One thing that goes hand in hand with K-Pop are variety programs. With the help of these shows, both veterans and rookies have the opportunity to become better known to the public and earn a following outside of their music. Variety programs allow these artists to showcase their unique personalities, causing fans to fall deeper in love with their favorite stars.

However, one aspect that has remained a sensitive topic for both fans and idols is dating. Even under the premise of a dating program, these idols are put under a microscope and scrutinized over anything romantic. With the boon of dating shows in the past few years and the participation of idols, perception seems to be changing.

Idols being on a dating show isn't some foreign concept, nor was it born overnight. It's gone through its fair share of changes, culminating in both success and pushback from numerous fanbases.

 

The First Idol Dating Programs

One of the first dating reality shows that included K-Pop idols is the famous "We Got Married". Making its premiere in spring of 2008, it paired various celebrities and had them act as married couples. Some famous idol pairings include SHINee's TaeMin and Son NaEun, BTOB's Yook SungJae and Red Velvet's Joy, along with CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa and Girls' Generation's SeoHyun.

While it was well known by audiences and participants that this was a fake relationship, many became immersed into every single moment, as if they were getting a sneak peak of what these stars would be like if they were to actually date. The pairings produced such incredible chemistry, earning nicknames like the 'Goguma Couple' (YongHwa and SeoHyun) or the 'Bbyu Couple' (SungJae and Joy).

Another dating program with idols that surfaced in 2012 is tvN's "The Romantic and Idol". For its first season, it featured second and third generation idols in JiHyun (former 4Minute), AOA's HyeJeong, Jei (former FIESTAR), SeungAh (former Rainbow), Park HyungSik (ZE:A), GOT7's Jay B, 2PM's Jun.K, and MBLAQ's Mir. The group traveled to Jeju Island where they would stay for 4 days and 3 nights, get to know each other, and hopefully walk away being chosen at the end.

Then there's "SHINee's YunHaNam", featuring the SHINee members themselves. Through the show they proceeded to go on dates with older women, showcasing their charm as fresh-faced rookies in the scene. These programs were extremely fun and romantic, but also produced countless moments that made your entire body curl upwards in secondhand embarrassment.

 

Perception Of Idols Dating

To become an idol, one must dedicate countless hours of their life to honing their craft. They must reach a level of astounding dancing prowess, vocal stability, and outward charm to captivate the masses and become a chart-topping artist within the K-Pop industry. Of the many things that they can and cannot do, it's to date. This is due to the image of an idol and the fan culture within the industry.

However, with the modern globalization of K-Pop, sentiments toward idols dating have slowly started to change. It's becoming more and more evident that K-Pop stars are more than the vocal and dancing geniuses that regularly grace our screen. They're human just like everyone else, with fans slowly accepting the fact that these celebrities can go around, date, and find love too.

Slowly, but surely, idols have been starting to go out on a limb and have become participants in traditional dating programs, not under the premise of a simple variety program. Rather, they become vocal and sincere in their search for love. Some names include EuiJin (former A.CIAN & UNB) and soloist Sori who appeared on different seasons of Mnet's "Somebody", as well as DaHye (former BESTie) in the most recent "Transit Love 3".

While it was surprising to see K-Pop idols participate in these dating programs and actively look for a relationship, it portrays their human desire to be loved by someone else, outside of their beloved fans.

 

The Appearance Of A New Type Of Dating Reality

The beginning of March marked the start of a brand new dating reality program: TREASURE's "Shining SOLO". Where the idol dating programs of the past and ones idols participated in actually focused solely on romance, the series with TREASURE takes a different approach. The members go into the program with the intent of showcasing their various charms and capturing the hearts of the young women they meet. However, it ends not in a relationship, but one member being dubbed as "Mr. TREASURE", erring more on the side of a competition show.

It takes various components from traditional dating programs, while adding on its own spin to create a unique, never-before-seen experience for both the members and audiences watching at home. Prior to its premiere, however, it's worth noting that "Shining SOLO" did not receive a favorable response from netizens.

Upon its announcement, many were left scratching their heads with numerous responses asking if it's real or if anyone would dare to watch it. Even the international K-Pop community who is at times more open were having second thoughts on whether "Shining SOLO" should be something they watch or skip due to the pure nature of dating programs.

