From pop idols to credible actors
Making the move from singing to acting has become de rigueur in the world of K-pop. Here are some popular idols who have crossed over successfully:
T.O.P
With his deep baritone, Big Bang's T.O.P, 26, is the epitome of sexy to female fans around the world.
In TV and movie circles, the suave dude, who goes by his real name Choi Seung Hyun, is gaining credibility with his compelling, emotive performances. Following a scene-stealing turn as a relentless assassin in 2009 drama series Iris, he played a North Korean spy in last year's spy thriller Commitment.
IM YOONA
The 23-year-old sweet-faced member of K-pop's hottest girl group Girls Generation has the fastest-rising acting career out of the sassy team of nine.
Im, who announced she is dating South Korean heart-throb Lee Seung Gi last month, played ill-fated lovers with actor Jang Keun Suk in romantic drama Love Rain (2012). Her latest small-screen outing was that of a clumsy tabloid reporter in last year's comedy series Prime Minister and I.
BAE SUZY
She might be pop quartet Miss A's youngest member, but at only 19, bubbly Bae has already bagged a slew of acting accolades
This includes Female High Excellence Award for Mini-series at the MBC Drama Awards and Outstanding Korean Actress at the Seoul International Drama Awards last year.
Bae played a kooky girl in rom-com series Big (2012), and last year, took on her first period drama, Gu Family Book, where she impressed viewers with her stellar performance as a martial arts instructor skilled with the bow and arrow.
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