Korea’s Hallyu wave continues to sweep the globe, and the 2025 “Korean Wave White Paper” from the Korea Creative Content Agency has just revealed this year’s most beloved Korean actors worldwide. The list not only celebrates global fan favorites but also showcases the enduring power of K-dramas and cinema across continents.
1. Lee Min-ho
At 38, Lee Min-ho remains the ultimate Hallyu heartthrob. Best known for iconic roles in Boys Over Flowers, The Heirs, and The Legend of the Blue Sea, his global popularity skyrocketed further with the Apple TV+ series Pachinko. This year, he’s making a comeback in When The Star Gossip and the film adaptation of Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy proving his star power remains untouchable.
2. Gong Yoo
The 45-year-old actor continues to reign supreme. Gong Yoo gained global fame with Goblin, Train to Busan, and The Silent Sea. His 2024 comeback in The Trunk, a romance drama after seven years, captivated audiences once more. Fans now eagerly await his upcoming Netflix series Show Business, where he stars opposite Song Hye-kyo.
3. Song Hye-kyo
After blowing audiences away with her vengeful performance in The Glory, Song Hye-kyo continues her momentum with the horror-thriller The Black Priest 2 and the upcoming drama Show Business alongside Gong Yoo. Her continued versatility cements her as one of Korea’s most enduring actresses.
4. Kim Soo-hyun
Known for his powerful performances in Dream High, Moon Embracing the Sun, and My Love From the Star, Kim Soo-hyun recently returned with Queen of Tears. Although his latest project, Knock Off, has been postponed indefinitely, fans are still rallying behind him amid recent controversies.
5. Lee Jong-suk
With legal drama Law and the city just wrapped, Lee Jong-suk is already lined up for the fantasy-romance The Remarried Empress, portraying Prince Heinri. His consistent string of hit dramas from W to While You Were Sleeping keeps him firmly in the hearts of viewers worldwide.
6. Hyun Bin
Though quiet on the small screen since Crash Landing on You, Hyun Bin has kept fans engaged with major films like Confidential Assignment 2 and Harbin. His return to drama is imminent with Made in Korea, a dark story where he plays a power-hungry tycoon.
7. Jun Ji-hyun
The queen of Korean cinema, Jun Ji-hyun is back with multiple projects after hits like My Sassy Girl, Kingdom: Ashin of the North, and Jirisan. She’s set to appear in the zombie movie Colony and the much-anticipated series Human X Gumiho alongside Ji Chang-wook.
8. Ma Dong-seok
The action titan of Korean cinema, Ma Dong-seok, makes his drama return after nine years with Twelve, portraying “Taesan,” a fierce leader battling demons to protect humanity. His film credits include Train to Busan, The Outlaws, and Marvel’s Eternals.
9. IU (Lee Ji-eun)
Singer-actress IU continues her small-screen dominance. Her 2025 drama When Life Gives You Tangerenes earned her a Best Actress nomination at the Baeksang Arts Awards. Next, she stars in Wife of a 21st Century Prince, a romantic drama with Byeon Woo-seok, launching in 2026.
10. Cha Eun-woo
Known for his stunning visuals and webtoon adaptations like True Beauty and My ID is Gangnam Beauty, Cha Eun-woo ranks 10th. He’s set to star in Netflix’s The Wonder Fools alongside Park Eun-bin, playing the mysterious Lee Woon-jung.
Sources: Yahoo News
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