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The Korean entertainment industry is always evolving, introducing fresh faces that captivate audiences with both their talent and charm. As K-Dramas continue to gain global popularity, a new wave of actors is stepping into the spotlight, steadily building their careers and earning recognition. But what makes an actor "rising" rather than "top-tier"?
A rising actor is someone gaining momentum through notable roles, receiving praise for their performances, and steadily growing a dedicated fanbase. They may not yet have a long list of leading roles in blockbuster dramas, but their talent and potential are undeniable. Unlike established top actors—who boast multiple hit projects, numerous prestigious awards, and major brand endorsements—these rising stars are still on the journey to widespread fame, making them exciting to watch.
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Social media plays a significant role in accelerating an actor’s rise, allowing them to connect with fans worldwide and gain international recognition at a faster pace than ever before. With K-Dramas reaching a broader audience, the competition is fierce, but these young actors are proving they have what it takes to make it to the top. Let's take a closer look at some of the most promising names in this new generation of rising stars.
Find 9 male actors who were born after 1998 (so under 27 years old) that are rising stars.
1. Bae HyeonSeong (Born 1999)
HIGH CUT
Instagram: @baehyeonseong_ and 1.8M followers (data of March 26, 2025)
Bae HyeonSeong started as a hearthub in campus romance drama with lead roles in "Love Playlist 3 and 4" (2018-2019) and "Dear. M" (2022). He has garnered attention through his roles in popular dramas such as "Hospital Playlist" (2020) and "Our Blues" (2022). His Instagram following of 1.8 million indicates a significant level of public interest. Recently, he took on a villainous role in Netflix's "Gyeongseong Creature" Season 2, showcasing a willingness to explore diverse characters. He also starred in "Family by Choice" (2024), a project he considers a defining one, highlighting his growth as an actor. Reviews suggest his emotional acting, particularly in scenes with veteran actor Choi WonYoung, has been well-received. His proactive approach to mastering the Busan dialect for a recent role further demonstrates his dedication.
2. Lee ChaeMin (Born 2000)
marie claire
Instagram: @l.c.m____ and 1.6M followers (data of March 26, 2025)
Lee ChaeMin started to gain popularity with his student role in "Crash Course in Romance" (2023). And gained even more spotlight with his main role with the Netflix "Hierarchy" (2024). With 1.6 million Instagram followers, he has been gathering followers quite quickly. He has also hosted KBS's "Music Bank". His portrayal of Hwang JaeYeol in the upcoming webtoon-based drama "Crushology 101" is anticipated to captivate viewers with his charm. He has demonstrated versatile acting skills across various projects, establishing himself as a promising talent in the Korean drama scene.
3. Kim JaeWon (Born 2001)
THE STAR
Instagram: @rlawodnjs_ and 1.6M followers (data of March 26, 2025)
Kim JaeWon, also with 1.6 million Instagram followers, gained initial recognition as the younger version of Cha SeungWon's character in "Our Blues" (2022). He has since appeared in "King the Land", "Hierarchy", and "The Tale of Lady Ok" which all gave him a lot more spotlight since they were popular dramas. His ability to lead love lines in multiple projects has positioned him as a potential romance genre specialist. Despite the perception that his career might have been easily advanced due to his role as a younger counterpart to a famous actor, Kim JaeWon has mentioned going through numerous auditions, highlighting his resilience and effort.
4. Lee JungHa (Born 1998)
Beanpole
Instagram: @jungha.km and 850k followers (data of March 26, 2025)
Lee JungHa, with 850k Instagram followers, achieved global fame with his lead role in the Disney+ fantasy drama "Moving" (2023), earning him a Best New Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. He has also appeared in "The Auditors" (2024) as a main role following "Moving". For his role in "Moving", he thoroughly analyzed his character to portray his fears and desires with depth. He is described as willing to take on unconventional and challenging roles, showcasing his versatility. In "The Auditors", he focused on perfecting his speech patterns to authentically portray a character in his late twenties. He is also the main actor in the upcoming drama "One: High School Heroes".
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