Moon JiYong's official Instagram / YG Entertainment / Hook Entertainment / CHOP CHOP
Much like every other year, the year 2022 has given rise to new actors who in their various capacities have been able to pique the interest of many K-Drama lovers. Every year, we are introduced to fresh new faces who do not just have the stunning good looks to warm our hearts but also the talents to make viewers swoon as well.
Some of these actors may or may have not yet gotten their "breakthrough" roles, but following their already amazing performances and given new opportunities in 2023, we believe they will earn the status of "Rising Stars".
1. Kim KangMin
Kim KangMin's official Instagram
The actor first debuted as a model during the Seoul Fashion week in 2016 and following his debut, he became an instant favorite for netizens who continued to gush over his impressive physique, tall height, and boyish visuals on social media. By 2019, he made his acting debut in the web drama series "Maybe, Maybe Not", which introduced him to a new crop of audience who began to not just swoon over his budding acting talents but also his good looks and his deep voice as well.
In the same year, he picked up another main role in the teen web drama "Like", and even though the series had a lot of mixed reviews due to its very slow pace and plot holes, he still manage to garner tons of commendations, especially with his adorable chemistry and bromance with fellow lead Kim SungHyun.
By 2020, he made his TV debut playing the supporting role of Kim YoungSeok in the series "Soul Mechanic". He might have not had as much screen time, but the little he had was enough for many viewers of the series to take notice of him. From one supporting role in a TV drama, the model-turned-actor is slowly but surely making head waves.
Screenshot from Asian Wiki
Screenshot from Asian Wiki
In the series "My Roommate Is A Gumiho" he further piqued the interest of global viewers due to the popularity of the series. His scene-stealer moments were notable as many fell in love with the strong and dutiful personality of his character as well as his strikingly handsome looks. In 2021, he also had a supporting role as Kim DooSeong in the hit series "The Red Sleeve".
This year, he continued his journey as an actor with his appearance in the series "It's Beautiful Now". With more screen time than in his previous roles, we were able to see a proper and somewhat fuller view of his performance as a budding actor. And we could rightfully say, many were impressed by his portrayal of his character. Though a supporting role, with his physical appearance, his deep vocal tone, and his magnetic aura, he posed as a true leading man, one that many no doubt fell for and would like to see more of in more dramas.
Seo BumJune's official Instagram
While he clearly immerses himself in his role, another aspect of his acting (and perhaps this stems from his personality as well), is the undeniable chemistry he has with his costars. On and off screen, we've seen this vividly in his interactions with his fellow cast mates and regardless of gender, there is a sense of affection and care he exudes towards them that makes him look very attractive and like a true leading man.
Kim KangMin's official Instagram
In 2023, hopefully, with more roles coming his way, we predict he will have a breakthrough project that would invariably put him in the spotlight and transform him from a rookie actor to a rising star.
2. Kim HyunJin
Laniege
Kim HyunJin's rise from newbie actor to rising star is all be imminent as he has captured the hearts of many K-Drama fans with his role as SunHo in the college-themed drama series "Cheer Up". With the trope of the love triangle and one-sided love going on, many have found themselves vividly rooting for him as he joins the growing list of characters with the 2nd lead syndrome. Swooning over his impressive physical proportions, charismatic aura, as well as his dreamy good looks, the newbie actor who made his debut in 2020 with the web series "Sugar Coating" is undeniably earning his place in the hearts of many drama fans.
Prior to his acting debut, he first debuted as a model, and signed to YG Entertainment's modeling agency, YGK PLUS in 2015. Starring in various commercials and magazine pictorials, he piqued the attention of many with his striking puppy-like features and warm yet so magnetic aura. With a dream to become an actor, he started training with WM company, and soon in 2020, he landed his first role in the coming-of-age drama.
While talking about taking a step into acting and the feelings derived from it, he revealed:
It's similar to the feeling when I first started modeling. It's trembling, thrilling, and it feels like first love. When I'm walking or doing a photo shoot for a magazine, I don't get nervous like the first time. But every time I act, I keep shaking. I think it's because I have to be a little more immersed.
Kim HyunJin
Following his debut in 2020, he went on to play supporting roles in the drama "Can You Deliver Time?" that same year and "Peach Of Time" in 2021. While many had no doubt been noticing him from his modeling days and his previous roles, it wasn't really till his appearance as Yeon HaRim in the 2021 web drama "Peng" that he properly caught the eye of many fans.
Despite his young age, he displayed a level of maturity with his approach toward Go SaRi (played by Yoon SoHui) which made many viewers attracted to him. And even though he clearly wasn't going to end up with the female lead, his sincerity and thoughtfulness was pure and unmistakable, which posed him as a real ideal type to many. From a lead role in a web drama to a lead role in a TV series, Kim HyunJin is no doubt making great use of his opportunities and impressing many with his budding acting talents.
In an interview with BNT news, speaking about the kind of roles he wants to play, he said:
First of all, I want to play the role of a student suitable for my age, step by step. Then later, I want to try action acting or a villain role.
