South Korea's 20 hottest male celebs
There are men, and then there are MEN. These specially chosen South Korean celebs, who we've selected purely on the basis of how much drool they elicited from the female members of our staff, no doubt have solid acting, modeling and/or singing skills. But it's their chocolate abs, sublime faces and lean, mean, sex-machine bodies that get them a place on this list. Never has scrolling been so pleasurable.
1. Jang Dong-Gun: Actor
Even though he was recently stolen away from us by the annoyingly beautiful actress Ko So-Young, the recently married flame has been sizzling up screens for over a decade. The actor made his drama debut in a show entitled "Heaven". Since then, he has appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. The award winning actor most recently played the respectable role of a single Mr President in the 2010 flick, "Good Morning Mr President." He first leaped into our hearts with his breakout role in the 1994 drama "The Final Jump" and the 2000 movie "Friends" established him as truly 'watchable'.
2. Won Bin: Actor / Model
South Koreans are obsessed with actor/ model Won Bin. Can a man be more perfect? With his chiseled face and sultry voice, it's a wonder women don't faint at the very sight of him. The well-loved star made his mark in the Korean Entertainment industry in the Hallyu Wave 2000 KBS drama series "Autumn's Tale". With more than 12 motion pictures projects to date, he has had his share of close-up time. The adored star combines a superb acting ability with a gorgeous lean body.
3. Bae Yong-joon: Actor
Bae Yong-joon is a classic. The highest paid South Korean celeb rose to fame in the 2002 KBS's mega hit "Winter Sonata". He did not only become a celebrity, but a worldwide superstar.The sensible good-looking gentleman began melting women's hearts as a youngster with his debut role in the 1994 KBS drama "Barefoot Days". His role in the 2003 movie "Untold Scandal" began to jeopardize his standing as Korea's #1 main man. However, MBC's 2007 drama "The Legend" brought out the best in Yon-sama! He is known for his classic good looks and signature eyeglasses. He will remain a true "Legend" to all K-drama fans.
4. Ju Jin-Mo: Actor
Talented star Ju Jin-Mo will always be the ladies' man. The seasoned heartthrob is most recently known for his incredible performance in the shocking 2008 movie "The Frozen Flower". He is also well known for his smooth performance as Kim Ah-Jung's love interest in the 2006 movie "200 Pounds Beauty". This doe-eyed actor has had females swooning since his debut in the 1996 movie "Farewell My Darling". He has stellar features and a bad boy independent streak. His role in "The Frozen Flower" showed he was fearless, and what woman does not want a man like that?! On top of his superb acting ability, he sings too.
5. Jo In-Sung: Fearless hottie
This stud is currently serving the country in the armed forces, but he still made our list because, well, we just love him. Nothing is sexier than a man who is comfortable with his sexuality. The long-time actor made his breakout in the 2008 movie "The Frozen Flower". He is also well known for his roles in the popular risky movie "The Dirty Carnival" and the 2004 SBS hit drama "What Happened in Bali". We don't know what happened in Bali, but if it was with In-Sung it must have been good! A beautiful face, great height and an unsurpassed talent.
6. Lee Jun-ki: Actor
Lee Jun-ki did not taste real fame until his role in the 2005 hit movie "The King and the Clown". His hard work ethic paid off after years as a model and taking small roles in many dramas. His gay role in his breakout movie changed drastically when he played the adorable playboy you love to hate in SBS's comedy drama "My Girl". Since then, Jun-ki has become noticed for his pretty boy looks. Most women aren't as pretty as him. That's saying something.
7. Daniel Henney: Actor / Model
The amazingly gorgeous actor has dropped into South Korea from Carson City, Michigan in the United States. He has grasped hearts all over Asia since his debut in the 2005 MBC drama "My Lovely Sam-soon". He finally played the role he was born to play in 2006 -- Mr Perfect in the full length motion picture "Seducing Mr Perfect". Sounds good do us. He returned to the United States for a brief spell with roles in the KBS drama "Spring Waltz" and movie "My Father", before the motherland called him back. In 2009, he made his debut as an American actor in the blockbuster hit "X-Men Origins -- Wolverine". There is not one thing that does not ooze sex appeal about him. We should know -- we've been looking hard. He has a soothing voice, perfect body, and exquisite manners. He is the whole package.
8. Dennis Oh: Actor / Model
Dennis Oh arrived in Korea as a model and quickly made his debut in the 2005 MBC drama "Sweet Spy". He has a limited resume, but he has made sure to leave his mark in each show. Dennis is also known for his nickname "Living David" -- a nod to his chiseled face and sculpted body that Michelangelo would have been proud of.
