Industry Insiders Vote for Top Actor and Actress in New Poll - Find Out Who Is #1

TV Report asked producers and industry insiders to pick their top “overall actors.” For two weeks in March, producers from SBS, MBC, and KBS, along with other entertainment industry officials, participated in a survey to choose the current top actor and actress from dramas. The voters were asked to choose the “overall actor and actress” based on three criteria: acting ability, name recognition, and star quality. 

TV Report has done this survey annually, to shed light on which actors and actresses have been doing well the past few years. The leading man and woman in a drama can be crucial to a drama’s success. Broadcasters are more likely to choose a more well known actors to increase the drama’s recognition and opportunities for sponsorship and commercial investment. It is the actor and actress’ name power that will draw interest into the drama, and then their performance and the script will carry the drama into its ratings. 

Click through the pages to see who the top 18 actors and 15 actresses the producers and industry officials voted for. See if you can guess who is their choice for #1 Actor and Actress. 

18. Song Seung Hyun – 1 vote. 

Recent dramas: “When a Man Loves” (2013) “Time Slip Dr. Jin” (2012)

17. Ryu Seung Bum – 1 vote

Recent movies: “New World” (2013) “Berlin File” (2013)

16. Ryu Seung Ryong – 1 vote

Recent movies: “7th Room’s Present” (2013) “All About My Wife” (2012)

15. Jang Dong Gun – 1 vote

Recent drama: “Gentleman’s Dignity” (2012)

14. Joo Won – 1 vote

Recent dramas: “Good Doctor” (2013) “7th Grade Civil Servant” (2013) “Bridal Mask” (2012)

13. Kang Dong Won – 1 vote

Recent movies: “Love for Sale” (2010) “Psychic” (2010)

12. So Ji Sub – 2 votes

Recent drama: “Master’s Sun” (2013)

11. Lee Jong Suk – 3 votes

Recent drama: “I Hear Your Voice” (2013) “School 2013” (2013)

10. Song Joong Ki – 3 Votes

Recent drama: “Nice Guy” (2012)

9. Park Yoo Chun – 4 Votes

Recent dramas: “Three Days” (2014) “I Miss You” (2012) “Rooftop Prince” (2012)

8.  Gong Yoo – 4 Votes

Recent drama: “Big” (2012)

7. Lee Seung Gi – 5 Votes

Recent dramas: “Gu Family Book” (2013) “King 2 Hearts” (2012)

Next…The top six actors, including #1. 

6. Kim Woo Bin  – 7 Votes

Recent dramas – “The Heirs” (2013) “School 2013” (2013)

This hot actor made it to the top six of this list, which is impressive as it is, but considering that he wasn’t even on the list last year, makes it something to congratulate him for. He had quite the year in 2013, making his way into the hearts of women with his bad boy smirk and strong acting. He is definitely one of the actors to look out for and someone we will be seeing more of as he continues to receive love calls for more roles.

5. Jo In Sung – 10 votes

Recent drama: “That Winter, the Wind Blows” (2013)

Jo In Sung dropped from #1 to #4, but still kept his place in the top six. He made his small screen comeback with the hit melo-drama “That Winter, the Wind Blows.” With his co-star, Song Hye Gyo, the two made a tragic love story that lingered in the viewer’s heart and mind long after each episode was over. Who could forget that sweet cotton candy kiss? 

4. Lee Min Ho – 10 votes

Recent drama: “The Heirs” (2013)

Lee Min Ho lead the good looking cast of actors and idol-actors in “The Heirs” and went from receiving only one vote last year, to being in the top 4. With his hit drama wrapped up, the actor is busy promoting overseas and filming his upcoming movie, “Gangnam Blues.”

3. Hyun Bin – 14 votes

Recent drama: “Secret Garden” (2010)

His last drama was in 2010, but the power of “Secret Garden” still lives on. Even though he hasn’t been in a drama since then, he actually moved up from fourth place to third. Hyun Bin is currently enjoying his break after finishing his military service last year, and everyone is highly anticipating his return to either the small or big screen.

