7 Korean Crushes Who Made 2021 Memorable With Their Performances

Like every year, 2021 also saw some breakthrough performances in Korean dramas. It is the good performance of an actor that makes a character memorable. As we look back at 2021, let’s take some time to appreciate some of the most exceptional performances this year.

7 Korean Crushes Who Made 2021 Memorable With Their Performances

Following are some of the best performances of 2021 that managed to surprise us and stand out in a K-drama.    

1. Jung Ho Yeon – Squid Game

Image Courtesy: Netflix

From becoming the face of various luxury brands to surpassing Song Hye Kyo in Instagram followers, 2021 is certainly a breakthrough year for model Jung Ho Yeon. And Squid Game is to be credited for her colossal rise in popularity in a short time. She played the character of Kang Sae Byeok who is a North Korean defector looking for refuge for her family in South Korea. Ho Yeon played the reclusive character to perfection and stood out as a memorable character in the Squid Game.

2. Anupam Tripathi – Squid Game

Image Courtesy: Netflix, Kprofiles

The poor and exploited daily worker, Ali may have had a short role in the Squid Game but actor Anupam Tripathi did not fail to leave an impact on the viewers. He played the role of an immigrant worker in South Korea. He is treated poorly by his boss who refuses to pay him his wages for months making it difficult for him to live and feed his family. The raw emotion of helplessness and desperation was expressed effectively by this Indian actor whose rise to fame is well-deserved.

3. Kwak Dong Yeon – Vincenzo

Image Courtesy: Allkpop, Koreandrama.org

Vincenzo may be known for Song Jong Ki’s power-packed performance. But the show is incomplete without the mention of the character of Jang Han Seo played by Kwak Dong Yeon. Han Seo is the half-brother of the ruthless villain in the drama. His brother may be a devil but Han Seo is not as bad as him and supports Vincenzo in his attempts to fight against the main villain. Kwak Dong Yeon has made appearances in several dramas but Vincenzo is certainly his best performance to date.  

4. Han So Hee – My Name

Image Courtesy: Netflix, V Live

Calling Han So Hee’s femme fatale avatar, Yoon Ji Woo her breakthrough performance cannot be wrong because playing the revenge-seeking hard-hitting heroine is no easy task. So Hee is the perfect person to play Yoon Ji Woo as she has the vulnerable appearance yet a steely strong demeanor to take on those who have wronged her. She clearly has worked hard to be true to her character and her hard work has clearly paid off.  

5. Hwang In Yeop – True Beauty

Image Courtesy: Viki, Soompi

Call it the second-lead syndrome but watching Korean drama, True Beauty and not liking Han Seo Jun is next to impossible. Hwang In Yeop played the bad-ass Seo Jun who looks tough on the outside but is soft as a sponge in front of those whom he loves. The trouble-maker Seo Jun is one of the most memorable second-leads because In Yeop effortlessly embodied the brash attitude and boy-in-love innocence of Seo Jun.  

 

6. Jinyoung – Devils Judge

Image Courtesy: Netflix, Nacionrex

Idol actor, Jinyoung has come a long way from playing minor roles to full-fledged main characters. In the dystopian drama, The Devil Judge, Jinyoung plays the role of the righteous judge Kim Ga-on. To play a character as complicated as Kim Ga On, in front of a drama stalwart like Ji Sung, was clearly difficult for Jinyoung as initially, he seemed to struggle with expressions. However, once he got a hang of his character he went on to play the idealistic judge brilliantly. 

7. Na In Woo – Mr. Queen

Image Courtesy: Viki, Pinkvilla

The character of Kim Byung In in the drama Mr. Queen may be liked or disliked but viewers but actor Na In Woo was certainly noticed for his good performance. This talented actor even became the urgent replacement for the lead role in the show River Where the Moon Rises. He may not have had the time to prepare for the role but he still did a fine job as the goofy and soft-hearted On Dal.    

 

2021 in Dramaland will be remembered for these actors and their unique characters. Let’s wait and watch where 2022 leads these actors.

 

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