However, all the criticism aside, the idol "dating" show became a viral hit, with its first episode being its most watched at 7.7 million views on YouTube (as of April 9, 2024). The sincerity of the TREASURE members, their chemistry with the female participants, and their genuine reactions played a huge part in the program's worldwide success.

Even non-fans have been actively tuning in, falling for TREASURE's various charms. This could very well mark a new era of dating programs for idols. If geared under this lens, there's a fair chance that other groups could follow this model. In turn, they could capture the heart of netizens with their romantic tendencies. However, there's also the possibility that this may become a one-and-done type of occurrence. "Shining SOLO" puts idols in a new light, offering TREASURE the chance to openly experience what it's like to date, while still maintaining their idol image.

Whether or not more groups/companies will create their own "dating" program remains to be seen. However, after the success of "Shining SOLO", it can be a program millions look forward to.

What are your thoughts on K-Pop idols being on dating programs? Do you think they should follow the model of "Shining SOLO"?

TREASURE's dating reality program, "Shining SOLO", allowed fans to witness a whole new side to the idol members. They showcased various charms that mesmerized both the female participants and the fans watching at home.

TREASURE's JiHoon was a standout from day one, proactively interacting with everyone and making sure everything was going smoothly. While it was natural for his fellow members to seek his help, even the female participants felt nothing but gratitude and appreciation for JiHoon's presence.

He proudly showed off his cooking skills, even making a small meal for himself, Asahi, and Yoon JaeHyuk. His homemade kimchi fried rice looked absolutely delicious and seemed mouth-wateringly good even through the screen.

Luckily for Treasure Maker and netizens around the world, "Shining SOLO" shared what steps to take in order to recreate JiHoon's delectable kimchi fried rice.

 

1. Finely chop the kimchi

 

2. Cut the pork

 

3. Add in green onions

 

4. Fry the kimchi with soy sauce

 

5. Add rice and stir-fry until finished

After following these steps, your kimchi fried rice will be ready to serve, and hopefully it'll be a replica of JiHoon's tasty creation.

When will you be cooking fried rice like TREASURE's JiHoon?

Most of the Korean actors have Instagram and some have an impressive amount of followers! Some have been using Instagram actively while some do not really keep it updated. Some actors also just created their Instagram recently and are still gathering followers.

Here are the most followed Korean actors on Instagram and then a rough ranking of over 100 actors' Instagram accounts. If you are not following your favorite actors' Instagram, it is time to do so.

All data were updated on February 22 (latest update), 2024, at 3 PM KST. We regularly update as the numbers keep on increasing and the ranking is changing.

Important Notice: only a few acting-dols have been included according to our criteria (January 2022) made with readers. Check them down the page. 

 

1. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - 42.6m followers - @eunwo.o_c

Note: Cha EunWoo has over 2 main lead roles including "Rookie Historian Goo HaeRyung" and "True Beauty".

 

2. Lee MinHo - 34.9m followers - @actorleeminho

 

3. Lee JongSuk - 26.5m followers - @jongsuk0206

 

4. Ji ChangWook - 26.8m followers - @jichangwook

 

5. Park SeoJun - 25.9m followers - @bn_sj2013

 

6. EXO's ChanYeol - 24.1m followers - @real__pcy

Note: ChanYeol was the lead actor in the movie "The Box" and had supporting roles in "Missing 9" and "Memories of the Alhambra".

 

7. Song Kang - 21.1m followers - @songkang_b

 

8. Hwang InYoup - 19.4m followers - @hi_high_hiy

 

9. Nam JooHyuk - 19m followers - @skawngur

 

10. Lee DongWook by his agency - 18.1m followers - @leedongwook_official

 

11. T.O.P - 17.7m followers - @choi_seung_hyun_tttop

Note: T.O.P was the lead actor in the movies "Commitment", "Tazza: The Hidden Card", and more.

 

12. Kim SooHyun - 14.5m followers - @soohyun_k216

 

13. Ahn HyoSeop - 13.6m followers - @imhyoseop

 

14. Park HyungSik - 12.4m followers - @phs1116

Note: Park HyungSik was the lead actor in "Strong Girl BongSoon", "Happiness", and more.

