The Most Viewed Korean Stars

Can you guess who the most viewed Korean stars of the last decade are? You might be SHOCKED by some of the names on this list! Get ready to have your K-drama and K-pop worlds rocked!

Hold onto your hats, K-drama and K-pop fans! Buckle up for a wild ride through the beating heart of Korean entertainment. I’ve been obsessively crunching numbers, diving into the depths of viewership data to uncover the most adored stars of the last decade. Forget those surface-level listicles. This is the inside scoop, the trends and surprises that’ll leave you gasping for air and screaming for more!

Get ready to have your minds blown because we’re not just talking about the usual suspects here. Oh no, my fellow Hallyu (Korean Wave) enthusiasts! I’ve unearthed hidden gems, stars whose megawatt charisma and undeniable talent have ignited a wildfire of fandom. It’s proof that Korean entertainment is a universe brimming with brilliance, where every corner holds a new obsession waiting to be discovered.

These stars possess an otherworldly ability to ignite your soul. They’ll have you laughing so hard you’ll snort ramen noodles out your nose, sobbing into your pillow over fictional heartbreaks, and swooning so hard you’ll need a fainting couch. Their performances are pure magic, so captivating that you’ll find yourself glued to your screen, binge-watching until the crack of dawn, utterly hooked on their every move.

We’re talking about actors who feel like your BFFs, singers whose voices are the soundtrack to your life, and idols who inspire you to chase your dreams with the ferocity of a K-drama chaebol. And the most enchanting part? Their appeal defies age, gender, and nationality, proving that talent is a universal language.

Surprise Reveals and Trending Upwards

But enough with the suspense! Let’s unveil the stars who’ve been setting our screens ablaze:

1. The Rom-Com King: Kim Soo Hyun: This man is a certified K-drama legend! His magnetic charm in “My Love From the Star” (2013-2014) and “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (2020) solidified his reign as the king of romantic comedies, and his recent tearjerker “Queen of Tears” (2023) proves he can conquer any genre.
2. The Unexpected Heartthrob: Park Seo Joon: He’s the chameleon of Korean acting, morphing effortlessly from the endearing underdog in “Kill Me, Heal Me” (2015) to the fierce and determined entrepreneur in “Itaewon Class” (2020). Is there anything this man can’t do?
3. The Queen of K-Dramas: Gong Hyo Jin: All hail the queen! With her impeccable comedic timing and ability to portray complex, relatable characters, she’s reigned supreme in dramas like “The Master’s Sun” (2013), “It’s Okay, That’s Love” (2014), and “When the Camellia Blooms” (2019).
4. The Dimple Prince: Kim Seon Ho: Get ready to fall head over heels for this rising star! His infectious smile and heartwarming performances in “Start-Up” (2020) and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” (2021) have earned him a legion of devoted fans.
5. The Versatile Veteran: Lee Min Ho: From the iconic Gu Jun Pyo in “Boys Over Flowers” (2009) to the enigmatic Emperor Lee Gon in “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020), Lee Min Ho’s charisma and acting prowess have solidified his status as a K-drama legend.
6. The Charismatic Chameleon: Hyun Bin: Prepare to be utterly captivated! From the magical “Secret Garden” (2010) to the mind-bending “Memories of the Alhambra” (2018-2019) and the swoon-worthy “Crash Landing On You” (2019-2020), Hyun Bin is a master of transformation, leaving us breathless with each new role.
7. The Fierce Female Lead: Son Ye Jin: She’s the embodiment of elegance and strength, captivating us with her emotional depth in “Crash Landing On You” (2019-2020) and “Something in the Rain” (2018). Son Ye Jin is a true K-drama icon.
8. The Multi-Talented Idol: Bae Suzy: From her days as a member of Miss A to her mesmerizing roles in “While You Were Sleeping” (2017) and “Vagabond” (2019), Bae Suzy is a triple threat who can sing, dance, and act her way into our hearts.
9. The Action Star: Ji Chang Wook: Get your adrenaline pumping with this action-packed superstar! From the thrilling “Healer” (2014-2015) to the intense “The K2” (2016), “Suspicious Partner” (2017), and “Backstreet Rookie” (2020), Ji Chang Wook delivers heart-pounding action and undeniable charm.

Ageless Icons

10. The Timeless Beauty: Song Hye Kyo: A true K-drama goddess, Song Hye Kyo’s beauty and talent are timeless. From the epic romance of “Descendants of the Sun” (2016) to the emotional rollercoaster of “Encounter” (2018) and the revenge-fueled “The Glory” (2022-2023), she continues to reign supreme.
11. The Veteran Actress: Lee Young Ae: A living legend, Lee Young Ae’s iconic role in “Dae Jang Geum” (2003) cemented her place in Korean entertainment history. Her recent comeback in “Inspector Koo” (2021) proves that her talent and charisma are as captivating as ever.
12. The Nation’s Father: Choi Bool-am: With a career spanning decades, Choi Bool-am is a beloved figure in Korean households. His heartwarming performances in countless dramas have earned him the title of “Nation’s Father.”
13. The Nation’s Mother: Go Doo-shim: Known for her warmth and maternal aura, Go Doo-shim is a comforting presence on screen. Her countless roles as the loving mother have made her a national treasure.
14. The Queen of Comedy: Na Moon-hee: Get ready to laugh out loud! Na Moon-hee’s impeccable comedic timing and unforgettable characters have earned her the crown of “Queen of Comedy.”

