BIGBANG’s T.O.P, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo,… are the most popular actors who started out as YG idols.
Compared to 2 other entertainment companies of Big3, SM and JYP, YG has a much more modest number of idol-turned actors. This is probably due to YG’s different direction for their artists.
Currently, BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is having her first female lead role in JTBC’s Snowdrop, a drama that draws much attention these days. Let’s take a look at the on-screen performances of Jisoo and her seniors from YG.
TOP
Aside from being a highly appreciated rapper, T.O.P is considered one of the most talented idol actors in K-pop history. Not only does he appeal to the viewers, his talent also gets recognized by professionals at award shows. Whenever T.O.P is mentioned as an actor, it’s impossible not to think of his cold, sharp and attractive role in the hit Iris.
He has also proved his acting skills on the big screen through hit movies such as 71 Into The Fire, Commitment… Thanks to these films, TOP took home the Best New Actor award at Blue Dragon 2010, Baeksang 2011, and BIFF Asia Star Awards 2013. If it weren’t for the scandals related to his personal life, TOP would have achieved more success and fame with his acting career.
Sandara Park
The former 2NE1 member is a special case among idol-turned actors because before debuting in K-pop in 2009, she started her acting career in the Philippines. She participated in both TV series and movies and got herself a fairly solid position in the Philippine film industry. In Korea, most of the projects that Sandara Park starred in are regrettably only web dramas. 2009 drama MBC’s The Return of Iljimae is the only long-running drama featuring Sandara that was broadcast on TV.
In addition, Sandara Park also has two more roles in One Step and Cheese In The Trap movie version, which helped her attract more attention as an actress. Because her filmography is still modest, she has not bagged any acting awards in Korea. Compared to her senior T.O.P, it is easy to see that Sandara Park‘s acting career is less outstanding.
Kang Seung Yoon
Just like Sandara Park, Winner’s Kang Seung Yoon became an actor before debuting as an idol in August 2014. His first role was a supporting role in season 3 of the popular TV series High Kick. Although he did not have much screen time, Seung Yoon was still considered a potential actor. After a cameo role in Produce in 2015, he returned to the small screen in 2017 when taking on a supporting role in Prison Playbook.
The past two years 2020 – 2021 is the period when Kang Seung Yoon works quite hard as an actor. He took on the lead role in Kairos, a supporting role in Voice season 4, and a cameo role in Racket Boys. If YG knows how to exploit the potential of WINNER‘s leader, it is entirely possible for Kang Seung Yoon to be as successful as T.O.P in the film industry.
Jisoo
When she first debuted, many viewers predicted that Jisoo would soon become an actress. Jisoo is said to have an actress vibe and it would be a shame if she didn’t get a chance to showcase herself on screen. In 2019, Jisoo caused a stir when appearing for only 14 seconds in Arthdal Chronicle and everyone wanted her to soon have a long-running role. Finally, everyone’s wish came true as the BLACKPINK member had her first lead role in the JTBC drama Snowdrop.
Ignoring the controversies related to this drama, Jisoo deserves praise for her acting skills. Although she still has flaws, in general, Jisoo‘s acting ability is quite good for a rookie. Snowdrop is the first drama in which Jisoo plays the main role, so it is difficult to ask her to be perfect right from this time. With outstanding beauty, acting ability, and support from her agency YG, Jisoo seems to have a great career as an actress in the future.
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Kang Seung Yoon and Jisoo will be the two key factors of the YG family in the film industry. Kang Seung Yoon has already proven his ability and is just waiting for a hit drama to rise to fame. And Jisoo will have to try to promote her own advantages to achieve many other successes in the future. Hopefully both of them will soon gain a solid position as actors.