Clearly, he is sticking to his plan as he has been playing roles that duly fit his visuals and age. With the role of SunHo in the drama "Cheer Up", his character is the elite medical student from a rich home who is sort of brought out of his bubble through his interactions with DaeYi. This perhaps adds to one of the reasons why he is in love with her as she offers him something different, exciting, and real. His charming personality and handsome good looks might have not yet fully worked on DaeYi, but it has already captivated many viewers of the series who aptly gush over him and wish he ends up with the female lead as well.
I think that if you do anything consistently for a long time, you will develop. It was the same with sports and also with modeling. It's still lacking, but it's much better than then. I still lack a lot in my acting and there are many things I need to learn, but I want to show myself continuing to develop.
YG Entertainment
While there is no doubt that this drama will evidently project him as one to watch, we hope in 2023, he gains more opportunities to showcase his acting spectrum, ultimately continue his growth as an actor and captivate more hearts of fans as well.
3. Seo BumJune
Hook Entertainment
The rookie actor's budding talent is no doubt putting him on a steady rise to prominent recognition as his growing filmography speaks to this fact. He made his official debut playing the supporting role of Hwang JinSu in 2021 with the hit JTBC series "Nevertheless,". Earning him a good start in his career. From a debut as an actor in "Nevertheless" to various hilarious scene-stealer moments in the medical comedy-drama "Dr. Park's Clinic".
In the drama, he played the role of Cha JiHoon, a fake nurse who goes undercover and gets a job in the clinic. His dialogues were not just comical but his expressions as well. With yet another successful supporting role, comes another as he plays Choi InSik, a strict senior in the police academy in "Rookie Cops". His role was in clear contrast to the comical and bubbly Cha JiHoon which surprised many fans but also still earned him good comments as his portrayal of the mean senior was admirable. Perhaps this would speak to his versatility and flexibility as an actor in the future.
SBS
Soon after, he was announced as one of the MCs of the music show "INKIGAYO" alongside Roh JeongEui and TXT's YeonJun. Known for his bright and cheery personality, his cute charms are making fans fall in love with him and others even doubt his age as because of his aegyo, many think he is the youngest.
His character as Lee SooJae is his most notable one so far, as it sparked a lot of interest in viewers of the weekend drama "It's Beautiful Now". In the beginning, many viewers notably disliked his frivolous and deceptive acts. However, his character development was one of the special elements that made people thoroughly enjoy the series as it shows with great support even when you hit rock bottom, there is still a chance for you to rediscover yourself, make amends, and set off on a new and better path. The turnaround of his character made him a loved actor from the series as many viewers greatly appreciated his storyline. In an interview, he said a lot of people especially the elderly would notice him as Lee SooJae and give him advice on how to resolve his mistakes. This warmed his heart as it should people were invested in the series.
Before he made his debut as an actor, the then-acting trainee was featured on a Dingo YouTube video alongside veteran actor Yoo JiTae. In the viral video, he is seen mistreated by customers at the bar he works which makes him look sad and downcast. However, his mood lights up with he sees his favorite actor Yoo JiTae. His heartwarming and pure reaction made many admire him and his conversations with Yoo JiTae also shed a light on his passion for acting as well. Put on the spot, he acts out a scene that impressed lots of viewers and the veteran actor as well, who was noticeably pleased with his delivery and praised him duly.
Hook Entertainment
Clearly, he picked up vital tips on how to become a good actor as he continues to display his budding skills in his dramas. With his impressive potential, in 2023, he will not just earn the hearts of many fans with his good looks and charms but also with his developing acting skills as well.
4. Moon JiYong
Moon JiYong's official Instagram
The actor may have made his official debut back in 2018 but with a handful of works, he is gaining waves of attention as many are expressively swooning over his leading man appeal. Like many young actors, he first graced our screens with his appearance in the web series "Afternoon In A Small City" and in 2020, he made a comeback in the fantasy web drama "Kiss Goblin".
Screenshot from My Drama List
Screenshot from Rakuten Viki
While he surely displays his budding acting skills in the series, it won't be till this year 2022, with his appearance in the BL drama "Once Again" that really made many notice his incredible acting talents and also make him a new star to watch.
From his expressive eyes that easily captivate and pull you into his emotions to his unmistakable aura filled with angst and a strong will to save a man, he admired and ultimately loved. He beautifully portrayed his character in a way that made his story squeeze the hearts of many viewers. We felt every emotion he was feeling throughout the course of the series. From lingering pain of loss to confusion, hope, anger, a fierce determination to protect the man, and ultimately, love.
This series, however short, had a good impact in the minds of its viewer's thanks in a large part to his impressive acting. And with news of him starring in a new BL series “The New Employee” scheduled to air on the 21st of December, the buzz around the rookie actor is favorably increasing. His character "Woo SeungHyun in the upcoming office rom-com is in contrast with that of Shin JaeWoo from the series "Once Again". Woo SeungHyun is posed to be a very cute and bubbly smart man who strives to do a good job but is terrible at love.
Moon JiYong's official Instagram
After the sad storyline from his previous drama, this would no doubt come as a refresher to many fans and also give us a chance to see his flexible acting skills as he immerses himself into his role. And following what will no doubt be yet another impressive performance, we predict that in 2023, in any themed series he stars in, he will get on the radar of even more fans.
Which of these actors do you predict will become a rising star by 2023? Are there other rookie actors you'd like to see fall under this category? Let us know in the comments section below.
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