From trainees to screen queens: K-drama actresses who trained as K-pop idols

Tatler Asia

19-05-2025

2. Gong Seung-yeon
Gong Seung-yeon was an SM Entertainment trainee for seven years and came close to debuting in f(x). Ultimately, she pursued acting—a decision that's paid off, with roles in The First Responders and Bulgasal . Her extensive years under SM's system gave her a polish and professionalism often evident in her nuanced portrayals. 3. Lee Sun-bin
Now known for roles in Work Later, Drink Now and Team Bulldog , Lee Sun-bin got her start in the girl group JQT. While the group eventually disbanded, her transition to acting was swift. Her time as an idol helped her build camera awareness and resilience in the public eye, both of which serve her well in leading roles. 4. Jung Eun-ji
Unlike some on this list, Jung Eun-ji debuted with Apink in 2011 and moved into acting the following year. Her breakout in Reply 1997 cemented her reputation as one of the few K-drama actresses who can switch between singing and acting without losing credibility in either. She is also one of the rare idol-actresses praised equally for her emotional range and live vocal ability. 5. Kim Se-jeong
Another successful crossover, Kim Se-jeong debuted in I.O.I and gugudan before becoming a familiar face in dramas like Business Proposal . Her background as one of the more vocally talented K-pop idols gave her a head start in an industry where stage presence and timing are everything. She's also proven adept at variety shows and live hosting, underscoring her versatility as a performer. 6. Kwon Na-ra
Kwon Na-ra debuted with Hello Venus in 2012. As the group's visual, she was no stranger to the camera, and that ease helped her land acting roles post-idol life. She studied acting while promoting as an idol, which likely contributed to her steady ascent in dramatic roles such as Itaewon Class . 7. Bae Suzy
Bae Suzy is perhaps the most well-known example. She debuted with miss A in 2010 and became one of the earliest idol-actress crossovers to be taken seriously in both fields. Despite early critiques of her acting, she has consistently improved with each role and is now considered a dependable lead for high-budget dramas. 8. Yoona
Girls' Generation's Yoona started acting not long after her debut in 2007. While her early roles were met with scepticism, her persistence paid off. She has since taken on darker, more layered characters, showing how an idol-trained performer can evolve into a credible screen talent. 9. IU
IU may be best known for her solo music career, but her work in My Mister and Hotel Del Luna showed depth beyond the stage. Though she never debuted in a girl group, her early years training to be part of one provided a foundation for performing under pressure. Her ability to handle complex roles while maintaining a music career is rare even among top-tier K-drama actresses. 10. Krystal Jung
Krystal debuted with f(x) and began acting in 2010. Unlike many of her peers, she built both careers simultaneously, often balancing idol duties with drama shoots. Her reserved style and understated delivery have become her signature in more mature, stylised productions. 11. Park Ji-yeon
One of the youngest members of T-ara, Park Ji-yeon also pursued acting early. Though her drama credits are more sporadic, her dual career path mirrors that of many K-pop idols who explore acting as a long-term option. She often gravitates toward action or fantasy roles, which suit her idol-era persona. 12. Park Shin-hye
Long before her rise as one of the most bankable K-drama actresses, Park Shin-hye trained in singing and dancing alongside acting. Her early management considered debuting her as a K-pop idol, and she recorded multiple OSTs throughout her career. Although she never joined a girl group, her background in music and performance gave her an edge in idol-themed dramas like Heartstrings and You're Beautiful , where she convincingly played one. 13. Jisoo
Before rising to global fame with BLACKPINK, Jisoo trained under YG Entertainment for five years—an intensive period that included acting, vocal and performance training. Her debut lead role in Snowdrop showcased a polished screen presence that, while met with mixed reviews, proved she could hold her own as one of the newer K-drama actresses emerging from the idol world. In 2025, she returned to the small screen with Newtopia , a zombie romantic comedy where she played Kang Young-joo, a young woman navigating love and survival amid a Seoul overrun by the undead.