Scene-Stealing Supporting Stars

15. The Breakout Sensation: Byeon Woo Seok: This rising star is a force to be reckoned with! From his breakout role in “Record of Youth” (2020) to his captivating performance in the viral hit “Moonshine” (2021-2022), Byeon Woo Seok is quickly becoming a household name.
16. The Scene-Stealer: Ahn Bo Hyun: Prepare to be charmed! Ahn Bo Hyun’s scene-stealing performances in “Itaewon Class” (2020), “My Name” (2021), and “Yumi’s Cells” (2021-2022) have made him a fan favorite.
17. Lee Joo Myung: This versatile actress has been making waves with her supporting roles in hit dramas like “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” (2022), “Kairos” (2020), and “Hospital Playlist” (2020-2021).
18. Hwang In Yeop: He’s the bad boy with a heart of gold! Hwang In Yeop’s breakout role in “True Beauty” (2020-2021) and his enchanting performance in “The Sound of Magic” (2022) have solidified his status as a K-drama heartthrob.

K-Pop Sensations

19. Jang Wonyoung (IVE): This young idol has captured hearts with her visuals and talent since her debut in 2021.
20. An Yujin (IVE): Another member of IVE, An Yujin’s popularity is undeniable since her debut in 2021.
21. Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO): This multi-talented idol is known for his acting in “True Beauty” (2020-2021) and “Island” (2022-2023), singing, and stunning visuals.
22. The Versatile Actress: Jung Yumi: Known for her roles in “Kim Ji Young Born 1982” (2019) and “The School Nurse Files” (20

The Allure of Second Leads

In the realm of K-dramas, second leads often steal the spotlight, leaving us with a serious case of second lead syndrome. These actors and actresses may not always get the girl or guy, but their compelling performances and undeniable chemistry with the leads leave a lasting impression.

1. Hwang In Yeop: His bad boy charm in “True Beauty” (2020-2021) and his magical turn in “The Sound of Magic” (2022) have solidified his status as a fan favorite.
2. Kim Young Dae: From the swoon-worthy second lead in “Extraordinary You” (2019) to his captivating performance in “The Penthouse” series (2020-2021), he’s a rising star with undeniable talent.
3. Lee Do Hyun: Known for his emotional depth and versatility, his roles in “18 Again” (2020) and “Youth of May” (2021) have earned him critical acclaim.
4. Go Kyung Pyo: His comedic timing and effortless charm in “Reply 1988” (2015-2016) and “Jealousy Incarnate” (2016) have made him a sought-after supporting actor.
5. Seo In Guk: This multi-talented actor and singer has captured hearts with his roles in “Reply 1997” (2012), “Shopping King Louie” (2016), and “Doom at Your Service” (2021).

Rising Stars on the Horizon

The Korean entertainment industry is a hotbed of emerging talent, and these rising stars are poised to take the world by storm:

1. Han So Hee: Her breakout role in “The World of the Married” (2020) and her captivating performance in “Nevertheless” (2021) have made her a sought-after actress.
2. Song Kang: This young actor has quickly become a fan favorite with his roles in “Love Alarm” (2019-2021), “Sweet Home” (2020), and “Nevertheless” (2021).
3. Lee Jae Wook: His intense gaze and impressive acting skills have earned him recognition in “Extraordinary You” (2019), “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol” (2020), and “Alchemy of Souls” (2022).
4. Kim Da Mi: Her unique charm and powerful performances in “Itaewon Class” (2020) and “Our Beloved Summer” (2021-2022) have made her a rising star.
5. Ahn Hyo Seop: This charismatic actor has captured hearts with his roles in “Dr. Romantic 2” (2020), “Lovers of the Red Sky” (2021), and “Business Proposal” (2022).

The Undeniable Power of K-Pop

K-pop continues to dominate the global music scene, and these groups and idols are leading the charge:

1. BTS: This global phenomenon needs no introduction. Their music, message, and impact on the world are undeniable.
2. BLACKPINK: These fierce women are breaking records and empowering fans worldwide with their music and style.
3. EXO: This beloved boy band continues to captivate audiences with their powerful performances and catchy tunes.
4. TWICE: Known for their bubbly personalities and infectious energy, this girl group has a massive following.
5. Red Velvet: This versatile group experiments with different genres and concepts, keeping fans on their toes.

Conclusion

This is just a glimpse into the star-studded world of Korean entertainment, a world that celebrates talent and charisma across generations. These most-viewed stars, both leading and supporting, have captivated audiences with their talent, charm, and undeniable star power. Their impact on the global stage is undeniable, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for these brilliant artists and the new stars who are sure to rise.

Share your thoughts in the comments below! Who are your favorite Korean stars? Have any of these surprises caught you off guard? And  which drama or K-pop performance are you going to watch next?