With their bright and fresh approach at big and small screen, they follow in the footsteps of Korea’s acting veterans — “sunbaes” of the industry when have had the opportunity to work with. Armed with youthful appearances, and unfound professionalism for their age… BlossomPOP presents why you should be on the lookout for the twenty faces of the future.

Read about our first coverage on Hallyu’s young leading ladies-to-be, here.

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Here are ten of the hottest, and most sought after young actors of this generation:

Lee Minho
1987
Undeniably the breakout star of 2009, Lee Minho practically shot into stardom overnight. All thanks to a spoiled rich brat with curly locks, Minho embodied the arrogrance of chaebol heir apparent Goo Joon Pyo in 2009’s Boys Over Flowers. Unknown prior to his lucky break, he played supporting roles in school themed productions such as I Am Sam and Mackerel Run. With such an iconic character under his belt, all eyes were on what new project his was going to do to grace the small screen — with that Minho is currently starring opposite veteran actress Sohn Yejin in the romantic comedy Personal Taste.

Lee Seung Gi
1987
Many know him more as the young balladeer of KPop fame, but this multitalented artist has shown that he has the acting chops as well. Seung Gi left behind his “noona killer” image from his singer profession to cross into acting, starting with bit roles in productions like Famous Princesses. In 2009, he was casted as the prodigal grandson and heir to Jinsung Foods, Sunwoo Hwan in weekend drama Shining Inheritance – to much surprise, his compelling and nuanced performance won him countless adoration from viewers across Asia. Bound to be one the success stories of singers-turned-actors tale, his next project is a starring role in a Hong Sisters penned drama entitled My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

Kim Bum
1989
Fresh from his tearjerking performance as young Dong Chul in epic drama East of Eden, Kim Bum stole hearts of teenage girls everywhere when he played F4’s resident playboy So Yijung in last year’s Boys Over Flowers. He attempted to lead his own drama in mixed marial arts themed drama Dream, but failed to meet expectations and ratings. Ever with a professionalism unfound for any actors his age, he returned to the small screen to much acclaim in this year’s  The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry, as Park Jinhee’s much younger rockstar boyfriend.

Jang Geun Suk
1987
Best known for his roles as emo prince Chang Hwi in Hong Gil Dong and musical prodigy Kang Gun Woo in Beethoven Virus, it wasn’t until he reunited with writers Hong Sisters in idol themed drama You’re Beautiful that he finally got a chance to shine. While the said drama barely held its own against rating juggernaut IRIS, it was Jang Geun Suk’s spot-on performance as arrogantly neurotic band leader Hwang Tae Kyung that made the small scale drama a mania hit. He is not only set to make waves in television, but also in the silver screen with his noteworthy performances in movies such as comedy Baby & Me, and 2009 dark thriller Itaewon Murder Case.

Jung Kyung Ho
1983
Some korean drama fans may remember him as So Ji Sub’s younger brother / famous singer in weepy melodrama Sorry I Love You back in 2004. Jung Kyung Ho already starred in many dramas in the small screen, often playing side characters until he was offered the second male lead in high strung action drama Time Between Dog and Wolf with Lee Junki. But he didn’t rise into mainstream until his portrayal of Kang Hyun Soo in weekend family drama Smile You, opposite another promising star Lee Min Jung that he became well known amongst viewers. This couple’s charming yet simply sweet chemistry on the show earned them fans throughout its forty five episode run last year.

Kim Soo Hyun
1988
This 21 year old actor was virtually unknown, until he portrayed young Kang Jin in melodrama Will It Snow for Christmas, setting the tone through the first half of the series for actor Go Soo. He gained more critical acclaim after following the said role with his participation in the two episode drama special Father’s House. Although his screen exposure can be counted as less compared to other actors of his age, Kim Soo Hyun has been regarded as one of the most promising actors… all leading to his casting in big budgeted epic drama Giant, premiering this summer.

Park Ji Bin
1995
he may be young, but there is something to behold about this young actor who is small yet mighty. With more than ten drama productions under his name even before he grows out of his baby face, Park Ji Bin is already a  star in the making. He made waves when he played a young Yi San in the sageuk drama of the same name, portraying a young king with such reserve that its hard to believe that kid was behind it all. He further starred in other famous historic dramas such as Empress Chun Chu and Quen Seon Duk, solidifying him as this generation’s sageuk prince. He recently portrayed one of Choi Jung Won’s seven siblings in romantic comedy Stars Falling From The Sky.