2. Lee Byung Hun – 17 votes

Recent drama: “Iris” (2009)

Lee Byung Hun went from drama leading man, to movie leading man, and now to Hollywood actor. Although he has stepped down from his first place last year, there is no doubt that Lee Byung Hun is still one of Korea’s top actor. Producers praised his wide range of acting abilities. With a couple of Hollywood movies under his belt, Lee Byung Hun will remain a very sought out actor.

1. Kim Soo Hyun – 30 votes

Recent dramas: “Man From the Stars” (2013) “Moon That Embraces the Sun” (2012) 

Little surprise here; Kim Soo Hyun was voted as the top overall actor. Considering his insane popularity from “Man From the Stars,” this might have been a no brainer. Kim Soo Hyun must be making excellent drama choices, with his past three dramas all being great hits in Korea, and abroad. During the survey, producers pointed out that not only is Kim Soo Hyun an excellent actor, he is also popular with all ages. Add his charming small face, he is also one of the hottest model and brand endorsers in Asia. 

Next…and now for the actresses. 

15. Han Ga In – 1 vote

Recent drama: “Moon That Embraces the Sun” (2012)

14. Park Shin Hye – 1 vote

Recent drama: “The Heirs” (2013)

13. Moon Geun Young – 1 vote

Recent dramas: “Goddess of Fire” (2013) “Cheongdamdong Alice” (2012)

12. Kim Ha Neul  – 1 vote

Recent drama: “Gentleman’s Dignity” (2012)

11. Moon Chae Won – 2 votes

Recent dramas: “Good Doctor” (2013) “Nice Guy” (2012)

10. Son Ye Jin – 2 Votes

Recent drama: “Shark” (2013)

9. Kim Tae Hee – 2 Votes

Recent drama: “Jang Ok Jung, Living in Love” (2013)

8. Kim Nam Joo – 3 Votes

Recent drama: “You Who Rolled in Unexpectantly” (2012)

7. Lee Bo Young – 4 Votes

Recent dramas: “God’s Gift, 14 Days” (2014) “I Hear Your Voice” (2013)

6. Han Hyo Joo – 5 Votes

Recent movies: “Masquerade” (2012) “Love 911” (2012)

Next…and the top five actresses are? Can you guess who is number 1? 

5. Suzy – 6 Votes

Recent dramas: “Gu Family Book” (2013) “Big” (2012)

Suzy is not only the youngest actor/actress in the entire list, but also the only one who is an idol (unless you count Lee Seung Gi). Her popularity needs no explanation, for whether she is dancing with her members for miss A or playing a perfect first love character, Suzy has won over Korea. 

4. Gong Hyo Jin – 7 votes

Recent drama: “Master’s Sun” (2013)

Already popular before, Gong Hyo Jin became even more popular after being paired up So Ji Sub on “Master’s Sun.” Now the fashionista is busy modeling her own shoe line, and a very popular brand of casual hats. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what role this versatile actress will take on next.

3. Song Hye Gy0 – 10 votes

Recent drama: “That Winter, the Wind Blows” (2012)

One of Korea’s top beauties is also one of Korea’s top actresses. After wrapping up her drama with Jo In Sung, Song Hye Gyo has several movies lined up for this year and the next. Because of her incomparable beauty, Song Hye Gyo is also a highly sought after model for, unsurprisingly, beauty brands in Korea and out. 

2. Ha Ji Won – 17 votes

Recent dramas: “Empress Ki” (2014) “Secret Garden” (2010)

Ha Ji Won and her drama “Empress Ki” is owning their time slot in ratings. There seems to be very little this actress can’t do, after showing a variety of talents in acting throughout the years. One of Ha Ji Won’s strong points is that she is a very likable actress, passing that quality on to her characters. 

1. Jun Ji Hyun – 19 votes

Recent drama: “Man From the Stars” (2013)

If you’re going to make a drama comeback after 14 years, you better make it big. That is exactly what Jun Ji Hyun did with “Man From the Stars.” Like her partner, Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji Hyun takes the number one place. Although she was an iconic actress before, Jun Ji Hyun moved to legendary status after being Korea’s #1 style icon and inspiration. Only Jun Ji Hyun could take Ha Ji Won’s previous number one spot. 

These are the producer’s top picks, what are yours? Do you think there are some actors/actresses who also deserve to be on this list? Tell us in the comments below.