 

15. Song JoongKi by his agency - 11.9m followers - @hi_songjoongki

 

16. Jung HaeIn - 11.3m followers - @holyhaein

 

17. EXO's SuHo - 11.1m followers - @kimjuncotton

Note: SuHo was the lead actor in the drama "Rich Man" and the movie "One Way Trip", among other projects.

 

18. Wi HaJun - 10.8m followers - @wi__wi__wi

 

19. Lee DoHyun - 9.8m followers - @ldh_sky

 

20. SHINee's Key - 9.8m followers - @bumkeyk

Note: Key was the lead actor in the drama "The Guardians" and had supporting roles in the drama "Drinking Solo" and the movie "Hit-and-Run Squad".

 

21. Kim SeonHo - 9.8m followers - @seonho__kim

 

22. GOT7's JinYoung - 9.6m followers - @jinyoung_0922jy

Note: JinYoung was the lead actor in "He Is Psychometric", "The Devil Judge", and more.

 

23. Kim MinGue - 9.2m followers -  @mingue.k

 

24. Choi WooShik - 9m followers - @dntlrdl

 

25. SUPER JUNIOR's SiWon - 8.8m followers - @siwonchoi

Note: SiWon was the lead actor in "Revolutionary Love", "My Fellow Citizens!", and more.

 

26. SUPER JUNIOR's DongHae - 7.1m followers - @leedonghae

Note: Donghae was the lead actor in "Miss Panda and Mr. Hedgehog", "Oh! Young-shim", and more.

 

27. 2PM's JunHo - 7.1m followers - @le2jh

Note: JunHo was the lead actor in "Wok of Love", "The Red Sleeve", etc

 

28. Kim Beom - 6.9m followers - @k.kbeom

 

29. RoWoon - 6.7m followers- @ewsbdi

Note: RoWoon was the lead actor in "Extraordinary You", "She Would Never Know", and more.

 

30. Lee JoonGi - 6.7m followers - @actor_jg

 

31. Hwang MinHyun - 6.5m followers -@optimushwang

Note: Hwang MinHyun was the lead actor in the drama "Live On" and "Alchemy of Souls" (Parts 1 and 2).

 

32. Lee JaeWook - 6.5m followers - @jxxvvxxk

 

33. Lomon - 6.4m followers - @lomon991111

 

34. Ji Soo - 6.3 m followers -@actor_jisoo

 

35. Woo DoHwan - 5.8m followers - @wdohwan

 

36. Choi HyunWook - 5.3m followers - @_choiiii__

 

37. Kim WooBin - 5.1m followers -@____kimwoobin

 

38. Kim YoungDae - 5m followers- @youngdae0302

 

Here are more actors' Instagram followers numbers and accounts.

Over 4m followers

Lee KwangSoo (@masijacoke850714), Yeo JinGoo (@yeojin9oo), Yoon ChanYoung (@yooncy1), Lee SeungGi (@leeseunggi.official), Lee JungJae (@from_jjlee), Park JiHoon (@0529.jihoon.ig) [Park JiHoon was the lead actor in "Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency" and "At a Distance, Spring is Green"], Lee SooHyuk (@leesoohyuk), CNBLUE's Kang MinHyuk (@mr_kanggun) [Kang MinHyuk was the lead actor in the drama "Hospital Ship" and the movie "The Princess and the Matchmaker"], Seo InGuk (@seo_cccc), Gong Yoo (@gongyoo_official), Park BoGum (@bogummy), Byeon WooSeok (@byeonwooseok), Ahn BoHyun (@bohyunahn)

 

Over 3m followers

Ahn JaeHyun (@aagbanjh), Ong SeongWu (@osw_onge) [Ong SeongWu was the lead actor in "At Eighteen" and "More Than Friends"], BTOB's Yook SungJae (@yook_can_do_it) [Yook SungJae was the lead actor in "Who Are You: School 2015", "Mystic Pop-up Bar", etc], Ryu JunYeol (@ryusdb), Kim MyungSoo (@kim_msl) [Kim MyungSoo was the lead actor in "Angel's Last Mission: Love", "Royal Secret Agent", etc], Kim JongKook (@kjk76), Jang KiYong (@juanxkui), Kwak DongYeon (@kwakdongyeon0), Jung IlWoo (@jilwww), SHINee's MinHo (@choiminho_1209) [MinHo was the lead actor in movies "Derailed", "The Battle of Jangsari", and more], Seo KangJoon (@seokj1012), Lee HyunWoo (@hihyunwoo), 2PM's TaecYeon (@taecyeonokay) [TaecYeon was the lead actor in "The Game: Towards Zero", "Secret Royal Inspector & Joy", etc], EXO's D.O. (@d.o.hkyungsoo) [D.O. was the lead actor in "100 Days My Prince" and "Bad Prosecutor"]

