Tall, Fair And Handsome: The Model-Actor Generation

The Korean entertainment industry has no lack of good-looking idols, be it from K-Pop or K-Drama. This article explores 5 of such talented and dashing gentlemen who have made their mark in both fashion modeling and acting – both highly desirable skills in the industry.

Kim Woo Bin, 24

Debuted in 2009 was fresh-faced Kim Hyeonjung (birth name) who had then pursued a career in the modeling industry. Gradually, as he ventured in the acting industry in 2011, he adopted stage name Kim “Woo Bin” and have had experienced a great deal of success as of late.

Most notably, Woo Bin’s breakout role was in School 2013 where he starred alongside good friend and model-actor Lee Jong Suk. The drama propelled both to fame and led them to more promising careers in acting. It is in 2013 that Woo Bin achieved unprecedented attention and popularity with his bad-boy role in smash-hit drama The Heirs, a feat especially when his on-screen rival was King of K-Dramas, Lee Min Ho.

Lee Jong Suk, 24

Not exactly a model-turned-actor since acting was his first passion, Lee Jong Suk early auditioned for acting roles when he was still in middle school. He met with great success in drama School 2013 and was awarded “Best New Actor” in KBS Drama Awards 2012 and has since gotten several more acting awards under his belt.

In his modeling career, Jong Suk has become the youngest male model of the Seoul Collection program for Seoul Fashion Week, and has a whole list of prominent fashion shows in his modeling resume to add.

Lee Soo Hyuk, 25

Probably first noticed in 2NE1’s “It hurts” MV as the lead male character, Soo Hyuk first debuted in 2006 as a fashion model. The 25 year-old now has now expanded into acting, with shows like Shark and Vampire Idol under his belt and a short story Cliff in the film Horror Stories 2 with fellow friend and model-turned-actor Sung Joon.

Soo Hyuk also made it into the "13 Top Breakout New Male Faces" list of online fashion magazine Style Minutes during the 2013 Fall/Winter London and Paris fashion weeks.

Bang Sung Joon, 23

The 23 year-old was perhaps first remembered in the popular drama Lie To Me alongside Yoon Eunhye. Ever since, the model-turned-actor has landed more prominent roles like in television series Shut Up Flower Boy Band (2012), Can We Get Married? (2012), and I Need Romance 3 (2014) where he is the lead actor in all.

Hong Jong Hyun, 23

Also one who started off with a career in modeling, Jong Hyun has dabbled and found success in acting roles like Dating agency: Cyrano in 2013 and more recently as a lead in Her lovely heel opposite KARA’s Han Seungyeon.

Jong Hyun, along with buddy Lee Soo Hyuk, proved their great knack for fashion and style when cast as hosts of OnStyle’s fashion TV show, Style Log back in 2013.

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Kim Woo Bin
Lee Jong Suk
lee soo hyuk
Sung Joon
Hong Jong Hyun
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