Bae Doona To Lee Joon-gi: K-Drama Icons Who Conquered Hollywood

It's an exciting era for South Korean artists, and the enthusiasm is palpable. Here's a compilation of Korean celebrities who have ventured into Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark with their exceptional performances.

The Korean entertainment sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, producing compelling content that resonates with a broad audience. Korean actors have demonstrated their versatility across various genres, excelling in K-dramas such as 'Squid Game' and 'Crash Landing on You,' as well as blockbuster movies like 'Train To Busan' and 'Parasite.' Their talent has not gone unnoticed in Hollywood, with several actors being selected by major production houses for international projects. Here, we highlight a few who have successfully made their mark in hollywood.

Youn Yuh-jung

The accomplished Korean veteran star has enjoyed an illustrious acting career, but her global recognition reached new heights with her role in the 2020 American drama film, ‘Minari.’ This movie, which garnered acclaim throughout the awards season in the US, tells the story of a South Korean immigrant family striving to establish themselves in rural America during the 1980s.

Youn's exceptional portrayal of Soon-ja in ‘Minari’ earned her the honour of becoming the first Korean celebrity to win an Oscar at the 93rd Academy Awards. This accolade marked a significant milestone in her already distinguished career.

Bae Doona

Bae Doona, a prominent South Korean actress, consistently challenges norms with her diverse range of film projects. Over a career spanning more than two decades, she has made notable appearances in successful Korean films such as ‘Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance,’ ‘The Host,’ and ‘Air Doll.’ Her remarkable contributions to the industry earned her the prestigious Golden Crown Order of Cultural Merit from the South Korean government.

Don't Miss:Eternal Love To Love And Redemption: Must-Watch Chinese Xianxia Dramas For Your Binge List

In recent times, Bae Doona has been involved in compelling projects, including the Netflix period zombie thriller ‘Kingdom,’ the crime thriller ‘Stranger,’ and ‘The Silent Sea.’ Her continued dedication to versatile roles reflects her enduring impact on the Korean entertainment scene.

Lee Joon-gi

In addition to his captivating appearance, Lee has captivated audiences with his acting prowess in various projects such as 'The King and the Clown,' 'My Girl,' 'Iljimae,' 'Flower of Evil,' and more. His remarkable performances have earned him numerous accolades, including recognition at the Korean Film Awards, Grand Bell Awards, and MBC Drama Awards.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 배우 이준기 李準基 (@actor_jg)

Lee made a dazzling foray into Hollywood with a significant role in the sixth and final instalment of the Resident Evil series, titled "Resident Evil: The Final Chapter." In this film, he had a special appearance as the antagonist, engaging in a gripping showdown with lead actress Milla Jovovich. His seamless transition to Hollywood showcased his international appeal and versatility as an actor.

Don't Miss:Good Doctor To Designated Survivor: 60 Days: Explore 4 Korean Remakes Of Iconic American Series

Han Hyo-joo

A renowned figure in South Korea, Han boasts an impressive filmography with remarkable contributions such as ‘Masquerade,’ ‘Cold Eyes,’ ‘Love 911,’ ‘The Beauty Inside,’ and more. Her versatility extends to notable series like ‘Heaven & Earth,’ ‘Iljimae,’ ‘Brilliant Legacy,’ and ‘Dong Yi.’

Han's global recognition soared with her involvement in the American television series ‘Treadstone,’ intricately connected to and based on the popular Bourne film series. This venture into international television marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences on a global scale.

Credits: Youtube