Our K-pop idols are called idols for a reason. Even beyond their one-of-a-kind stage personas and viral MVs, they can manage to pursue second careers on the side and be as equally passionate.
Most idols are trained that way, and we think that’s precisely why we call them our idols! Here are 8 who will surely inspire you:
1. Sandara Park
Despite her petite frame, Dara, is a ball of energy and a fountain of youth. Besides her work with the now disbanded 2NE1, Dara was also a webtoon actress and has starred in the Korean version of Begin Again.
She has also endorsed Penshoppe and Head & Shoulders, and was a judge at Pinoy Boyband Superstar here.
2. Jessica Jung
Being forced to leave Girls’ Generation was sad, but look where she’s at now! Jessica Jung has led her own fashion label Blanc & Eclare to success, and even launched With Love, J, her debut solo album.
She had her own reality show with her sister, Jessica & Krystal, and has performed in the theatre run of the Korean Legally Blonde.
3. G-Dragon of Big Bang
Big Bang’s genius singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer is also an internationally known fashion icon. He started an art exhibit called PeaceMinusOne: Beyond The Stage, and eventually launched a fashion collection of a similar name, which began online and eventually set up shop in London. GD also has his cafe business in Jeju Island.
4. Leeteuk of Super Junior
As if being songwriter and leader of Super Junior wasn’t enough, Leeteuk has always been an active member beyond SuJu. He has starred in variety shows like We Got Married with onscreen wife Kang So-ra, and is MC of music shows Produce 101 and I Can See Your Voice.
5. Zico of Block B
Zico has produced and performed songs that have been used in music festivals, fashion shows and TV series. He is the idol who is comfortable collaborating with members outside his group, Block B, all for the sake of artists coming together. He has also opened his own ice cream cafe called Yogorino Cafe in Hongdae.
6. Key of Shinee
Outside Shinee, multi-talented Key is also active in Broadway musicals, including Catch Me If You Can, Bonnie And Clyde, and Zorro. He was MC of M! Countdown and has collaborated with Infinite’s Woohyun for ToHeart.
He is also well-known in the fashion industry, as a designer, model, and was even a guest editor of a magazine.
7. Park Ji-Yeon of T-ara
She has starred in the TV drama series, Dream High 2; and did a horror movie, a film adaptation of a Japanese manga, and a youth drama all in a year! She was also an MC and has voiced an animated film. She is set to have her solo comeback after three years.
8. Son Naeun of A-Pink
She is A-Pink’s face of the group and Taemin’s onscreen wife in We Got Married. Young as she is, Naeun has already appeared in five dramas in total, and is the latest girl to be featured in Psy’s video for his single, New Face. She is also often lauded for her artistic talent and skill in detailed drawings.
Know of any other multi-hyphenate K-pop stars? Share them with us below!
