For years, actors in their 20s have dominated the leading-man market in Korean dramas and streaming content. Names such as Park Ji-hoon, Lee Chae-min, Moon Sang-min, and Kim Jae-won have become synonymous with the new generation of Korean drama stars.
However, as the second half of the year unfolds, signs of change are emerging. Veteran actors born in the 1980s and early 1990s are increasingly capturing public attention, proving that experience, versatility, and screen presence remain powerful assets in the entertainment industry.
At the center of this shift are Heo Nam-jun and Kim Moo-yeol, two performers enjoying some of the most successful periods of their careers.
The phrase “Heo Nam-jun syndrome” has become increasingly common among drama fans. The actor has become one of the driving forces behind SBS drama My Royal Nemesis, which continues to achieve record-breaking ratings and maintain its position as one of the most talked-about dramas currently airing.
The series tells the story of an unknown actress possessed by the spirit of a notorious villainess from the Joseon era and her romance with a powerful chaebol heir. In the drama, Heo Nam-jun portrays Cha Se-gye, a third-generation conglomerate heir. While chaebol characters have traditionally been depicted as polished and restrained figures dressed in tailored suits, Heo Nam-jun has brought a different energy to the role.
His portrayal combines arrogance, raw intensity, and emotional vulnerability, creating a character that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. Audiences have praised his carefully controlled delivery, piercing gaze, and animalistic charisma. Beneath the character’s tough exterior lies a deep sense of loneliness and emotional deficiency, adding layers to what could have otherwise been a stereotypical role.
The performance has elevated Heo Nam-jun’s profile significantly, with many viewers and industry observers describing him as a potential “next-generation sexy leading man.”
While Heo Nam-jun has captured attention on traditional television, Kim Moo-yeol has become one of the biggest stars in the streaming world.
The actor currently leads the Netflix original series Teach You a Lesson, which premiered in full on June 5. Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, the drama follows the activities of a government agency established to restore authority and order within schools. Shortly after its release, Teach You a Lesson climbed to No. 1 on Netflix’s global Non-English TV chart, generating strong buzz both in South Korea and internationally.
Kim Moo-yeol plays Na Hwa-jin, a key inspector in the Educational Rights Protection Bureau. The character’s military special forces background allows the actor to showcase intense action sequences alongside his trademark charisma. Viewers have praised his ability to balance humor, authority, and physicality, delivering a performance that provides both excitement and catharsis.
Kim Moo-yeol’s popularity is not limited to streaming rankings. The actor recently topped integrated TV-OTT actor buzz rankings, surpassing even the stars of My Royal Nemesis, including Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun. Industry insiders have even begun referring to the phenomenon as the rise of a new “ahjussi syndrome,” highlighting the growing demand for mature male leads who bring depth, gravitas, and life experience to their roles.
The success of Heo Nam-jun and Kim Moo-yeol suggests that the Korean entertainment industry may be entering a new phase, one where younger stars no longer hold an uncontested monopoly on leading roles. While actors in their 20s continue to command significant attention, audiences are increasingly embracing performers with greater experience and distinctive acting styles.
As the competition among male leads becomes more diverse, viewers stand to benefit from a wider range of performances and storytelling approaches. The impressive momentum of Heo Nam-jun and Kim Moo-yeol demonstrates that charisma and talent can transcend age, potentially reshaping the future of Korean drama casting.
Sources: Daum | 스포츠동아
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