7 Actors Who Found Stardom After The Same Series

How are some of today’s hottest stars connected? Many of Korea’s top actors, including those in currently airing super-popular dramas, got their start on the “School” series. Take a look into the past and see how the celebrities from your favorite Korean dramas, including “Doctors,” “W,” and “Uncontrollably Fond,” changed over the years. Although these celebrities were not very well known back then, this series all gave them a push into superstardom. 

In “School 2013,” Kim Woo Bin played the role of park Heungsoo, a rebellious student who wasn’t afraid to talk back to the teachers. After his role in the school series, his acting career took off and he started being cast as the main lead in both movies and drama. He is currently starring in the drama “Uncontrollably Fond” alongside Suzy.

Back then:

Now: 

Watch the latest episode of “Uncontrollably Fond” below: [viki]http://www.viki.com/videos/1106135v-uncontrollably-fond-episode-6?utm_source=soompi&utm_medium=soompi_news&utm_campaign=soompi_link&utm_content=7-actors-found-stardom-series&utm_content_id=878577wpp[/viki]

Lee Jong Suk played the role of Go Nam Soon, the main character in “School 2013” who was often bullied at school and whom Kim Woo Bin had a grudge against due to past conflicts. Although Lee Jong Suk had roles in popular dramas before, after starring in “School 2013,” he really made it into the big leagues. He is now starring in the currently airing drama “W.”

Back then:

Now:

“W” airs every Wednesday and Thursday on MBC. Catch the latest episode on Viki!

Gong Yoo made his acting debut in “School 4” in 2001, nearly a decade before the season with Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jong Suk. His character was both a piano-playing singer and a smooth-talking student with killer pickup lines. Afterwards, he played the main role in the 2007 drama “Coffee Prince” and is starring in the current box office hit “Train To Busan.”

Back then:

Now:

Relive the awesomeness of Gong Yoo’s most famous K-drama here: [viki]http://www.viki.com/videos/80847v-coffee-prince-episode-1?utm_source=soompi&utm_medium=soompi_news&utm_campaign=soompi_link&utm_content=7-actors-found-stardom-series&utm_content_id=878577wpp[/viki]

Kim Rae Won, star of the super-popular drama “Doctors,” kicked off his acting career by starring in “School 2,” which came out in 1999. After getting his start on “School,” he was cast in numerous dramas and movies over the years. Although he was a teacher in “Doctors,” in “School 2,” he was a student that often got yelled at by his teachers. Kinda like him and Park Shin Hye in “Doctors.”

Back then:

Now:

Watch the latest episode of “Doctors” here: [viki]http://www.viki.com/videos/1104222v-doctors-episode-10?utm_source=soompi&utm_medium=soompi_news&utm_campaign=soompi_link&utm_content=7-actors-found-stardom-series&utm_content_id=878577wpp[/viki]

Ha Ji Won, star of “Secret Garden” and numerous other dramas, also got her start on “School 2” alongside Kim Rae Won. 

Back then:

Now:

Bonus: Kim Rae Won and Ha Ji Won together in “School 2.”

Watch “Secret Garden” here: [viki]http://www.viki.com/videos/80215v-secret-garden-episode-1?utm_source=soompi&utm_medium=soompi_news&utm_campaign=soompi_link&utm_content=7-actors-found-stardom-series&utm_content_id=878577wpp[/viki]

In the original “School,” released in 1999, Jang Hyuk played the role of Kang Wu Hyeok, a relatively quiet student who would stand up for justice. It was his second drama and the one that launched his acting career. 

Jang Hyuk is currently starring in KBS’s “Beautiful Mind” alongside Park So Dam.

Back then:

Now:

Watch the latest episode of “Beautiful Mind” here: [viki]http://www.viki.com/videos/1105256v-beautiful-mind-episode-10?utm_source=soompi&utm_medium=soompi_news&utm_campaign=soompi_link&utm_content=7-actors-found-stardom-series&utm_content_id=878577wpp[/viki]

After his acting debut in “School 2” and a cameo appearance in “School 3,” Lee Dong Wook became a major star, getting cast in numerous dramas and movies over the years.

Back then:

Now:

Watch Lee Dong Wook’s latest drama, “Bubblegum,” here: [viki]http://www.viki.com/videos/1101921v-bubblegum-episode-1?utm_source=soompi&utm_medium=soompi_news&utm_campaign=soompi_link&utm_content=7-actors-found-stardom-series&utm_content_id=878577wpp[/viki]

kafox is a K-pop addict and avid viewer and subtitler of Korean dramas on Viki.