As it is difficult to find a drama these days that does not have an idol star in it, idol power is coming on strong on tv. Trendy genres targeting teens is a given, but weekly dramas and even daily dramas, “acting idols” are increasingly showing their range and scope. For the few box office hit idol stars, they are handling continuous drama offers. However, there are also situations in which idol stars are unskilled in their acting ability. If that’s the case, what do the people on the front lines in the entertainment industry think about these idol stars?

Sports Seoul asked drama CPs from the 3 broadcast channels and representatives from the film industry and experts to rate idol stars in the categories of acting ability, box office hit, and growth potential, assigning a maximum of 5 points for each. Among the active 11 idol stars who are either currently or were recently acting in a drama, Lee Seung Gi (23) and Mickey Yoochun (24) received the highest marks. Among the female idol-actors, Nam Gyu Ri (25) received the highest marks.






Lee Seung Gi, Mickey Yoochun – Acting ability. Box office hit. Growth potential. Ranked 1 and 2.

SBS My Girlfriend is a Gumiho’s Lee Seung Gi received the highest points in each of the categories. He ranks in at number 1. Lee Seung Gi’s acting ability was the category the experts pointed out the most. Averaging 4.2 points in this category, 2 of the experts rated him at the maximum 5.0 points. Currently debuting in KBS Sungkyunkwan Scandal and also having his eyes set on films, Mickey Yoochun received high marks with a 4.0 average in acting ability. Also, SBS You’re Beautiful’s Lee Hong Ki and SBS’s Oh My Lady’s Choi Si Won received favorable marks with 3.4 and 3.2 averages respectively. Among the female idol-actors, SBS’s Life is Beautiful’s Nam Gyu Ri was rated at a 3.4 in acting ability.

KBS Moon Bo Hyun CP said “I have more affection for Mickey Yoonchun because he is not your typical flowerboy. Even though he is still young and still lacking in his acting, he knows how to implement his acting plan and shows charisma as an actor.”



Kim Hyun Joong, Ji Yeon – Box office hit yet low in growth potential.

In the areas of box office hit and growth potential, there was a mixed reception. Usually stars receive more favorable marks in growth potential compared to the box office hit category, however the cases for Kim Hyun Joong (24) and Ji Yeon (17) were reversed. Having recently participated in MBC’s Playful Kiss, even though Kim Hyun Joong received an average 4 points in the box office hit area and ranked 3rd in this category behind Lee Seung Gi and Mickey Yoochun, his 3.4 points in growth potential category was lower than Choi Si Won and Nam Gyu Ri. Among the female idols, Ji Yeon received the highest average (e points) in the box office hit area but received an average 2.7 points in growth potential.

In regards to active idol female stars, SBS Choi Moon Suk CP said, “It may be different for supporting roles, but I don’t think there really is anyone that has potential as a lead actress yet.Performing on a music stage and having a pretty appearance is completely different from displaying good acting.”


Source(s): Sports Seoul via Nate lsgfan.wordpress