4 typical images Korean actors are strongly identified with: Song Hye Kyo is the ‘Melo queen’, Lee Min Ho always plays rich guys
Despite their popularity, these Korean actors are constantly typecast to play a similar type of role.
The following Korean stars have sparked many controversies because they are not considered dynamic actors who are willing to transform their image in a variety of roles. They seem to be cast to play the same kind of character for years. However, it is undeniable that they have portrayed these roles so well that such classic images have become their own iconic “brands”. Just by mentioning the name of these 4 famous Korean actors, the viewers will immediately be reminded of their signature roles.
1. Lee Min Ho – The chaebol son
Thanks to his handsome face, classy aura and impressive height, Lee Min Ho is always the pick of casting directors for the role of rich male protagonists. Based on his most outstanding dramas namely “Boys Over Flowers”, “The Heirs”, “The Legend of the Blue Sea”, and most recently “The King: Eternal Monarch”, Lee Min Ho seems to have never suffered a poor and inadequate life on-screen. Because of his regal appearance, it might be difficult for Lee Min Ho to play a character who comes from a poor family background.
2. Song Hye Kyo – The melo queen
Dubbed the “Melo queen” of Korean TV, Song Hye Kyo is not only associated with dramas with sad endings, but she also always has to take on the role of pretty, talented female characters who unfortunately face many hardships in life. Except for her roles in “Full House” and “Descendants of the Sun”, most of Song Hye Kyo’s characters struggle with tragic, miserable fates or serious illnesses like in “All In”, “Autumn in My Heart” or “That Winter, The Wind Blows”. Even when she played the daughter of a wealthy and powerful politician in “Encounter”, her character still goes through tough times because of her family. Even when starring in theatrical films, Song Hye Kyo also took on a heartbreaking role of a mother with a child diagnosed with a rare disease in “My Brilliant Life“.
3. Park Shin Hye – The crybaby
Park Shin Hye once made the audience tired with her portrayal of weak and helpless female characters in several dramas. The reason she is called the “crybaby” of Korean TV is because she is often identified with the image of a fragile, sensitive female lead who easily bursts into tears.
5. Jeon Ji Hyun – The eccentric heroine
As one of the icons in the Korean film and TV industry, Jeon Ji Hyun has starred in a variety of productions, but there are still some of her roles that confuse the viewers because of the similarities. Taking a look at Jeon Ji Hyun’s most famous works such as “My Sassy Girl”, “My Love from the Star” or “The Legend of the Blue Sea”, it is not difficult to notice that the actress tends to play strong female leads with somewhat bizarre and eccentric personality, that often bring laughter to the audience.
