• 6 Male Rising Stars That Showed Outstanding Performances In 2021

    The generational shift of actors is especially noticeable in 2021. In particular, young actors in their twenties are showing off their presence on the small screen with their solid acting prowess and impressive looks. Based on their performances this year, we introduce five rising stars who make us look forward to their future.

    Lee Do Hyun

    Lee Do Hyun is also a leading actor in his 20s who captivates viewers with his attractive visuals and acting skills. After strengthening his acting skills in major works such as 'Hotel Del Luna', '18 Again', and 'Sweet Home', this year, he transformed into Hwang Hee Tae, a medical student in the 1980s, and performed well in the KBS 2TV drama 'Youth in May'.

    Currently, he’s starring in tvN’s Melancholia and presenting a teacher-student romance with Im Soo Jung. Playing math genius Baek Seung Yoo, he convincingly depicted the process of a man regaining his love and passion for mathematics.

    Lee Do Hyun, who always showed splendid chemistry with older actors, will meet Song Hye Kyo in the drama Glory.

    Na In Woo

    Na In Woo, who proved his growth potential through the tvN drama 'Mr. Queen' last year, showed off his presence as a relief pitcher in the KBS 2TV drama 'River of the Rising Moon' this year.

    It fills the vacancy of Jisoo, who left because of the school violence controversy. Despite the sudden substitution, Na In Woo played the Ondal character with a sense of heterogeneity.

    Na In Woo, who continued acting with a special appearance in the KBS 2TV drama 'At A Distance Spring Is Green', was recognized for his performance by winning the New Wave Award at the '2021 Asia Artist Awards'.

    He plans to continue his activities actively with his next works, 'Her Bucket List' and 'Jinx's Lover'.

    Lee Jun Young

    Lee Jun Young is one of the 'acting idols' who performed the most impressive performances this year. He first made his face as a member of U-Kiss in 2014, and started his acting career in 2017 with the tvN drama 'Avengers Social Club'.

    This year, in his 5th year of acting career, he appeared in the KBS 2TV drama 'Imitation' and the SBS drama 'Let Me Be Your Knight' one after another, making strenuous steps.

    He also left a strong impression as Jung Hyun Min, a defector in Netflix's hit 'DP'.

    Kim Young Dae

    Kim Young Dae received a lot of attention for his appearance in SBS’s "Penthouse" series. He was well-received for his delicate expression of complicated emotions of Joo Suk Hoon, the son of “absolute evilJoo Dan Tae.

    He also won the nickname “little Kang Dong Won” thanks to his gorgeous looks. Next year, he’ll star in tvN’s new drama Shooting Star with Lee Sung Kyung.

    Song Kang

    As one of the most outstanding rising stars of the year, Song Kang cannot be left out. Song Kang, who made his mark with the Netflix original 'Sweet Home' last year, has solidified his position as a leading male actor in his 20s with the JTBC drama 'Nevertheless' following the tvN drama 'Navillera' this year.

    In Navillera, he took on the role of ballerino Lee Chae Rok and showed impressive chemistry with veteran actor Park In Hwan, presenting a mature performance. In Nevertheless, he realistically portrayed a romantic relationship of a man in his 20s with his role as Park Jae Eon, who is instinctively attracted to romantic feelings.

    Next year, he’ll make his comeback with Park Min Young in the romance drama Meteorological Agency People: The Cruelty of Office Romance (literal title).

    Rowoon

    In a K-pop world where there are so many attractive idols, Rowoon of the boy group SF9 is well-known for his godly visuals. But aside from his breathtaking visuals, Rowoon has an extraordinary talent as a vocalist, dancer and actor.

    Rowoon played his first leading role in 2019 MBC's television series, Extraordinary YouRowoon became globally popular in his role in the drama The King’s Affection as Jung Ji Un, who is a handsome and loyal royal tutor.

    Aside from The King's Affection, Rowoon has also been cast in the upcoming 2022 fantasy drama Tomorrow alongside Alice actress Kim Hee Sun!

    Source[1]

  • Lee Kyung Gyu secretly helped Hong Jin Kyung debut on TV and she didn’t even know for years

    Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

    On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

    Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

    Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

    Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

    She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

    She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

    Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

    Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

    He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

    He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

    Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

    That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

    He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

    Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

    Source: [1]