of stars. He is part of the full cast of 2019 Marvel blockbuster Eternals, playing the character Gilgamesh alongside big stars like Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek and Kit Harington.
An amazing aspect of Ma Dong-seok’s journey is his background. Living in Ohio and holding American citizenship makes him a Koranic-American actor in Hollywood, adding an interesting layer to his versatile and globally recognized career in the entertainment industry.
3. Bae Doona
With a career spanning more than 20 years, Bae Doo-na, a pioneering Korean actress, has not only achieved success in the Korean film industry with hit films such as Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and The Host, but also He also received the prestigious Golden Crown Cultural Order. the Korean government for her extraordinary contributions to entertainment and the arts.
Bae broke into Hollywood, starring in the Netflix series Sense8 and working with the Wachowskis on projects such as Cloud Atlas and Jupiter Ascending. Her recent work includes her standout performances in the Netflix-era zombie thriller Kingdom, the crime thriller The Stranger, and The Silent Sea.
4. Jennie from BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK’s Jennie made her long-awaited Hollywood debut in 2023, appearing in the HBO television series “The Idol” under the stage name Jennie Ruby Jane. Although the show faced criticism and cancellation after the first season, Jenny’s performance as Diane, a backup dancer and best friend of pop star Jocelyn (played by Lily-Rose Depp), received praise.
In particular, Jenny’s widely circulated clip from the series garnered a lot of attention, surpassing the show’s first broadcast on HBO. Jenny’s foray into Hollywood marks an exciting new chapter in her career, demonstrating her versatility and her talent beyond the realm of music.
5. Rain
Rain, also known as Jeon Ji-hoon, has seamlessly conquered both the realms of music and acting, earning him worldwide recognition. This acclaimed artist has become famous for his seven albums, 28 singles, and memorable concerts, performing in front of packed audiences at the iconic Madison His Square and His Garden. Sometimes.
Reign moved to Hollywood and made her debut in the 2008 action comedy “Speed Racer” with the Wachowskis, followed by a starring role in the 2009 film “Ninja Assassin.” His dedication to his craft is evident as he underwent over six months of rigorous stunt training, and in 2010 he appeared on MTV. Film award. With subsequent roles such as the 2014 action thriller The Prince co-starring Bruce Willis, Lane’s Hollywood journey continues to captivate audiences, making us excited to see what he does next on the big screen. .
6. Han Hyo Joo
Famous in South Korea, Han Hyo-joo established her name with an impressive film repertoire, including “The Masquerade,” “Cold Eyes,” “Love 911,” and “The Beauty Inside.” Her outstanding performances span notable series such as Heaven & Earth, Iljimae, Brilliant Legacy, and Dong Yi.
Han Hyo Joo’s international breakthrough came with the American television series “Treadstone”, which is intricately tied to the popular “Bourne” film series. This Hollywood adventure will see her captivate audiences with her extraordinary action scenes, intense sequences, and amazing physical transformations along with her co-stars Jeremy Irvin, Tracy Ifefeat, Omar Metwally, and Brian J. Smith, and see her on the international stage. has solidified its presence.
7. Lee Byung Hun
Since 2009, Lee Byung-hun has seamlessly moved between the realms of both Korean and American entertainment, earning worldwide acclaim for his outstanding acting skills. Known for her amazing performances in Korean films such as Inside Men, I Saw the Devil, and Bittersweet Life, Lee Byung-hun played the enigmatic role in the global hit The Squid Girlfriend Game. He captivated the audience by playing the role of frontman.
His journey to Hollywood began in the 2009 film GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, where he played the terrifying villain Storm Shadow, a role he reprized in the 2013 sequel. His Hollywood adventures include Terminator Genisys, Misconduct, The Magnificent Seven, The Fortress and Keys to the Heart, and he is an internationally recognized actor. We are solidifying our position as
8. Claudia Kim
Claudia Kim gained recognition in Hollywood for her role as scientist Helen Cho in the 2015 blockbuster film Avengers: Age of Ultron. Her versatility was further highlighted by her role as Nagini in the hit series Fantastic Beasts.