Yoo Seung Ho
1993
His nickname is ‘Little So Ji Sub,” following his debut in historic drama in The Legend, where eagle eyed netizens noted how much he resembled actor So Ji Sub. His early career were peppered with small roles, some portraying younger versions of characters in dramas such as Love Letter and Sad Love Song. His big break however when he was chosen to lead a group of also relatively unknown young stars in school themed drama God of Study this year, a remake of popular Japanese comics Dragon Zakura.

Im Joo Hwan
1982
We first saw him as Kim Bum’s estranged older brother in last year’s Boys Over Flowers, but unbeknown to many korean drama viewers, this actor has actually been appearing in many dramas including a debut performance in A Love to Kill in 2005. Last year he starred as an arrogant civil servant’s son in fusion comedy Tamra The Island, as Park Kyu along with another promising actress Seo Woo. This little drama that could be didn’t make a dent in the ratings, but with their cute and refreshing acting, it earned a cult following amongst the fans… with the demand even warranting a director’s cut edition, after several of the planned episodes were cut. He is set to star in musical drama What’s Up, with Big Bang member Daesung later this year.

Hyun Woo
1985
He debuted in a small part in family drama Tae Hee, Hye Kyo, Ji Hyun, alongside former TRAX member No Minwoo earlier last year, but it was his small part as Italy trained pasta chef Ji Hoon in 2010’s Pasta that earned him adoration from viewers and fans alike. It was his adorable and cute portrayal of one of three exclusive trained cooks in the food themed drama, coupled with his curly locks that made him memorable as he shared scenes with main leads Lee Seun Gyun and Gong Hyo Jin. He can be currently seen playing a young intelligence agent in romantic comedy Call of the Country.

Take a listen to their first single entitled Shake It Ah!

Following a successful run in reality show Idol Army, the boys of MBLAQ are returning to the music scene with their new single entitled Y.

Check out their comeback EP:

1.  4 Ya’ Stereo - Intro (feat. Taewan a.k.a C-Luv)
2. Y
3. One Better Day
4. What U Want
5. Last Luv
6. Y (Inst.)
7. One Better Day (Inst.)

Especially when you are set to portray a character so maliciously tormenting the main character, that it hurts. While the main characters typically grab the spotlight at the beginning, it’s the vicious characters who steal the spotlight as time goes by. The popularity of “nice” characters has been on decline recently, giving way to malicious villains.

Such is the case for two actresses that are showing that its soo good to be soo bad, in two of currently airing korean dramas. In melodramatic epic drama Cinderella Unni, the typical plot of a downtrodden girl being tortured by her stepmother is twisted. In the series, veteran actress Lee Mi Sook plays Song Kang Sook… a manipulating golddigging mother to Song Eunjo (played by promising young actress Moon Geun Young), emotionally scarring her by flitting between husbands to survive. In one of her more sly undertakings, this monster mom managed to marry herself to makgulli millionaire Goo Dae Sung (brilliantly played to such kindness by another veteran actor, Kim Gab Soo) by passing herself as a kind and nurturing wife — all in the while for becoming flithy rich herself. Actress Lee Mi Sook is not a newcomer to playing such nefarious roles, after all she was the scheming Lady Cho in the film Untold Scandal in 2003. Her role in Cinderella Unni marks her first role where she deviants from a classy, sophisticated female character to a crass and tacky golddigger portrayal.

In another popular series of late, an upcoming actress takes on the role of Kim Inhee, the friend who ends up stealing her friend’s boyfriend. Selfish and seductive, actress Wang Ji Hye takes delight in portraying such a hateful character. In a recent interview, she relates that “They say that you have to be really mean when you play a villain in order to become famous. I would like viewers to take a lot of interest in me, even if means they are going to hate me.”  After mostly doing bit roles, mainly sweet female side characters the actress confessed that she even cut her hair in hopes of viewers recognizing her as her character first.

Credit: Personal Preference Press Conference Interview + Villians Rule the TV Scene

In a different take to their funky retro concept, this time its a nod to 80s Soul Train as you can see in their MV teaser below. It also features a cameo by Korean American comedian Bobby Lee (of MADtv fame) –

This new single also marks the Wonder Girls’ first mini album with their new member Hyerim, after their former bandmate Sunmi left the group last January to pursue her academics.

Update:

2 Different Tears was recently leaked, in all of the versions including English, Korean, and Chinese.

With their bright and fresh approach at big and small screen, they follow in the footsteps of Korea’s acting veterans — “sunbaes” of the industry when have had the opportunity to work with. Armed with youthful appearances, and unfound professionalism for their age… BlossomPOP presents why you should be on the lookout for the twenty faces of the future.

