15 Korean actors we would love to see in Hollywood

Korean actors are gaining attention in the global entertainment industry. Their performances stand out, and Hollywood has started to take notice. Korean dramas and films have built a strong international following, so seeing these actors step into Hollywood feels like a natural next step. Some have already made their mark, and others are ready for their big moment. They bring talent and charisma that fit any role, whether action, drama, or suspense. Fans want to see more of them on bigger stages, and the timing feels right. They have proven themselves in Korean films and TV shows, and it’s time to show the world what they can do.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

1) Lee Jung-jae

Lee Jung-jae became a global star after playing the lead in the Netflix series, Squid Game. He showed how well he can handle raw emotion and intense drama. Before that, he impressed audiences in The Housemaid and New World. He has played complex roles that explore ambition, betrayal, and survival. His acting style would fit perfectly in a Christopher Nolan film. He has the range to take on characters pushed to their limits. A psychological thriller or a high-stakes drama would highlight his ability to show strength and vulnerability at the same time.

2) Song Kang-ho

Song Kang-ho is one of the most respected actors in Korea. He gained international attention through Parasite and Memories of Murder. He has a talent for playing relatable characters who feel real. His performances always carry emotional weight without trying too hard. He would be a great fit for a Martin Scorsese film. His ability to show inner conflict would suit a crime drama or a character-driven story. Scorsese’s focus on flawed personalities would give Song the space to bring depth to his role.

3) Jeon Jong-seo

Jeon Jong-seo gained international attention with her debut in Burning, where she played a mysterious and free-spirited character. She later showcased her darker side in The Call, proving she can handle psychological thrillers with intensity and precision. Her fearless approach to complex roles makes her an excellent fit for a Jordan Peele film. She would thrive in a horror or suspense movie that explores identity, fear, and social issues. Peele’s focus on unsettling stories and layered characters would allow Jeon to fully display her ability to balance vulnerability with unpredictability.

4) Kim Soo-hyun

Kim Soo-hyun has played a wide range of roles. He stood out in My Love from the Star, and, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. He also impressed audiences in Real with his darker and more mysterious side. Soo-hyun knows how to balance emotion and drama while making a strong connection to the character. He would be an ideal choice for a Denis Villeneuve film. His ability to show inner struggles would fit well in a sci-fi or dystopian story. Villeneuve’s focus on visually striking and emotional storytelling would give Kim a chance to show his depth.

5) Gong Yoo

Gong Yoo became a global sensation after Train to Busan. He played a father trying to save his daughter in the middle of a tragic situation. His performance made the action and emotion feel real. He also gained popularity in Goblin for his romantic and supernatural role. His work in Silenced proved he can take on serious and thought-provoking stories. Yoo would be a great addition to a James Cameron film. He has the physical presence and emotional range to lead an epic action movie. His ability to make even fantasy stories feel believable would make him stand out.

6) Lee Min-ho

Lee Min-ho became a global star after playing the rich and arrogant Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers. He later showed a more intense side in City Hunter and The King: Eternal Monarch, where he played a time-traveling king. His charm and commanding screen presence make him a strong fit for a romantic drama or a fantasy adventure. He would be an excellent choice for a Baz Luhrmann film. His ability to balance elegance and emotional vulnerability would suit a visually stunning romance or period drama. Luhrmann’s flair for grand visuals and passion-driven stories would bring out Lee’s strengths as a leading man.

7) Jun Ji-hyun (Gianna Jun)

Jun Ji-hyun is best known for her breakout role in My Sassy Girl, where she played a quirky and unpredictable character. She later impressed in The Thieves and Assassination, showing her ability to handle action-packed roles. Her performance in Kingdom: Ashin of the North proved she could carry darker and more serious roles as well. She would fit perfectly in a Quentin Tarantino film. Her mix of humor, intensity, and physicality makes her ideal for an action thriller or revenge story. Tarantino’s sharp dialogue and dynamic female leads would give her the space to deliver a memorable performance.

