It is not uncommon for celebrities to turn to writing as a way to express themselves. As a matter of fact, there are a number of famous celebrities all over the world who are also authors. The Korean entertainment industry is no different. With the popularity of Korean literature, global fans are paying attention to the literary scene in South Korea and the many famous Korean authors who are the pillars of this industry.

Naturally, this is also drawing attention to renowned Korean celebrities who are also authors of their own books.

If you're someone who is also curious about this, check out these 3 inspiring Korean actresses who are also authors!

1. Kang HyeJung

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Kang HyeJung, who the world knows from the legendary representative Korean thriller "Oldboy", is an accomplished author!

She released her first book, a collection of essays called "I Hope The Half Are Crazy And The Other Half Are Happy" ("반은 미치고 반은 행복했으면") last year.

The book carries actress Kang HyeJung's honest thoughts and reflections as a person and was written over the course of several years.

It also includes photos taken by the actress herself, making it an immersive reading experience.

Kang HyeJung spoke about her book on Kim JaeJoong's YouTube talk show "JaeFriends".

You can buy Kang HyeJung's book "I Hope The Half Are Crazy And The Other Half Are Happy" in Korean here.

2. Eugene

시드페이퍼 / 페이퍼북 / Yes24

Eugene, who shook both the K-Pop and K-Drama worlds, is also an author with multiple books to her name!

In 2009, Eugene wrote "Eugene's Beauty Secrets", followed by "Eugene's Get It Beauty" in 2011, "Eugene's Beauty Recipe" in 2013, and a Korean translation of "The Night World" by Mordicai Gerstein in 2017.

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The first three books include Eugene's take on beauty, including her own natural cosmetics recipes, and the latest book, a translation, includes stories she used to tell her own child when she became a mother.

Needless to say, Eugene's talents are truly multifaceted.

Buy "Eugene's Beauty Secrets" in Korean here.

Buy "Eugene's Get It Beauty" in Korean here.

Buy "Eugene's Beauty Recipe" in Korean here.

Buy "The Night World" in Korean here.

3. Mun KaYoung

Wisdom House

Hallyu's sweetheart Mun KaYoung is expanding her artistic pursuits through writing.

The famous Korean actress recently became an author as she published her very own essay book, "PATA".

Mun KaYoung has long been recognized by fans for her keen intelligence and unique perspective.

Her depth of thought and wisdom are truly inspiring, and that is exactly what is captured in this book.

Adopting the persona 'Pata', Mun KaYoung explores themes like self-discovery, her sincere desires, confronting one's true self, and more.

It also includes excerpts from her father's parenting diary, creating a connected narrative that reveals the hidden messages of 'Pata'.

You can buy Mun KaYoung's book "PATA" in Korean here.

Nowadays, it is quite common to see K-Pop idols venture into acting alongside their music careers. However, this is no new trend. Idols all the way from the very first and second generations of K-Pop have transitioned into acting, and today, they are some of the best and most renowned actors in the industry, receiving love and respect from global fans. Here are 5 actors from the 1st and 2nd generation of K-Pop who ultimately became some of the finest actors in the Korean entertainment industry!

1. Yoon KyeSang

Cosmopolitan

Yoon KyeSang debuted as a member of the hugely popular 1st generation K-Pop boy group g.o.d in 1999. He left the group to pursue acting but reunited with his members years later and continues to be active as an idol. Today, Yoon KyeSang is one of the finest actors the Korean entertainment industry has to offer, and his talent is beyond comparison. From action to romance, Yoon KyeSang is extraordinary in any and all genres. Most recently, he appeared in the thriller K-Drama "The Kidnapping Day", impressing a whole new generation of K-Drama fans.

2. Eugene

Eugene's Instagram

Eugene is an actress whose roles are impossible to forget. She is simply that iconic! Before becoming an actress, however, Eugene debuted in 1997 in the K-Pop girl group S.E.S., which went on to become one of the best-selling musical acts in South Korea. Needless to say, Eugene made K-Pop history and is now taking over the acting scene too! Her latest K-Drama projects include the three immensely successful seasons of "The Penthouse: War In Life".