9. So Ji-sub: Actor
Smoldering actor So Ji-sub has had nothing but success since he first stepped into the South Korean drama world. He first garnered attention for his rookie role in the 1998 MBC drama "3 guys and 3 girls". The actor then played in numerous roles until he hit the Hallyu Wave with "What Happened in Bali". After you watch him on-screen you'll have dreams of "We Are Dating Now", like the name of his 2002 SBS drama. We love him for his deep, manly, gritty voice and his scruffy handsome face.
10. Rain: Singer / Actor
Every woman wishes Rain on themselves! The super hot mega star cannot be stopped. He has won over Asia and is making his way into Americans hearts as well. Rain (whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon) has made girls' heart swoon since his debut with the album "Bad Guy". And he should know; anyone who inspires as many dirty thoughts as him must be one. If you can keep your mind rated G while watching this extremely sexy star you must be a saint. He has released seven studio albums and starred in numerous dramas. His 2004 leading role in "Full House" filled all our hearts with Rain-love. He released his "Eternal Rain" album in 2006 and headed West in 2008. The sex symbol seduced Americans in the movie "Speed Racer" and the 2009 thriller "Ninja Assassin". He is most loved for his great dancing ability, spectacular singing and drop dead gorgeous body. His six-pack is worth the ticket fee alone.
11. Yoon Sang-hyun: Actor
Yoon Sang-hyun charmed his way into Yoon Eun-Hye's heart in KBS's 2009 drama "My Fair Lady". Here's hoping. The prince charming actor had his breakout role in the 2009 movie "My Wife was Superwoman". He will forever be loved for his soft sexy voice and great sense of humor.
12. Lee Min-ho: Actor / Model
'Hot' does not even begin to describe sizzling actor Lee Min-ho. The multi-talented actor/model is stealing hearts everywhere with his dazzling smile and grand stature. This tall hunk has been an actor since 1997 with his debut in the movie "Repechage" and has gone on to star in six dramas and six movies. This stunningly handsome star not only has a great smile, but the sweetest personality to go with it.
13. Kim Hyun-Joong: Actor / Singer
Kim Hyun-Joong is far from a flower boy. The on-fire leader of the adorable boy band SS501 has taken control of Asia. Since his debut in 2005, he has always had a loyal fan base. His roles in KBS's 2005 comedy "Can Love Be Refilled" and as Hwang Bo's Baby husband in "We Got Married" have introduced him to audiences as a steamy boy next door. However, it was not until his role as Yoon Ji-hoo in the popular 2009 Japanese inspired drama "Boys Over Flowers" that Hyun-Joong reached his full potential. Since then, he has become a dream man and a regular at fashion shoots. If Hyun- Joong has not promoted a product, we don't think it's worth having. Hyun-Joong has a sexy singing voice, witty charm, and very well built body.
14. Kim Bum: Actor
Young Kim Bum is a sex-symbol in training. The super-cute good boy continues to tug at our heartstrings. He has an impressive resume in the K-drama world and from his debut in MBC's 2006 drama "Outrageous Women", has had women everywhere cooing at his outrageous cuteness. With his many motion picture projects and boatload of endorsements, you would think he's a veteran actor. He's another who got his break from the KBS 2009 drama "Boys Over Flowers", where his character So Yi-jung played a heartless playboy.
15. Jang Geun-suk: Actor
Jang Geun-suk, a former child star, is all grown up now, and he has blossomed into a beautiful and gorgeous epitome of a man. Geun-suk bought his claim to fame through the 2009 SBS drama "You're Beautiful". Great singing, acting, and anyone who can wear as much eyeliner as he does and still look hot must have something good going on. His masculine nose and oval eyes have won girls over on their own. Guen-suk will continue to be a hottie now and forever.
16. Lee Seung-ki: Actor / Singer
Can a young father be sexy? Yes. Yes he can. Singer/Actor Lee Seung-ki has managed to make that difficult task look incredibly easy in his 2006 hit KBS drama "Famous Princesses". Women have fallen for his sweet looks and deep powerful singing voice over the years. What woman doesn't love a man who can serenade them? In 2009, he won over Han Hyo-Joo's heart and millions of females across Asia with his bad boy act in SBS's drama "Brilliant Legacy". We can't wait to see what is next for the sweet looking boy next door.