 

Over 2m followers

CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa (@jyheffect0622) [Jung YongHwa was the lead actor in "Heartstrings", "Sell Your Haunted House", and more], Lee HongKi (@skullhong12) [Lee HongKi was the lead actor in "Bride of the Century", "Modern Farmer" and more], Jin Goo (@actor_jingoo), Song IlGook (@songilkook), Yoo AhIn (@hongsick), Park HaeSoo (@haesoopark_official), JinYoung (@jinyoung0423) [JinYoung was the lead actor in the movie "The Dude in Me", the drama "Police University" and more], Kim MinJae (@real.be), TVXQ's YunHo (@yunho2154) [YunHo was the lead actor in "Heading to the Ground", "Meloholic", etc], Kim HyunJoong (@hyunjoong860606) [Kim HyunJoong was the lead actor in "Boys Over Flowers", "Playful Kiss", etc], Kang TaeOh (@kto940620), Bae InHyuk (@inhyuk_bb), Yoo YeonSeok (@yoo_yeonseok), Lee JeHoon (@leejehoon_official), Yoo InSoo (@k.a_innsoo), Kim JaeJoong (@jj_1986_jj) [Kim JaeJoong was the lead actor in "Triangle", "Manhole", etc], Jo ByungGyu (@bk_arta), VIXX's N (@achahakyeon) [N or Cha HakYeon acted in "Tunnel", "Ms. Perfect", "Familar Wife", "Children of Nobody", "Mine", "Bad and Crazy", etc], RyeoUn (@_ryeoun)

 

Over 1m followers

Hong JongHyun (@hjonghyun), Sung Hoon (@sunghoon1983), Kim YoungKwang (@aksakfn12), Kim DongHee (@kim_d.he), NamKoong Min (@min_namkoong), Highlight's Yoon DooJoon (@beeeestdjdjdj) [Yoon DooJoon was the lead actor in "Radio Romance", "Let's Eat 3", etc], Lee SangYeob (@sangyeob), Ji Sung (@justin_jisung), Kim MinGi (@mingi_1122), Choi JinHyuk (@real_jinhyuk), Kim JungHyun (@jhkim0405), Song SeungHeon (@songseungheon1005), Choi TaeJoon (@actorctj), Gong Myung (@0myoung_0526), Im SiWan (@yim_siwang) [Im SiWan was the lead actor in "Misaeng: Incomplete Life", "Strangers from Hell", etc], Kim DoWan (@kimdwan_), Ham SungMin (@hsm_0314_vv), Chae JongHyeop (@chaejh_), Kim JaeUck (@jaeuck.kim), Nam YoonSu (@nam_yoonsu), Heo SungTae (@heosungtae), Kim SungCheol (@sungcheol2), Go KyungPyo (@kopular), Jo WooJae (@ophen28), Lee YiKyung (@luvlk89), Kim JiHun (@jiraishin99), Moon SangMin (@_sangmxn_), Kim JiHun (@jiraishin99), Shin SeungHo (@seungho__shin), Jung GunJoo (@jrjswn), Lee ShinYoung (@leesin_y), Jung KyungHo (@jstar_allallj), Kim HyunJin (@pat8mat), VICTON's ByungChan (@b__yccn) [ByungChan was the lead actor in "Live On" and "The King's Affection"], Highlight's Lee GiGwang (@gttk0000) [GiGwang was the lead actor in "Lovely Horribly" and "Circle"], Kim JaeWon (@rlawodnjs_), Lee TaeRi (@tae_rii_), Na InWoo (@10042n00), Zo InSung (@zoinsung_official),

 

