Korean Singers Turned Actors: Who Made the Right Choice
December 5th, 2006 by dd
Rain, Kim Chang-wan, Kim Dong-wan, Lim Chang-jung and Eric
In Korea, the Chosun Ilbo recently surveyed writers and producers of hit dramas to determine who the best and worst of singers turn actors are.
Among men, Rain came out on top for appearances in “Full House” and “A Love to Kill.” Praise was fulsome. “He successfully appeals to the public with his ability to express feelings in a sympathetic way and by making the transition from singer to actor very naturally,” one panel member enthused. “He’s a jewel. It would have been such a loss if he hadn’t decided to act.” Right behind him was Kim Chang-wan, followed by Kim Dong-wan and Lim Chang-jung. Mun Jeong-hyeok, who landed in fifth, got mixed reviews. Some said he was “taking full advantage of his pretty face and ability as an entertainer.” Others were less kind.
Jung Ryoe-won, Uhm Jung-hwa, Eugene, Seong Yu-ri and Lee Hyo-lee
Among women, Jung Ryoe-won came top thanks to in “My Name is Kim Sam-soon.” Jung “is able to reflect her own natural image into the role she plays in the drama,” one panelist said. “She works hard at learning her craft. If you look closely at her eye movement, tempo, breathing and reactions to her partners, you can see that she studies the script really hard.” Uhm Jung-hwa came second then Eugene. Uhm is said to be able to play a wide range of parts, have a lively spirit as an actress and act very naturally. Eugene drew favorable responses thanks to her fluent dialect in the drama “I Really Really Like You” broadcast this year.
Who, then, is the worst singer-turned-actor? Seong Yu-ri held this sorry title, followed by Lee Hyo-lee, Park Jung-ah, Kangta, and Eric. Lee Hyo-lee, who was featured in the drama “Three-Leaf Clover,” was denounced as woefully miscast. The glamour girl “did not suit the character of a factory worker,” they said. In Park’s case, the difference between the singer’s image and her soap character was also judged too glaring.
Posted in Korea, Music, Film, TV, Lee Hyo-lee, Seong Yu-ri, Rain, Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Chang-wan, Kim Dong-wan, Lim Chang-jung, Mun Jeong-hyeok, Jung Ryoe-won | 
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