Here are ten of this generation’s young actresses that are bound to be leading ladies –

Shin Se Kyung
1990
She has been in multiple CFs, including one where she gets a peck from Big Bang’s TOP. After memorable roles on korean dramas such as Queen Seon Duk and Unstoppable High Kick, as well as participating in omnibus film Ogamdo… she has quickly rising to become Korea’s new sweetheart. She is currently one of the frontrunners for the female lead role in a new drama called My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, a Hong Sisters’ penned project that would have her star as the titular girlfriend who is actually a nine tailed fox.

Moon Chae Won
1986
She started with school themed productions such as Mackerel Run and Our School ET, but it was her role in drama Painter of the Wind where she plays against Moon Geun Young’s disguised character (oddly they won a Best Couple award) that gave a break into the limelight. As the spoiled, selfish, yet ultimately not evil Seung Mi, stepsister to Han Hyo Joo’s heroine, Chae Won gave a convincing portrayal of a girl caught between her own desires, a scheming, ruthless mother, and her own knowledge of right and wrong… in last year’s smashhit Shining Inheritance / Brilliant Legacy.

Seo Woo
1985
One look at this actress, and you wouldn’t even peg her for one that takes on daring roles on screen. She charmed viewers when she played the bubbly island lass Beojin in relatively unknown drama called Tamra, The Island, but her performance in such a series that had an almost cult following brought her luck in the silver screen, bagging roles in films such as artsy thriller The Housemaid, where she trades some dramating chops with none other than Korea’s Cannes Queen — Jeon Do Yeon, after a successful role in the seductive dark film Paju. She currently stars in a highly rated melodrama as spoiled rich girl in Cinderella Unni.

Park Shin Hye
1990
Her first acting role was the younger Jungsuh in weepy melodrama Stairway to Heaven, a character that grows up to be played by one the foremost Hallyu actresses, Choi Jiwoo. After her stint as a childhood actress in many more dramas, she went on to star in lackluster dramas such as Tree of Heaven and Goong S. Despite all that, she managed to rise into fame in mania drama You Are Beautiful where she plays a cross-dressing nun who joins a boyband and falls in love with its neurotic leader. Shin Hye is set to play cupid in the upcoming Cyrano de Bergerac-inspired movie, which has been updated for modern times and titled Cyrano Agency with Uhm Tae Woong.

Moon Geun Young
1987
Korea’s Little Sister — its a nickname that only Moon Geun Young managed to keep the longest, as she is probably the only actress of her generation to have wielded such affection from the Korean people. Her acting career started when she played young Eunsuh in the now classic kdramas Autumn in My Heart. It would be suprising however to know that she didn’t have any high profile roles on small screen, until she played the cross dressing title role in the critically acclaimed drama Painter of the Wind. She currently stars as the icy cold Eunjo in Cinderalla Unni.

Lee Si Young
1982
She caught the audiences’ attention after she portrayed a plastic surgery addicted girl bent on revenge in last year’s blockbuster hit Boys Over Flowers, even with less than five episodes to her credit. After the newfound fame, she weathered criticism of her own experience with plastic surgery and her high profile breakup with Park Junjin (a member of boyband Shinhwa) following their stint in reality show We Got Married. Scandals and rumors aside, Si Young continues on her path of acting stardom as she plays Shin Mi, a chaebol heir but acts nothing like one with her scrimping and frugal ways in drama Birth of the Rich.

Lee Min Jung
1983
Blink and you would have missed her, as Go Ara’s wheelchair bound bestfriend in Who Are You. Another Boys Over Flowers alum where she played Goo Joon Pyo’s on and off arranged fiance… Min Jung went on to star as leading actress in her own drama entitled Smile You. This little weekend drama that could be, where she starred as charming, spunky Seo Jo In  had Min Jung and her co-star Jung Kyung Ho behold while their ratings steadily climb toward upper 20%, a rare feat for a weekend series. Smile You has been since extended by 16 episodes. Her knack for playing well loved or detestable characters has since given her several CF opportunities, and starring roles in high profiled MVs.

Park Bo Young
1990
Effortless at looking cute and adorable, one wouldn’t mistake her for her real self — a serious young actress. She first entered the celebrity gossip scene last year, when photos of her with then hot commodity Lee Minho surfaced. Fangirls and netizens alike talked about her close relationship with the actor, with Bo Young herself denying any romantic relations between them. She then proved all of her detractors wrong when she  charmingly portrayed Cha Tae Hyun’s long lost teenager daughter in the comedy flick Speedy Scandal, a role that earned her first acting award.

