10 K-Drama Actors Who Have Been Killing It In 2020

2020 has been a memorable year for many reasons. Some good and some bad, but in the world of K-dramas, there has been a lot of pleasant surprises as a result of some K-drama actors. These actors have proven that they’re doing an amazing job in the industry and are continuing to make an impression without fail. The best part about these actors is that the year is nowhere near finished, which means they’ll probably continue to shine for the months to come. Here’s a look at 10 actors who have been killing it in 2020 so far.

List is in no particular order.

1. Lee Jae Wook

Lee Jae Wook has been all the rage last year and this year. Within the short amount since debuting, Lee Jae Wook has been making quite the name for himself and has been doing it rather quickly. This year, he has not only co-starred in the series “I’ll Go To You When The Weather Is Nice,” but he has also landed his first lead role in the upcoming rom-com, “Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol.” 2020 is shaping up to be a huge step in the right direction for this rookie actor.

Also, we can’t forget about all the magazine spreads he’s partaken in. With those visuals, there were a lot!

2. Park Hae Jin

Park Hae Jin hasn’t been in any K-dramas since 2017, but he’s definitely making up for it in 2020. He’s already starred in two K-dramas so far: “Forest” and “Kkondae Intern.” And if this wasn’t enough, he’s already confirmed to star in another K-drama this year titled “Crime Puzzle.”

We also can’t forget to mention the fact that he received an award for his volunteering as a fire marshal. It’s no secret that Park Hae Jin always strives to volunteer and partake in various volunteering facets. How much more can he do this year?!

3. Lee Sang Yeob

Lee Sang Yeob has been around for many years now and has definitely made a name for himself not only in the K-drama world, but the variety show world. His various appearances in “Running Man” showed his charm and lovable attitude, which is why he’s garnered a bigger fan base. He is currently starring in “Once Again,” which is receiving killer ratings. And if this wasn’t enough success for 2020, he’s also currently starring in another drama titled “Good Casting.” Yes, I know. He’s quite the busy man!

Lee Sang Yeob in “Good Casting”:

Lee Sang Yeob in “Once Again”:

4. Park Seo Joon

Park Seo Joon’s success this year is not surprising. He did star as Park Sae Roy in “Itaewon Class” and gained even more popularity internationally. He was in various CFs, posed for various magazine spreads, gained a lot more followers on his IG, and has reached a million subscribers on his Youtube channel. He is also confirmed to be starring in a new movie alongside IU. There really is no stopping Park Seo Joon!

5. Ahn Bo Hyun

2020 is shaping up to be an extremely exciting year for the rookie actor Ahn Bo Hyun. He starred as the villain Jang Geon Won in “Itaewon Class” and it was darn easy to hate him in the drama. But since it ended, Ahn Bo Hyun has been making quite the impression, especially on variety shows. He’s been a guest on “Home Alone” as well as “Running Man.” He also reached over 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel and received the silver play button a couple months ago. Now he’s already over 250,000 subscribers!

You have to check out the vocals on Ahn Bo Hyun. Pretty impressive!

6. Yang Kyung Won

Yang Kyung Won starred as the loveable North Korean soldier Pyo Chi Su in “Crash Landing On You.” Since the drama has ended, he’s been on various variety shows and there are YouTube clips circulating that show his very talented singing skills. He’s also already been in another K-drama called “Hi Bye, Mama” and it looks as though it won’t be his last this year!

Here is the viral YouTube clip of him singing:

7. Joo Ji Hoon

Joo Ji Hoon can be considered a veteran actor. Who can forget him as the charming heartthrob prince in “Goong“? After taking a few years off from K-dramas, Joo Ji Hoon started to make his way back into the small screen last year. In 2020, he starred in the second season of the hit zombie sageuk “Kingdom 2” and also starred in the successful drama “Hyena.” And if this wasn’t enough, he’s also in talks to star in another K-drama alongside Jun Ji Hyun. There’s no stopping him now!

Joo Ji Hoon in “Kingdom 2”:

Joo Ji Hoon in “Hyena”:

8. Kim Dong Hee

Don’t be fooled by Kim Dong Hee’s innocent face because this rookie actor can play a mean villain. Kim Dong Hee made quite the impression as the soft-spoken-turned-meanie Jang Geun Soo in “Itaewon Class.” His role in the new drama “Extracurricular” is also proving that he’s more than a pretty face. But what’s crazy impressive about this actor is that he debuted in late 2018 and has already dominated in every K-drama he’s been in. 2020 isn’t over yet, but it’s definitely started on the right foot for Kim Dong Hee!

Kim Dong Hee in “Itaewon Class”:

Kim Dong Hee in “Extracurricular”:

9. Yoon Shi Yoon

Yoon Shi Yoon is one of the most likeable actors out there. He’s got the boy next door image down and he’s not afraid to make himself look goofy on variety shows. This year has already proven to be quite the success for him. He’s not only wrapped up his drama “Psychopath Diary,” but he’s also set to star in the new OCN thriller “Train.” And if he wasn’t already busy enough, Yoon Shi Yoon is currently hosting the hit reality series “Heart Signal 3.” Don’t you just love seeing him on the regular?!

Yoon Shi Yoon along with the other hosts of “Heart Signal 3”:

His new starring role in “Train”:

10. Hyun Bin

This one is kind of a given. Ever since Hyun Bin starred in “Crash Landing On You,” he’s been stealing hearts, and for very good reason! He’s been a very sought-after brand rep and has been in several CFs this year. Even one is a huge accomplishment for a celebrity. Hyun Bin has also confirmed his next project, which is a film called “Bargaining.”

Hyun Bin in a CF for “Smart” in the Philippines:

Hey Soompiers, which of these actors is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

binahearts is a Soompi writer whose ultimate biases are Song Joong Ki and BIGBANG. She is also the author of “K-POP A To Z: The Definitive K-Pop Encyclopedia.” Make sure you follow binahearts on Instagram as she journeys through her latest Korean crazes!

Currently watching: “The King: Eternal Monarch” and “Heart Signal 3”
All-time favorite dramas: “Secret Garden,” “Goblin,” “Because This Is My First Life,” “Star In My Heart”
Looking forward to: Won Bin’s return to the small screen