Prior to her foray into Hollywood, Claudia Kim showed her talent in Korean dramas such as The Fugitive: Plan B and Monster, the latter of which revolved around revenge and identity transformation after a tragic car accident. did. Claudia Kim’s seamless transition from Korean dramas to iconic Hollywood series highlights her international appeal and her ability to take on diverse and impactful roles on the world stage.
9. Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun was born in South Korea, raised in Canada, and later settled in the United States, where he became a high-profile figure in Hollywood. Widely known for his pivotal role as Glenn Rhee in the TV series The Walking Dead, Yoon’s versatility shines through in his versatile acting. Beyond television, he displayed his comedic talents by appearing on sketch comedy shows such as “I Think You Should Leave,” and lent his voice to the animated series “Invincible.”
His breakthrough role in Minari earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, making him the first Korean-American actor to win such a prestigious honor. Steven Yeun’s journey to Hollywood has been marked by both critical acclaim and a commitment to playing a wide range of characters in a variety of genres.
10. Jung Ho Young
Jeon Ho-young, who gained worldwide fame with her breakout role in the hit series “Squid Game,” made a smooth transition into Hollywood. Beyond her impressive debut in the Netflix sensation, she made waves in The Weeknd’s music video “Out of Time” and starred alongside Lily-Rose in the upcoming A24 film “Gaganes” I got a role to co-star with Depp.
Jung Ho-young’s Hollywood journey expands as she plays one of three rebellious tutors who lead their students on erotic adventures in Alfonso Cuaron’s thriller series Disclaimer He has solidified his presence on the international stage, co-starring with industry luminaries such as Cate Blanchett and Sacha Baron Cohen.
11. Jeon Ji Hyun
Jun Ji-hyun, also known as Gianna Jun, is one of the highest-paid Korean actors with an illustrious career in Hollywood. She got her breakout role in her 2001 romantic comedy, Mysterious Girlfriend, which catapulted her to Hallyu stardom. Notable projects include “Il Mare”, “Windstruck”, “The Berlin Files”, and the TV series “My Love from the Stars” and “Legend of the Blue Sea”.
Jeon Ji-hyun broke into Hollywood with her starring role in Blood: The Last Vampire (2009), where she showed off her martial arts talent and received critical acclaim. Her international work continued with her 2011 historical drama The Secret Fan, in which she proved her versatility on the global stage alongside Hugh Jackman and Li Bingbing. .
12.CL
Lee Chaerin, also known as CL, initially rose to fame as a singer and rapper of the famous girl group 2NE1. Moving on to her solo music career, she achieved the honor of becoming the first Korean female solo artist to secure a spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 music chart.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, CL broke into Hollywood with the film Mile 22, produced by Academy Award winner Mark Wahlberg, in which she played the character Queen. Her foray into Hollywood not only highlighted her multifaceted talents, but also solidified her status as a globally recognized artist.
13. Lee Jun Ki
Known for his mesmerizing performances in projects such as ‘The King and the Jester’, ‘My Girl’, ‘Iljimae’ and ‘The Flower of Evil’, Lee Joon-gi has left an indelible mark on the Korean entertainment industry. I did. His impressive acting skills have won him numerous awards at prestigious awards such as the Korean Film Awards, the Grand Bell Awards, and the MBC Drama Awards.
Lee Joon Gi’s Hollywood journey began with a dazzling appearance in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, the sixth film in the iconic series, where he showed off his outstanding martial arts skills as the antagonist. did. His special appearance added an appealing dimension to his commercially successful 2017 film, further cementing his international appeal.
In conclusion, the global recognition and success of Korean actors in Hollywood marks an extraordinary era in the entertainment industry. From Lee Byung-hun’s mysterious presence in “Squid’s Game” to the versatile performances of stars such as Park Seo-joon, Ma Dong-seok, and Bae Doona, the Korean wave has swept screens around the world. . BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Jung Ho-young’s recent foray into Hollywood further emphasizes the expansion of the industry. These actors not only demonstrate their extraordinary talent, but also contribute to the diversity and richness of global content. As Korean artists continue to make a huge impact, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of their Hollywood journey.
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