Nam Ji Hyun
1995
She is the veritable “go to actress” for portraying realistic childhood roles, each showcasing her already impressive acting skills at her young age.  Ji Hyun first amazed viewers when she effortlessly played Han Ye Seul’s younger self in Will It Snow For Christmas — a bright young girl left emotionally wounded by the tragic death of her older brother. She can currently be seen the upcoming 1970s set action drama, Giant as Park Jin Hee’s younger self.

Im Joo Eun
1988
Rookie actress that surprised almost everyone in the industry when she beat over a thousand auditionees to land the titular role in horror drama Soul. Handling the role of a spirit possessed young girl with ease, she debuted with praises from critics and viewers alike, she had been dubbed as “the next Shim Eunha.” She is set to start with Big Bang’s Daesung in musical drama What’s Up.

Stay tuned for the second installment of our coverage, next up is ten of the most promising actors we believe will change Hallyuwood.

The films are headlined by actress Min Hyorin (most recently of korean drama, Triple) who has been nicknamed “luxury nose,” as her fame rose in South Korea. Four South Korean directors, including Kang Chul Woo of Romantic Island and Park Hyun Jin of Lovers of 6 Years (6 Nyeon-jjae Yeonae-jung), each direct one short film coming together as one love story.

Based on Swiss writer Alain de Botton’s novel The Romantic Movement, the four short films make up the story of Hyo Rin (“Alice” in the original story). Hyo Rin must confront the pain of losing love and find the strength to love again. Supporting cast includes Yeo Wook Hwan (Ja Myung Go), Sohn Byung Wook (Private Eye), hip-hop artist Defconn, and Jung Jun Il of rock band Mate.

The first short film entitled My Bloody Valentine can be viewed at Dramafever with english subtitles, here.

Cosmic StatioN & Associates, the company behind the short films have released the next two installments in their Youtube channel, entitled My Sweet Blanket and The Tarot Players.

Interesting tidbit: In the short film Hyorin’s ex boyfriend was named Chulsoo, a name that considered to be the most common name for a male in Korea. Its most often associated with someone simplistic, common, or even an everyday type of male. In a sense, the short films are taking a stab at “every man.”

Credit: Dramafever

Nation’s MC Yoo Jae Suk and wife Na Eun Kyung makes their grasshopper family a trio, with the birth of a bouncing baby boy last May 1st, weighing a healthy 3.4kg at 11.18am at a local hospital in South Korea. Meanwhile, hipster couple Tablo of Epik High and actress Kang Hyejung says hello to their beautiful baby girl last May 2nd, with the new daddy announcing it himself on his Twitter account –

“Miracle day! 11:05 a.m. today, a beautiful baby girl was born! My lovely Hae Jung and the baby is healthy and very happy ~ She has suffered so much through this, so best to all the women the world!”

Whose betting on having the cutest baby couple ever? A comedic smooth talker baby boy and a gifted musician baby girl! Both celebrity children probably inherited their parents’ talents!

blog entry
Hey! How YOU doin’?
I’m great!

It looks like Ameba has updated it’s program. I can only access mail from April (^_^;).
I’ll look into it …

I feel so happy to finally be back in the studio!!! … And so incredibly blessed to be able to put out another album for you guys. Thank you so much for all of your support. The music, everything, it’s all for you. It’s all because of you. Thank you so much for allowing me to sing my songs to you m(_ _ )m.

Almost two years has passed since the last record!
I’ve changed a lot since then … “Grown” is a better word. I’ve grown a lot. It definitely shines through the music.
This time around, I’ll be working on the album with producers and songwriters the whole way through, composing, writing, etc. It’s fun having a bigger part of the creative process, also a bit nerve wrecking …
I hope ya’ll will like it! Ganbarimasu!

Here’s a picture from the other day..

Rockin’ out on the drums.
It’s a lot like learning how to juggle.

No word on release dates, et cetera, but the album is finally in the works! So stay tuned!
Please keep checking back for updates (^ε^)♪!

Thanks for reading!

Her last studio album was entitled Communication!!! released in 2008.

Credit: Arama They Didn’t

She has the judges floored by her amazingly pure angelic vocals as she sings Italian opera entitled Caruso.In a youth oriented culture that favours screaming rock acoustic bands as their musical preference, Flores’ voice stands out in the musical crowd. While she is no stranger to performing, (she has been singing via local FM radios since she was 12 years old) her stint at PGT is her first nontheater performance — nationwide television at that. She has been likened to another young classical singer, Charlotte Church.

Her self proclaimed moniker “Fame,” has Filipinos agreeing that this girl is indeed on her way to the land of fame.