From Mics to Cameras: 7 Best Idol Acting Debuts

As Korean shows and music sweep the world, it appears that the two are inextricably intertwined. As a result, K-pop idols often make forays into acting. While some may lack acting talent, others' performances are worthy of note.

Here are seven best singing-to-acting journeys of Korean idols.

7. Siwan as Club Man in Prosecutor Princess

Making his musical debut with ZE:A in January 2010, this idol landed his first role almost immediately. He made a cameo appearance in the second episode of the Korean legal drama Prosecutor Princess. Although it was a minor role, it was memorable and the artist went on to appear in many TV series.

6. Hyungsik as a Club Man in Prosecutor Princess

As Siwan's bandmate, this idol also played a similar role in Prosecutor Princess. What's even more interesting is that the two singers appeared in the same episodes of Gloria later that year. In turn, Hyungsik's acting debut made him popular in the industry, and the singer has gone on to land many more roles since then.

5. U-Know as Himself in Banjun Theater

As a member of one of Korea's first boybands, TVXQ, Yunho has had a prolific career in both music and film. His acting debut - a portrayal of himself on Banjun Theater, a short drama series - may seem a bit boring, but the artist made several appearances on the show and his arc was quite important to it.

4. Sungjae as Arnold on Monstar

This BtoB member landed his first lead role just a year after the band's debut in 2012. He starred in the teen romance drama Monstar, which cemented his reputation as a talented actor. Sungjae has since appeared in multiple shows.

3. V as Seok Hansung in Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth

After making his musical debut with BTS in 2013, V appeared in a number of music and variety shows before landing a supporting role in the historical drama, shortly known as Hwarang. It is his only acting role to date.

2. Eunji as Shung Shiwon in Reply 1997

It is no secret that many of us were introduced to the world of Korean dramas thanks to the Reply franchise. The Apink member starred in the comedy-drama Reply 1997 just a year after making her musical debut with the group in 2011. This performance brought Eunji critical acclaim and many roles in television and movies.

1. D.O. as Han Kangwoo in It's Okay, That's Love

Introduced to EXO in 2012, Kyungsoo and the band appeared in the second episode of To the Beautiful You later that year. However, his real acting debut came in 2014 with It's Okay, That's Love. D.O. starred in the medical drama as a high school student from a dysfunctional family and a fan of the main character.