TVXQ's Changmin joins has joined the bevy of idols who have kicked off 2014 by acting in a Korean drama. Teaser photos and video have been released of Changmin for the drama Mimi. Changmin will star as the twenty-eight year old webtoon artist Min Woo in the four episode episode series which will air on Mnet in the Friday 23:00 timeslot. Mimi will begin airing on February 21^st. For acting idols, there is an opportunity to either sustain their popularity as in the case of Changmin or drastically improve their audience reception.

B1A4's Baro is an idol who has seen an increase in his success following his portrayal of Chilbong's cousin Binggeure in the popular franchise Reply 1994. The idol is now in talks to join the cast of God's Gift. Baro and Tiny G's Dohee have been well received since acting in Reply 1994, offering both idols career boosts.

EXO's Suho is currently appearing in a cameo role in SM C+C's drama Prime Minister and I, which stars Girls Generation's YoonA. Suho portrays Kwon Tae Yul, the church band friend of the Prime Minister's son Kwon Woori. Suho exhibits sweet innocence which inspires Woori's sister, Kwon Na Ra, to pursue him as her first love. Suho is the first member of EXO to guest star in a Korean drama, but he will definitely not be the last.

FNC Entertainment, like SM Entertainment has prioritized by including acting into the repetitior of its performers. FTISLAND's Lee Hong Ki and CNBLUE's Jung Yong Hwa are prime examples of the fusion of musicians into Korean drama. Although CNBLUE is not a typical idol band, much of their success can be attributed to the fact that every member of the group has acted in a drama. The syngergistic marketing of both FTISLAND and CNBLUE through drama exemplifies the goals of entertainment companies pushing for idol actors.   

However, there are many idols who are well received by audiences without appearing in dramas. Big Bang's G-Dragon maintains immense popularity with his only television exposure being live performances and variety show appearances such as his recent stints on Entertainment Weekly. G-Dragon is consistant with the trend of Korean hip hop artists who do not appear in Korean drama. By contrast, Seungri has had limited acting in Korean drama, but more exposure in the Japanese market. 

Luminaries in Korean pop like Changmin return to drama, alongside idols who are just entering the field. The concept of acting idols is one that has drawn audiences outside of Korea and has helped to sustain the spread of the Hallyu Wave. Will the members of EXO continue to expand into the acting idol sector or will they follow in the footsteps of idol groups such as Big Bang and Super Junior with limited acting participation?