The generational shift of actors is especially noticeable in 2021. In particular, young actors in their twenties are showing off their presence on the small screen with their solid acting prowess and impressive looks. Based on their performances this year, we introduce five rising stars who make us look forward to their future.

Lee Do Hyun

Lee Do Hyun is also a leading actor in his 20s who captivates viewers with his attractive visuals and acting skills. After strengthening his acting skills in major works such as 'Hotel Del Luna', '18 Again', and 'Sweet Home', this year, he transformed into Hwang Hee Tae, a medical student in the 1980s, and performed well in the KBS 2TV drama 'Youth in May'.

Currently, he’s starring in tvN’s Melancholia and presenting a teacher-student romance with Im Soo Jung. Playing math genius Baek Seung Yoo, he convincingly depicted the process of a man regaining his love and passion for mathematics.

Lee Do Hyun, who always showed splendid chemistry with older actors, will meet Song Hye Kyo in the drama Glory.

Na In Woo

Na In Woo, who proved his growth potential through the tvN drama 'Mr. Queen' last year, showed off his presence as a relief pitcher in the KBS 2TV drama 'River of the Rising Moon' this year.

It fills the vacancy of Jisoo, who left because of the school violence controversy. Despite the sudden substitution, Na In Woo played the Ondal character with a sense of heterogeneity.

Na In Woo, who continued acting with a special appearance in the KBS 2TV drama 'At A Distance Spring Is Green', was recognized for his performance by winning the New Wave Award at the '2021 Asia Artist Awards'.

He plans to continue his activities actively with his next works, 'Her Bucket List' and 'Jinx's Lover'.

Lee Jun Young

Lee Jun Young is one of the 'acting idols' who performed the most impressive performances this year. He first made his face as a member of U-Kiss in 2014, and started his acting career in 2017 with the tvN drama 'Avengers Social Club'.

This year, in his 5th year of acting career, he appeared in the KBS 2TV drama 'Imitation' and the SBS drama 'Let Me Be Your Knight' one after another, making strenuous steps.

He also left a strong impression as Jung Hyun Min, a defector in Netflix's hit 'DP'.

Kim Young Dae

Kim Young Dae received a lot of attention for his appearance in SBS’s "Penthouse" series. He was well-received for his delicate expression of complicated emotions of Joo Suk Hoon, the son of “absolute evil” Joo Dan Tae.

He also won the nickname “little Kang Dong Won” thanks to his gorgeous looks. Next year, he’ll star in tvN’s new drama Shooting Star with Lee Sung Kyung.

Song Kang

As one of the most outstanding rising stars of the year, Song Kang cannot be left out. Song Kang, who made his mark with the Netflix original 'Sweet Home' last year, has solidified his position as a leading male actor in his 20s with the JTBC drama 'Nevertheless' following the tvN drama 'Navillera' this year.

In Navillera, he took on the role of ballerino Lee Chae Rok and showed impressive chemistry with veteran actor Park In Hwan, presenting a mature performance. In Nevertheless, he realistically portrayed a romantic relationship of a man in his 20s with his role as Park Jae Eon, who is instinctively attracted to romantic feelings.

Next year, he’ll make his comeback with Park Min Young in the romance drama Meteorological Agency People: The Cruelty of Office Romance (literal title).

Rowoon

In a K-pop world where there are so many attractive idols, Rowoon of the boy group SF9 is well-known for his godly visuals. But aside from his breathtaking visuals, Rowoon has an extraordinary talent as a vocalist, dancer and actor.

Rowoon played his first leading role in 2019 MBC's television series, Extraordinary You. Rowoon became globally popular in his role in the drama The King’s Affection as Jung Ji Un, who is a handsome and loyal royal tutor.

Aside from The King's Affection, Rowoon has also been cast in the upcoming 2022 fantasy drama Tomorrow alongside Alice actress Kim Hee Sun!

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Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

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