Over 500k followers

Yoon HyunMin (@yoonhyunmin), Shin SungRok (@shin_sung_rok), Joo Won (@zu.won_moon.jun.won), INFINITE's SungYeol (@sungyeol_827) [SungYeol was the lead actor in "Hi! School: Love On" and "Love Returns"], Kim DongJun (@super_d.j) [Kim DongJun was the lead actor in the movie "A Way Station", the drama "More than Friends", and more], Lee TaeHwan (@leetaehwan0221), Ju JiHoon (@_jujihoon), Jang GeunSuk (@_asia_prince_jks), UKISS's Jun (@real_2junyoung) [Jun or Lee JunYoung was the lead actor in "Imitation", "Let Me Be Your Knight", and more], Im JuHwan (@uhwan__lim), Nam DaReum by his mother (@namdareum_mom), Lee TaeVin (@taevin.lee), Yoon JongHoon (@yoonjongactor_official), Kim JaeYoung (@darealkjy), Im JaeHyuk (@jhyuk.im), Ahn SeungGyun (@tmdrbs782), Son SangYeon (@02s_sy), Bae HyeonSeong (@baehyeonseong_), Choi SiHun (@choi_hun2), Park JungWoo (@jjung_woo_), Choo YoungWoo (@cu.young), Lee JongWon (@wonjong_), Park SungHoon (@boxabum), Yoon SeoBin (@seobin.1214), Shin JaeHa (@shin_jae_ha), Park JiBin (@impactorpjb), Choi MinYeong (@choi_minyeong), Kim SuGyeom (@su_gyeom_), Seo JiHoon (@jihux), Ahn JaeHong (@aahnjaehong), Lee ChanHyeong (@nakktaa_), Lee JungHa (@jungha.km), Yang SeJong (@bell.ysj), Yoo SeungHo (@dandyoo93_official), etc.

 

Over 250k followers

Lee HoWon (@isayhousayya) [Lee HoWon or Hoya was the lead actor in the drama "Reply 1997", the movie "HIYA", etc], Yoon ShiYoon (@moa_ent), Bong TaeGyu (@taegyu_bong), Um KiJoon (@werther777), Kang Hui (@kanghui_), Han GiChan (@han_gi_chan), Song GeonHee (@songgeonhee), Sung Jun (@thuggyduck), Lee WonKeun (@lilyjardin), Jang EuiSoo (@jesoo122), Han SeJin (@ahoi_ing), Yoo Jun (@yyjjun_xx), Lee SaeOn (@leesaeon), Ki DoHun (@kidohun), Song JaeRim (@jaelim_song), Soon WooHyun (@sonwoohyeon7), Kim KangMin (@______kangman), Kang InSoo (@insoo_casper), Jung GaRam (@rram_iiii), Kang YouSeok (@youseok_), Lee JungJun (@right_jun_), Ryu KyungSoo (@ryurudtn), Park HeeSoon (@park_hee_soon), Kim NamGil (@namgildaero), Yoon HyunSoo (@hyvn_soo), etc.

 

No Instagram

Kang DongWon, Won Bin, Yang SeJong, Hyun Bin, Lee SeoJin, Jo JungSuk, Lee JangWoo, Yoon KyeSang, Shin HaKyun, and more have no Instagram.

Yoon KyunSang and Park HaeJin accounts are no longer available.

So JiSub (@soganzi_51), Jang DongYoon (@dongyoon_0712), and Kang HaNeul (@kanghaneul_official) have Instagram too.

 

Acting-dols criteria (January 2022): 

Due to the huge number of idols in the acting field, we have tried to limit the list to idols genuinely active in acting and not to all the idols acting. At Kpopmap, we always prioritize the opinions of our readers first. That is why these criteria have been made out of readers' opinions. We held a poll (here) and we opened an open discussion on Reddit (here). You've asked us to be stricter in our criteria and so here are the new rules.

. In a K-Drama, Netflix Original drama, or a movie: 

• Two lead roles (was clearly one of the main characters)

or

• One lead role and 2 supporting roles

or

• More than 4 supporting roles

. Guest roles can't be considered supporting roles

. Only dramas over 6 episodes (special and short dramas are excluded)

. Only movies released in Korean theaters (not just online) (at the exception of Netflix original movies)

. No web dramas (exception for Netflix)

. Only Korean releases

Kpopmap's criteria for acting-dols are not absolute or the right answer. It is just criteria applied in the content of Kpopmap. And these criteria can change according to the trends or fans' opinions.

 

The other acting-dols have been included in the following article:

 

Did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments!