Just hearing about a KPOP idol getting cast in a drama is enough to make me cringe. The term “idol actor” alone is enough to pass a show for me. I have also skipped shows with rookie actors, so I might just be picky. I watched a few shows because the powers that be know to cast some of my favorite actors with idols. I curse them! And might love them for it. Truth be told, it’s kind of nice to see talent go out of the KPOP box. These are three dramas I enjoyed with idol actors that I actually watched without the aid of favorites.
Oh! My Lady 오! 마이 레이디
IDOL: Choi Siwon of Super Junior
Genre: Romance, comedy
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2010-Mar-22 to 2010-May-11
Siwon is the lead actor in this sweet and spunky noona romance. He’s attractive, foolish and a top star who finds out he’s the father of a perfect sweet little girl (she’s too adorable!). With his reputation in jeopardy and the mother nowhere to be found, he desperately hires a woman with her own custody issues. She’s older, but sheltered, so of course there are hijinks, shirtless shots and romance. It’s a very cute drama that Siwon surprisingly makes you feel like he can be a daddy. I love cutie actor Siwon (I’m so excited for his next drama: She Was Pretty) and this drama shows that he could hold his own.
Watch Oh! My Lady on DRAMAFEVER.
Sweden Laundry 스웨덴 세탁소
IDOL: Chang Jo of Teen Top
Genre: Comedy, fantasy, romance, family
Episodes: 16
Broadcast network: MBC Every1, MBC Drama Net, MBC Music, MBC QueeN
Broadcast period: 2014-Nov-21 to 2015-Mar-06
I stumbled upon this drama because the lead actress, Song Ha Yoon wasn’t someone I was familiar with. Often I check out dramas where I don’t know the leads because you just never know what you might find. In this one, I found Chang Jo. He’s mainly a lead sidekick in this, but his puppy dog demeanor is a nice balance with the cast.
I have listened to Teen Top a few times and have seen them live, but honestly I don’t pay much attention them aside from some legit KPOP jams. Discovering that Chang Jo was the Teen Top Chang Jo was surprising. He looked and played like an actor, which I guess if you’re going to be an idol actor, it’s good when someone has no idea you were an idol.
Watch Sweden Laundry on DRAMAFEVER.
Twenties 스무살
IDOL: Lee Ki Kwang of BEAST
Genre: Romance
Episodes: 4
Broadcast network: tvN
Broadcast period: 2014-Jan-06 to 2014-Jan-07
I’m pretty sure this is the only time Ki Kwang was a lead in a drama. Granted this is a mini drama, but I loved it so much, I had to include it. I made all my friends watch it. It it just one of those sort of fan fiction stories come to life and that makes it a delicious guilty pleasure.
Ki Kwang has had some great little supporting roles that I think shows his charm. I’m still not sure if he can expand upon it further, but I should check out Mrs. Cop to see how he’s doing outside of that. I do think his BEAST bandmate Yoon Du Jun has a bit more potential, but if Ki Kwang can get a few more scene stealing shows under his belt, he’ll be right there with him.
Watch Twenties on VIKI.
Do you have a favorite idol drama? Comment below or tweet me @cherylfornia!
OhKDRAMA is my new column exploring Korean dramas. Regular posts Tuesday and Friday.
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