Here at THP, we are not just about the music. We simply love seeing our favorites explore different opportunities and are always ready to cheer them on. It is no secret that many K-Pop idols try out acting and even take it on as a big part of their career. But did you know some of your favorite K-drama actors and actresses actually started out as or are currently K-Pop idols? Many newer fans might not recognize names from the older generations, or other times, names from less known groups are first noticed through their acting endeavors. We gathered ten names to share with you that might surprise you. Did you already know about their singing careers? Let’s find out.
Taecyeon Of 2PM
Starting off with a representative of the second generation of K-Pop idols, we have Taecyeon. While a lot of people may know him from his K-drama appearances, he began his career in the entertainment industry as part of the boy group 2PM. We have loved their music since their debut back in 2008 (wow, truly a while ago!) Needless to say, the rapper captivated our hearts with his music first and acting second, but truthfully, we love him equally, no matter what he is doing.
Some K-drama appearances: Cinderella’s Stepsister, Dream High, Vincenzo, Heartbeat
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAECYEON:
INSTAGRAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 2PM:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
Yoona Of Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
A lot of the SNSD girlies ventured into the acting scene. One of them is the center and visual of the group, Yoona. But her looks are not the only thing that will leave you stunned. Her stage presence, musical talent, and acting are just as eye-catching. She is part of one of the biggest names in K-Pop, Girls’ Generation, and has also successfully made a name for herself as a wonderful actress.
Some K-drama appearances: The K2, The King in Love, Big Mouth, King The Land
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOONA:
INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GIRLS’ GENERATION:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
Park Hyungsik Of ZE:A
Park Hyungsik has made quite a name for himself in the K-drama scene. But did you know he first debuted as part of this incredible boy group called ZE:A? He’s been melting our hearts ever since then, and for him to decide to continue doing it through acting is one of the best decisions, in our opinion.
Some K-drama appearances: Hwarang, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Suits, Doctor Slump
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PARK HYUNGSIK:
INSTAGRAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ZE:A:
YOUTUBE
Suzy Of miss A
Who here remembers miss A? Did you know one of our favorite actresses, Bae Suzy, was part of the group? The girls made a spectacular impact as soon as they debuted and have only served us bops during their active years. And we have to say, we miss them. Suzy stepped into the acting scene shortly after her K-Pop debut and has since been gracing us with her many talents.
Some K-drama appearances: Dream High, Uncontrollably Fond, While You Were Sleeping, Doona!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUZY:
INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MISS A:
YOUTUBE
Rowoon Of SF9
If you know SF9, you know Rowoon, but did you know many K-drama fans didn’t know he was part of the group? Or that he was an idol? When we realized it was not an uncommon surprise, we just had to include him on this list. While Rowoon left SF9 in 2023, he is currently focusing on his solo career, so fear not! We will keep seeing him and his success!
Some K-drama appearances: Extraordinary You, The King’s Affection, The Matchmakers
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ROWOON:
INSTAGRAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SF9:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
Kwon Nara Of HELLOVENUS
HELLOVENUS is another girl group that we wish were still active, but alas their music will stay in our playlists, as they say: oldie but goldie. Music has no expiration date after all. Now, who of our lovely Honeybees knows that the talented actress Kwon Nara was also part of HELLOVENUS? Starting off with cameo appearances, she made her way into acquiring big roles in K-dramas, making her one of our favorite idol-turned-actresses.
Some K-drama appearances: Suspicious Partner, Doctor Prisoner, Itaewon Class, The Midnight Studio
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KWON NARA:
INSTAGRAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HELLOVENUS:
YOUTUBE
Jaehyun Of Golden Child
You know the main character’s deaf brother from Twinkling Watermelon? Yes, that’s Bong Jaehyun, also loved for his idol career as a member of the boy group Golden Child. Witnessing that he is showing his talent more as an actor warms our hearts, especially knowing just how seriously he takes it. Learning sign language? We admire him for the work he puts in. And he has another K-drama coming up, who’s excited for I, A Gangster, Became A High School Student?
Some K-drama appearances: Convenience Store Fling, Twinkling Watermelon
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JAEHYUN:
INSTAGRAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOLDEN CHILD:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
IU
Having previously earned the title “Nation’s Little Sister,” IU is yet another prominent artist who has been around for way over a decade and still counting. She first won over both Korean and international fans through her highly recognizable vocal abilities. If you haven’t heard an IU song by now, you need to do it right now! As for her acting career, she stole our hearts with her role in Dream High and continued on to conquer the K-drama industry as well.
Some K-drama appearances: Bel Ami, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Hotel del Luna
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IU:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
HANGYEOM Of OMEGA X
We are adding in a freshly new actor to complete the male section of this article. HANGYEOM is not the first Omega X member to take up a K-drama role (nor the first one to star in a BL), but he is definitely the latest. The idol made his acting debut with the webtoon Jazz for Two, and we instantly fell in love with his character, the fun and optimistic drum player. And in his idol career? He’s quite the charismatic and cool member of OMEGA X.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HANGYEOM:
INSTAGRAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OMEGA X:
INSTAGRAM | INSTAGRAM {FAN DEDICATED} | TWITTER | TWITTER (MEMBERS) | YOUTUBE
Bona Of WJSN
Have you watched K-dramas with Bona in them? Were you one of the people who were surprised to find out that she is part of this one underrated girl group? While WJSN may not release music as often as we’d like (can you tell we need a comeback right now?), they are still a group we love and support. Bona has garnered attention not only for shining as an idol but for her acting skills as well, and we love that for her.
Some K-drama appearances: Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Joseon Attorney, Pyramid Game
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BONA:
INSTAGRAM
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WJSN:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
How did we do? Are you surprised at any of the names, or did you already know these K-drama actors and actresses from their music and idol work? Let us know at @thehoneypop or on our Facebook and Instagram. We’d love to hear more names that you have seen or that you think would surprise fans.
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