We’ve All Heard Of Singer-Turned-Actors…What About Actor-Turned-Singers?

Recently, K-Pop singers who have turned into actors by venturing into roles in dramas, including Suzy, IU, and Lee Seung Gi, have received much attention for their success in being recognized as not only a singer, but an actor as well. While these singer-turned-actors were applauded for their acting endeavors, stars who started in acting and later turned their entertainment career to singing have been overlooked.

One of the most recent actor-turned-singers is none other than Lee Min Ho, who has announced the release of his Japanese mini-album "My Everything." Best known for his role as Gu Jun Pyo in hit drama, "Boys Over Flowers," Lee Min Ho has received much recognition for his acting skills. Having sung romantic ballad "My Everything" for the drama, he has re-recorded songs in Japanese as a gift for his fans.

The actor-turned-singer, whom Japan has deemed "Best Hallyu Star," plans to begin a global tour of fan meetings to promote his new album. While he is making his first step in his singing career, Lee Min Ho has also been cast in a new drama, "The Heirs," alongside Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, and Choi Jin Hyuk.

Other than Lee Min Ho, another actor-turned-singer has also attempted to break into the Japanese market after achieving success as an actor. Jang Geun Suk, who acted in "You're Beautiful" and "Love Rain," released his first single as a singer in Japan in 2011. Like Lee Min Ho, his Japanese single landed top spot in Oricon charts, and he also won Best New Artist in the 26th Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2012.

Jang Geun Suk started his career as a child model and made his acting debut in 1997. He has released his latest Japanese album, "I Just Wanna Have Fun" as part of a duo group called "Team H."

Unlike Lee Min Ho and Jang Geun Suk, other actor-turned-singers took a different path. Instead of building a long, solid career on acting first, CNBlue's Jung Yonghwa made his acting debut briefly before debuting as a singer. Yonghwa had his first role in hit drama "You're Beautiful," and shortly after, debuted as lead vocalist of idol boy band, CNBlue. Although his acting career before his singing debut was brief, Yonghwa continues to act while performing as part of CNBlue. After "You're Beautiful," he has also acted in "Heartstrings" and was recently offered a role in upcoming drama, "The Heirs."

Similarly, singer Ailee also acted in a drama before she performed as a singer for her debut song, "Heaven." In "Dream High 2," Ailee showed off her skills in acting, singing, and dancing. She played the role of an idol who was part of a fictional K-Pop group called HershE. Although Ailee has not been acting since, she is achieving great success as a powerful and talented singer.


(Ailee's part begins at 1:55)

While several actors have not released full-fledged albums to start a singing career, they have showcased their talent in singing by consistently lending their voices to their dramas' original sound tracks (OST).

Kim Soo Hyun, who rose to fame through hit drama "The Moon That Embraces The Sun," first sang "Dreaming" for his drama "Dream High" in 2011. The song was extremely touching, and his voice was much loved by fans. He later again sang "The One and Only You" for his next drama's OST. Although Kim Soo Hyun's main focus for the moment is still acting, it is very possible that he may further pursue a career in singing.

Hyun Bin, who acted in popular drama "Secret Garden," also garnered a lot of interest for his voice in the drama's OST "That Man." Now that he is discharged from the marines, he has started a fan meeting tour in Asia. Numerous fans are still in love with Hyun Bin's soothing voice.

Actress Park Shin Hye has also contributed her lovely, sweet vocals to the dramas that she has acted in. Her most popular tracks were "Without a Word" for "You're Beautiful," "The Day We Fall In Love" for "Heartstrings," and "Pitch Black" for "Flower Boys Next Door." She also displayed her passion for singing at recent fan meetings across Asia.

Other than singer-turned-actors who have been successful, it may also be a good idea to keep an eye on these talented, accomplished actor-turned-singers!

Tags
Suzy
IU
Lee Seung Gi
Lee Min Ho
Jang Keun Suk
CNBLUE
Jung Yong Hwa
Ailee
Kim Soo Hyun
Hyun Bin
Park Shin Hye
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