3. Lee Joon

PrainTPC's Instagram

Lee Joon's acting is the most impeccable work of art we have ever seen. Constantly challenging himself to new genres and characters, Lee Joon has made a name for himself for his outstanding versatility. Prior to becoming a renowned and highly sought-after actor, Lee Joon was an idol in the K-Pop group MBLAQ, but even before that, he started off as an actor. So, essentially, Lee Joon is an actor turned idol turned actor, and he's fantastic at both professions! His most recent K-Drama was "The Escape of the Seven: War for Survival".

4. Lee JunHo

Elle Korea

A heartthrob across generations, Lee JunHo's appeal knows no bounds. Not only is he incredibly successful and beloved as an actor but simultaneously also as an idol! For those who might not know, Lee JunHo is a member of the K-Pop group 2PM! What's more is that Lee JunHo has a flourishing career as a soloist too! Talk about being an all-rounder! Lee JunHo is truly a genius of the arts. He most recently appeared in the blockbuster rom-com "King The Land".

5. Yim SiWan

GQ Korea

No conversation about the top idol actors of today would be complete without the prodigy himself - Yim SiWan! Yim SiWan is a critically acclaimed, commercially successful, award-winning actor widely recognized as the future of Chungmuro (the Korean film industry). He is one of the first names that come to mind when you think about multifaceted actors, especially considering his exceptionally diverse filmography. However, did you know that Yim SiWan is also a member of the idol group ZE:A? The idol actor has expressed his desire to keep doing music as well as acting. His latest works include the K-Drama "Boyhood" and the film "Road to Boston".

2023 is ending in a few days and looking back this year has been full of unforgettable dramas!

It had its load of good dramas: from romantic comedies like "King The Land," to medical dramas like "Dr. Romantic 3," to life dramas like "The Good Bad Mother," to thrillers like "Taxi Driver," to fantasy dramas like "Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938," to historical dramas like "My Dearest," and much more.

As the year is ending, it is time to check whose dramas had been particularly liked in Korea. Let's check whose dramas had the most ratings on Korean TV this year!

Note: Weekend and daily dramas are not included.

Note: Only dramas that ended in 2023 are included, dramas ending in 2024 are not included (for example "Korea-Khitan War", "The Story of Park's Marriage Contract", and more).

Kpopmap

With no surprise the thriller "Taxi Driver 2" was the drama with the highest ratings this year reaching over 20%! The first season of the drama was well-loved (best ratings at 16%) and its fans were back for the season 2 with even more passion. The drama starring Lee JeHoon, Kim EuiSung, and Pyo YeJin revolves around Kim DoKi's work as a deluxe taxi driver with his team at Rainbow Taxi Company which offers a "Revenge call-service," to take revenge on behalf of crime victims. The season 2 started already at 12.1% with its first episode and constantly increased until reaching 21.0% in its last episode.

"Doctor Cha" and "Crash Course in Romance" were the second and third dramas with the best ratings. "Doctor Cha" (starring Uhm JungHwa, Kim ByungChul, Myung SeBin, Min WooHyuk, and more) revolves around Cha JungSook, who makes a decision to stop focusing on being a housewife, starts to stand up against her egoistic husband and returns to the medical field, which she left 20 years ago to focus on her family. "Crash Course in Romance" (starring Jeon DoYeon, Jung KyungHo, Lee BongRyun, Oh EuiShik, Shin JaeHa, Roh YoonSeo, and more) focuses on Nam HaengSeon who is a former national athlete and who sends her niece on the course of the star-teacher, Choi ChiYeol. Both dramas received a lot of interest in Korea.

SBS / JTBC / tvN / MBC / TV Chosun / JTBC

Check last year's best ratings below.

Stay updated with daily ratings here throughout the year.

For more about ratings, you can check the articles below: