With their out-of-the-world visuals, K-pop idols would make you scream in
ecstasy just by winking at you through your phone screen. However, in Korea,
there is a beauty standard considered even higher than the typical one for K-pop idols;
that is “actor” or “actress” visuals. Actor or actress visuals mean not only on-screen charisma
but also a traditional beauty look that is appealing to all Korean masses. While idol
visuals tend to be merely pretty and cute, actor or actress visuals must be unique with protruding
features that enhance their on-screen appearance. That being said, some K-pop idols possess such
an actor-like vibe that even non-fans must admit their visuals are born to be on screen.
1. Yujin (IVE)
The next actress-like visual on the list is no one other than Yujin,
the leader of IVE. Yujin has been known for her unique beauty since her days in IZONE.
Since her participation in Produce 48, Yujin has attracted a great deal of attention for her
gorgeous visuals. Netizens dug up her past photos and also her appearance as the lead
female actress in the MV of “Rain”, a song by EXO Baekhyun and the duet queen Soyou.
Though she was just 13 at the time of filming the MV,
her acting portrayed nothing short of in-born talent and on-screen charisma.
Surprisingly enough, a lens commercial advertisement starring Yujin in 2017
suddenly grew popular thanks to her ethereal and fresh look.
At some points, Yujin was even better known as the “lens angel” than as IZ*ONE Yujin.
Yujin impresses everyone with a mature yet innocent visual. Her natural facial features
are compared to those of actress Jung Somin by Korean netizens. With such a youthful aura,
Yujin is considered perfect for female roles in K-dramas with high-school or university settings.
2. Jisoo (BLACKPINK) As the visual of the leading female
K-pop group - BLACKPINK, no wonder Jisoo is hardly ever absent in any “Top K-pop visual” lists.
When talking about actress-like vibe, it is said that Jisoo’s elegance and femininity are enough
to “turn anywhere into the set of a K-drama”. With her pigeon eyes, small face and heart-shaped
lips, Jisoo’s visual shines even when she wears transparent make-up and simple outfit. Jisoo’s
stunning look exudes a unique vibe of “the girl next door” that wins the hearts of any beholders.
Jisoo’s fans have always exclaimed how strong her actress vibe is.
And of course, they couldn’t wait to see actress Kim Jisoo shine on the screen.
Her fans’ dream finally came true when Jisoo announced her lead female role in the airing
K-drama “Snowdrop”. Despite the controversies surrounding the contents of the series,
Jisoo’s unique visual is breathtaking right from the drama’s posters and trailers.
Although Jisoo’s acting skills still appear to have spaces for improvement,
her presence on screen is truly a blessing to the eyes of both fans and non-fans.
3. V (BTS) Dubbed as the
“visual king” of K-pop, Kim Taehyung, or V, would make a perfect actor, according to several fans.
After his captivating role as Hansung in Hwarang: The poet warrior Youth, V hasn’t returned to any
acting projects due to his tight schedule with BTS. However, the hype around his acting is by
no means calmer than before. According to Korean media, V is currently the most wanted actor for
K-dramas. The fee offered for V’s appearance in one episode is said to be a staggering number,
even higher than that of the current highest-paid Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun.
With his talents in acting, plus the mysterious and sexy look,
V undoubtedly has insurmountable charm as an actor.
Later last year, V was even expected to replace Song Joong-ki and take
the lead role in Vincenzo season 2. Ever since the airing of Vincenzo,
fans editing V as the main character have gone viral among K-drama lovers and fans.
It must be admitted that both V and Song Joong-ki are blessed with chiselled features, expressive
eyes and a deep-toned voice. All combined would make a unique sexy aura surrounding them.
4. Hana (Gugudan)
Along with other top visuals like TWICE Tzuyu, BLACKPINK Jisoo, RED VELVET Irene,
Hana from Jellyfish’s girl group Gugudan is also considered a leading beauty in the
third generation of K-pop female idols. With her one-of-a-kind aloof and frosty beauty, Hana is
often called the “ice princess” of the idol land. Right since the debut of Gugudan,
Hana has struck Korean netizens with her distinct beauty on and off stage.
Hana’s fragile looks adds to her classic beauty, creating her image as a noble lady stepping out
of a novel. Many believe that Hana is cut out for fierce and high-esteemed roles on screen.
After Gugudan disbanded in 2020, Hana left Jellyfish Entertainment
to sign with FN Entertainment as an actress in 2021. She has
appeared in different web series including “Nara’s Marvellous Days” and “Mr. LEE”.
Hana, or now known as actress Shin Bora, portrayed excellent acting skills in the two web dramas.
Fans were all excited to see her performance as an actress and weren’t disappointed.
One might say Hana is not just an “idol-actress”, but an actual actress on screen.
5. Minju (formerly IZ*ONE)
Ever since her charming ending fairy shot in the first Nekkoya stage of Produce 48,
Minju has been rocketed to fame thanks to her out-of-this-world visuals.
It is no exaggeration to say Minju’s stunning look on every stage resembles that of an angel.
She possesses such a pure and innocent vibe that seems to brighten the screen once she appears.
Fans believe that Minju’s visuals would be suitable for several types of roles in K-drama,
such as a student in a school setting, or an heiress with a noble look in luxurious outfits.
The fact is, Minju’s sweet persona combined with her amazing visuals
does make her suitable for a wide range of roles.
Before her debut as a member of IZ*ONE, Minju has had several experiences with acting in CFs and
dramas. She starred as Choi Soo-ji in The Great Seducer, Soo-yeon in The fault is not yours,
Cha Ah-hyun in A-Teen season 2 and so on. She even won the Special New
Actress Awards 2020 for the role of Soo-yeon in The fault is not yours.
With such an actress-like visual and great potential in acting,
no wonder Minju is expected to pursue an acting career after IZ*ONE. Few months ago, she even
refused the invitation to debut as a member of HYBE’s upcoming girl group to focus on acting.
After the release of Minju’s actress profile,
netizens know that their statements about her actress aura are absolutely correct.
7. Chaeyeon (DIA) Jung Chaeyeon’s
charming visuals started to gather attention upon her participation in Produce 101 first season.
She got noticed even more after debuting with the well-known girl group I.O.I.
Early on, Chaeyeon was said to be the “little Suzy”
with her bright stage presence and innocent look.
Not only does she shine on stage, but she also steals the hearts of many just
by red carpet appearance. Her sweet smile is enough to give anyone a “visual shock”.
Her clear and flawless visual creates a look with no dead angle. Her casual pictures all look like
they have just been cut out from a magazine shoot. And, have you caught her gaze on stage? It’s
unmistakably the charismatic aura that one may seek in an actress.
To her fans’ delight, Chaeyeon made her debut in acting in 2015 with the web drama “Sweet
Temptation”, and has starred in several web series, TV series and even movies ever since.
Thanks to her actress aura and diligent effort in acting,
Chaeyeon has won several rookie actress awards and nominations over the years.
No doubt, netizens would be dying to see her development in more acting roles in the future.
8. Cha Eunwoo (ASTRO) If you talk about K-pop male idols with great
actor’s vibe, it would be a mistake not to name Cha Eunwoo. Although he originally debuted with
Fantagio’s group - Astro, Cha Eunwoo is probably even more famous as an actor than an idol.
Eunwoo’s
facial features are so flawless that some said his face alone is enough to be considered a talent.
His handsome look conforms with the well-accepted beauty standards in Korea
while not being mediocre. Going well with his perfect face is his well-toned physique.
One is surely struck by his beauty right from first glance.
Eunwoo’s visuals are so overwhelming that he even
sometimes outshines other actors and actresses in the same frames.
No wonder Fantagio would not waste this stunning visual for any seconds.
Eunwoo was offered acting roles early on from the beginning of his idol career.
After gaining a certain level of recognition through acting in
My Romantic Some Recipe, My true ID is Gangnam Beauty, Rookie historian Goo Hae Ryung,
etc., he came to the turning point of his career after his lead role in True Beauty.
Needless to say,
Cha Eunwoo’s boyfriend-material visuals are just the right elements on K-drama screen.
So, hope that you have got your visual feast for today! Are there any other idols
that you think would rock it as an actor? Please let us know in the comment section!