8) Han So-hee

Han So-hee gained attention for her role in Nevertheless, where she played a conflicted and emotionally vulnerable character. She later showed her toughness in My Name, where she was trained as an undercover agent seeking revenge. Her ability to switch between softness and strength makes her a great fit for action and drama. She would shine in a film directed by Denis Villeneuve. Her sharp screen presence and ability to carry heavy emotions would stand out in a sci-fi thriller or dystopian story. Villeneuve’s focus on layered characters and visual storytelling would highlight her talent for balancing intensity with depth.

9) Park Bo-gum

Park Bo-gum became a fan favorite in Reply 1988, where he played a quiet but caring character. He later showed his romantic side in Encounter. His emotional range allows him to handle heartfelt dramas and more complex psychological roles. He would fit well in a Damien Chazelle film. His ability to express vulnerability and ambition would match Chazelle’s focus on driven characters and emotional journeys. Whether it's a musical drama or a coming-of-age story, Park’s natural warmth and sincerity would make him the perfect lead.

10) Kim Ji-won

Kim Ji-won gained attention in Descendants of the Sun, where she played a strong and determined soldier. She later won hearts in Fight for My Way, showing a relatable and humorous side as an aspiring announcer. Her ability to switch between strong and playful roles gives her the range needed for a romantic comedy or a heartfelt drama. She would fit perfectly in a Greta Gerwig film. Her down-to-earth energy and emotional honesty make her an ideal choice for stories about personal growth and relationships. Gerwig’s focus on character-driven storytelling would bring out Kim’s charm and authenticity.

11) Ji Chang-wook

Ji Chang-wook built his career playing action-driven roles in dramas like Healer, and, The K2. He has shown he can handle physical stunts and emotional depth without losing focus. His ability to switch between intense fight scenes and softer romantic moments makes him a strong fit for Hollywood. He would suit a Chad Stahelski film that relies on high-energy action and personal stakes. A revenge-driven thriller or crime drama would let him use his martial arts skills and emotional range. Stahelski’s focus on stylized action would give Ji the perfect setting to shine as a complex and driven lead.

12) Nam Joo-hyuk

Nam Joo-hyuk became a fan favorite with dramas like Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, and Twenty-Five Twenty-One. He later took on a more intense role in The Great Battle and showed his dramatic range in The Light in Your Eyes. His ability to move between lighthearted romance and emotional drama makes him a strong fit for a Richard Linklater film. He would shine in a coming-of-age story or a character-driven drama about relationships and growth. Linklater’s focus on realistic dialogue and emotional depth would complement Nam’s natural charm and ability to connect with audiences.

13) Seo Ye-ji

Seo Ye-ji made a strong impression in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay with her performance as a sharp and emotionally fragile writer. She has also taken on darker roles in Save Me, and, Recalled, showing she can handle tension and unpredictability. Her intense energy and ability to show vulnerability make her a natural fit for Darren Aronofsky. She would thrive in a psychological thriller that explores obsession or personal breakdowns. Aronofsky’s style focuses on flawed and complicated characters, which would give Seo the space to deliver a performance that feels raw, unsettling, and unforgettable.

14) Yoo Ah-in

Yoo Ah-in has built his reputation playing complicated and conflicted characters in Burning and Hellbound. He takes on roles that deal with guilt, ambition, and emotional instability without losing focus. His ability to create tension and keep viewers guessing makes him a perfect match for David Fincher’s films. He would fit into a dark thriller or mystery that focuses on obsession or crime. Fincher’s attention to detail and slow-building tension would highlight Yoo’s skill for subtle and layered acting. A film that explores psychological twists and moral dilemmas would give him the platform to leave a lasting impression.

15) Kim Tae-ri

Kim Tae-ri impressed audiences with her performance in The Handmaiden, where she played a clever and rebellious character wrapped in mystery. She later showed a softer and more relatable side in Twenty-Five Twenty-One. Her ability to balance charm with emotional depth makes her a strong match for Greta Gerwig. She would shine in a coming-of-age story or a drama about growth and relationships. Gerwig’s focus on personal storytelling and emotional connections would let Kim bring warmth and realism to a character dealing with life’s uncertainties and personal struggles. Her acting style would feel honest and grounded in any setting.