5 interesting stories of how Korean actors got into acting (ft. Song Kang, Choi Woo Sik, and more) 

Are you curious how these famous Korean actors started their careers? 

Each actor has a different story of how they got “discovered” and made their ways into the industry, and here are such stories of 5 Korean actors that we find the most special. 

Choi Woo Sik

The star of Our Beloved Summer actually wanted to major in directing in college. At first, Choi Woo Sik was more fond of doing behind-the-scenes work. However, at the time, Choi Woo Sik‘s ex-girlfriend told him: “Men with monolids (like you) are very famous in Korea, such as Bi Rain and Lee Jun Ki.” That’s how Choi Woo Sik had second thoughts and decided to try acting first before learning directing. 

Later, it was also his ex-girlfriend who helped Choi Woo Sik apply for an online Korean audition of the production company that created the popular drama Dream High. Indeed, if it had not been for the encouragement of his ex-girlfriend, there would not be the talented actor Choi Woo Sik we are watching today.

Shin Hye Sun

Shin Hye Sun’s reason to start acting is simple. It’s because of Won Bin. Shin Hye Sun revealed that when she was a kid watching Autumn in My Heart, she was fascinated by Won Bin and wanted to meet him. That’s how she decided to become an actress. Talking about Won Bin, Shin Hye Sun couldn’t hide her fangirl’s feelings: “Every time I see Won Bin sunbaenim on TV, my heart flutters so much that I can’t even watch it. I couldn’t even go to the theater to watch The Man From Nowhere when the movie was released.”

Because of Hyun Bin, Shin Hye Sun’s passion for acting grew bigger. When she was in high school, she chose to focus on acting and then also applied to many management companies during college. The beginning was rough because she was not called for any audition. Despite such difficulties, she did not give up. Then the opportunity also came, Shin Hye Sun passed the audition for a supporting role in School 2013. She officially made her debut as an actress and has achieved much success since then. She now gets cast in leading roles and continues to impress viewers with her acting.

Song Kang

One of the most outstanding actors in their 20s at the moment, Song Kang, attracts viewers with his handsome looks and sizzling chemistry with female co-stars. Ever since he was a student, he already stood out for his visuals, which are almost no different from now, as if he was born to be a celebrity. However, at first, Song Kang did not dream of becoming an actor. He revealed that when he graduated from high school, he still didn’t know what he wanted to do, then he happened to watch Titanic and was fascinated by Leonardo DiCaprio‘s eyes, so he became interested in acting.

Having set out a direction for his life, Song Kang prepared for the entrance exam to the film and art department of Konkuk University and passed. He has now transformed into one of the most promising K-drama actors. 

Lee Se Young

Lee Se Young probably has the most interesting story of how she became an actress. She has many years of experience in acting by debuting as a child star from a very young age. But the reason why she started appearing on television when she was only a kid was because at that time, Lee Se Young‘s parents were worried that their daughter would get abducted because of her pretty appearance, so they decided to put her on television for the whole country to see Lee Se Young’s face to avoid anything bad happening to her. 

Isn’t it such a one-of-a-kind reason for somebody to start acting? But looking at how pretty Lee Se Young was when she was a child, it’s not difficult to understand why her parents were worried about her safety. Thanks to her parents, Lee Se Young gradually fell in love with acting and pursued it since she was a child.

Jang Dong Yoon

Jang Dong Yoon’s story is just as unique as Lee Se Young. His change of career to become an actor was absolutely unpredictable. Jang Dong Yoon did not study film or do anything related to art. He studied finance and was only a commoner. Until one day, his life suddenly turned in a whole different direction through a special event.

Specifically, Jang Dong Yoon was walking on the street when he encountered a robber with a dangerous weapon threatening a convenience store clerk. Jang Dong Yoon then did not hesitate to help catch the bad guy. Thanks to his bravery and heroism, he was rewarded by the police and appeared on TV through an interview. Unexpectedly, his eye-catching appearance in that interview was noticed by an agency. That’s how Jang Dong Yoon’s life took an unexpected turn as he joined the entertainment industry and became an actor.