Between producing albums, dance practice, and other numerous projects K-Pop idols keep themselves pretty busy. There are a select few, however, that somehow manage to squeeze more into their already packed schedule to moonlight as an actor. Hence the creation of the term “idol drama.”
As more and more K-Pop idols venture into acting, here are eight idol dramas we love.
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth
Who were handsome young men who were at the center of unifying Korea’s Three Kingdoms? Hwarangs. Follow this elite group of living through the tumultuous time of Sila Kingdom as they grow through passion and friendship.
Who’s in it: Park Seo Joon (ZE:A), Park Hyung Sik, Go Ara, Seo Yea Ji Choi Min Ho (SHINee), Do Ji Han, and Kim Taehyung (BTS)
Fun Fact: The celebrity group “Wooga Squad” consisting of Park Seo Joon, Kim Taehyung, Park Hyung Sik, Choi Woo Shik, and Peakboy started because of this show.
Where to watch it: Viki
Imitation
After failing to debut with Omega III, Lee Ma Ha has taken on every and any role she could find to support herself (including imitating others). Now a member of the newly debuted girl group Tea Party, Ma Ha finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with Kwon Ryok, the popular member of Shax. Can these two old acquaintances cheer each other on or will they ruin each other for good?
Who’s in it: Lee Jun Young (U-KISS), Jung Ji So, Park Ji Yeon (T-ARA) Jeong Yun Ho (ATEEZ), Hwiyoung (SF9), Lim Na Young (I.O.I.), and Choi Jong Ho (ATEEZ)
Fun Fact: KBS started Instagram accounts for the three main K-Pop groups in the show. The various groups have performed on music shows as well as dropped music videos for a few songs produced during the show.
Where to watch it: Viki
Live On
Baek Ho Rang is the most popular girl in school, but this standoffish high schooler is hiding a terrible secret from her past. When a mysterious individual threatens to expose her online she enlists the help of the broadcasting club – finding friendship and love along the way.
Who’s in it: Jung Da Bin, Heang Min Hyun (NUEST), Noh Jong Hyun, Yeonwoon (formerly of MOMOLAND), Choi Byung Chan (VICTON), and Yang Hye Ji
Fun Fact: This drama is packed full of cameos from notable faces including, Kim Hye Yoon (Extraordinary You), Kenta (JBJ95), and Yeonjun (Tomorrow X Together).
Where to watch it: Viki
So I Married The Anti-Fan
Following a series of terrible encounters between them, top star Hoo Joon and journalist Geun Young end up on a reality tv show where they live together. Can Geun Young expose Hoo Joon’s duplicity or does she fall for the man with the fake cold heart?
Who’s in it: Choi Tae Joon, Choi Sooyoung (Girl’s Generation), Hwang Chan Sung (2PM), Han Ji An, Kim Min Kyu, and Kim Sun Hyuk
Fun Fact: Shortly after this show finished filming in 2018 both Choi Tae Joon and Hwang Chan Sung enlisted in the military to complete their required service.
Where to watch it: Viki
True Beauty
High student Lim Ju Gyeong now transforms herself into a “goddess” before going anywhere. Despite the newfound popularity, she would rather die than reveal her bare face to anyone. Unfortunately, she’s left more than a few clues for her classmates, including the popular Lee Su Ho to find about her true identity.
Who’s in it: Moon Ga Young, Cha Eun Woo (ASTRO), Hwang In Yeop, Park Yoo Na, Kang Min Ah, and Im Se Mi
Fun Fact: True Beauty is based on the popular ongoing LINE webtoon of the same name. However, don’t expect the show to follow the webtoon.
Where to watch it: Viki
Dream High
Six students at Kirin High School share dreams of becoming K-pop idols, among others. Throughout their school years, they learn how to develop their singing, songwriting, and dancing skills while maybe finding love along the way.
Who’s in it: Kim Soo Hyun, Ham Eun Jung (T-ARA), Jang Wooyoung (2PM), IU, OK Taecyeon (2PM), and Suzy (formerly of MissA)
Fun Fact: Kim Soo Hyun was the only non-idol among the cast, but studied music and dance at JYP Entertainment prior to filming in order to understand his role.
Where to watch it: Viki
Mystic Pop-Up Bar
An ill-tempered woman, an innocent part-timer, and a former afterlife detective run a mysterious pojangmacha (outdoor drinking establishment) for humans and the dead needing to heal their internal wounds and fix their problems.
Who’s in it: Hwang Jung Eum, Yook Sungjae (BTOB), Choi Won Young, and Park Sieun (STAYC)
Fun Fact: The drama was based on the webcomic Ssanggabpocha.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Following her break-up with her boyfriend, Go Ha Jin finds herself by the sea. During her attempt to save a child from drowning, an eclipse appears transporting her from the 21st century to the Goryeo era during the reign of Taejo.
Who’s in it: Lee Joon Gi, IU, Byun Baekhyun (EXO), Nam Joo Hyuk, Ji Soo, and Kang Ha Neul
Fun Fact: IU designed the hairpin and peony gifted by Wang So to the female lead.
Where to watch it: Netflix Korea
Which of these K-dramas will you be watching next?
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