17. Choi Min-shik: Actor
Choi Min-shik's distinguished good looks still captivate women all over Asia. The seasoned actor began his career in the theater. His breakout role can be attributed to South Korea's 1999 mega hit movie "Shiri". His red-hot personality and versatility as an actor continue to win over women, of all ages. From his roles of gangster to painter, he has fans from all walks of life. Timeless looks are the garnish on an amazing character.
18. Song Seung-heon: Actor
Song Seung-heon is simply irresistible. His breakout role was in the 2000 KBS Hallyu hit "Autumn's Tale". Sexy comes easy to this talented star. When Seung-heon walks into a room, internal bodily temperatures soar. His most recent role in "East of Eden" has reestablished the hot Hallyu star as one of the greats since his release from the military.
19. Kwon Sang-woo: Actor
Why is it married men seem so handsome!? Sinning would never feel so right. Married sex-symbol Kwon Sang-woo is best known for his role in the super popular worldwide hit "Stairway to Heaven". He has definitely made a "stairway" to fans' hearts. The now family man is married to lovely actress Son Tae-Young and they both have the joy of their life, son Luke, preoccupying their time. His 2010 drama on MBC entitled "Dae Mul" is sure to make your heart race.
20. Ha Jung-woo: Action star
Action film star Ha Jung-woo gets hearts pumping not just because of the action roles he takes on. Jung-woo, from a family of actors, got his break on "The Unforgiven". He continued to work his way into their hearts through the MBC drama series "H.I.T." The 32 year old has taken on a range of roles from chilling, cold-hearted serial killers in the action/suspence film "The Chaser" to an Olympic athlete in "Take Off". With his bad boy good looks and heart of gold, this star has what it takes to capture ladies and bring them into a whole new world.
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User Comments and Reviews
It would be nice if you could do some in-depth interviews of these celebrities. You'd definitely draw more attention to this site.
Lee Jun Ki is not only the hottest,
he is the cuttest,most adorable and amazing as well~
You should take a look at his great performances in
"The Time between Dog and Wolf" and "Iljimae"~
He is always my NO.1 !!! ^___^
By the way, way isn't Seoul listed as one of the city links at the top of your page? It's a big tourist destination in Asia, and among the most vibrant destinations for shopping, downhill skiing, pop culture, and clubbing.
This article is difficult to find, by the way... you should have a link from your front page.
The list is giving out hotness aura, though I doubt how Lee Jun Ki made it. I'd rather put him under cutest list instead, and add Hyun Bin and Jang Hyuk to the list!
Thanks for enjoyable post anyway :)
I have to agree that Ju Jinmo is an amazing actor and was incredibly good in Frozen Flower.... what a fantastic film!
More than their pretty faces, most of the actors featured here (WonBin, Jo In-Sung, Lee Junki, Rain, Jan Geun-seuk, etc) are very talented.
The above mentioned actors are some of the few whom you always expect to deliver good performance and more often than not -- they exceed expectations.
Hey CNNGo, what about Japan's 20 hottest male celebrities?
Wonbin sizzles, and definitely deserves to be near the top.
What about Chung Woosung, though (the bounty hunter from the "The good, the bad, and the wierd")?
Lee Byung Hun? You guys even just interviewed him on Talk Asia...
TOP? Se7en? Choi Siwon?
I guess there are too many guys to put on the list.
Thanks CNN.
I agree with (and drool over) many faces you have selected. But have to admit that I am a little disapppointed to find out Hyun Bin is not on the list.
May be only 'one bin' is allowed (pardon the intended homophony)?
If you are rating 'MEN-ness' as the article's first line suggests, I have to say Hyun Bin seems more men to me than some 'still-more-of-a-boy' stars like Kim Hyun-joong and Jang Geun-suk.
If you are rating 'strong acting and modelling skills', again Hyun Bin is quite up there, above some of the included stars. He is a very rare actor who, in his twenties, has been picked to star in two of Korea's most highly regarded Drama writers, namely Noh Hee-gyung and In Jung-ok. That on some level, speaks for his acting skills.
Watch out for him at this Venice fiml festival where his mosr recent work, 'Manchu' is tipped to screen.
We all have our favourites and I respect your favourites. But I really think Hyun Bin is more of a man, actor and a celeb than some of the stars here.
Stellar features and a bad boy independent streak - plus a pure passion for his art form. Joo Jin Mo's performance in A Frozen Flower is mersmerizing. Looking forward to more great works from Joo Jin Mo ssi and may he become the artiste that he yearns to be. Fighting Jin Mo ssi!
What do you think?
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