Park Bo-gum and IU ranked first and second in a survey for the most active actors in Korea, with their roles in 'Thank You' highlighted.
December/31/2025 18:16Related Groups & Members
From November 11 to 28, 2025, Gallup Korea surveyed 1,700 people aged 13 and older across South Korea, excluding Jeju Island, asking them to name up to two actors who were most active in the past year (open-ended responses). As a result, Park Bo-gum (13.3%) and IU (11.3%), who played Yang Kwang-sik and Oh Esun in this year's popular Netflix series 'Thank You,' ranked first and second, respectively. Park Bo-gum has created a buzz with roles in 'Reply 1988' and 'Moonlight Drawn by Clouds.' He was also ranked first as 'Talent of the Year' in 2016. He has challenged himself with various roles, solidifying his status as a top actor. IU is an actress and singer-songwriter who continues to be active in dramas, films, and variety shows. In 'Thank You,' she played both a mother and daughter (Gummyeong), further expanding her acting range. 'Thank You' depicts the generational story of a couple born and raised in Jeju Island, spanning from the 1950s to the present, evoking nostalgia for the not-so-distant past through the life of their eldest daughter, Gummyeong, in Seoul. In a survey conducted by Gallup Korea on 'Favorite Programs and Video Content,' 'Thank You' ranked first for three consecutive months from March to May this year. Kim Ji-won (4.4%) ranked third, known for her diverse roles in 'Descendants of the Sun,' 'Fight for My Way,' and 'My Liberation Notes.' In the first half of last year, she established a unique presence as Hong Hae-in in 'Queen of Tears.' Fourth place went to Girls' Generation's YoonA (3.9%) for her role as Yong Ji-young in 'The Chef of the Tyrant,' while fifth was Choo Young-woo (3.3%), active in many works including 'The Shaman and the Cowherd.' Sixth place was Lee Jung-jae (3.1%) from 'Squid Game.' Following them, Namgoong Min from 'Our Movie,' Han Ji-min from 'You Are Beautiful in Heaven,' Byung Woo-seok from 'Run with Songjae,' and Kim Tae-ri from 'Jongnyun: Star is Born' (each 2.9%) tied for seventh place. YoonA, Choo Young-woo, and Han Ji-min entered the top 10 for the first time this year. Other actors receiving over 1.0% include Han Suk-kyu and Joo Ji-hoon (each 2.8%), Kim Woo-bin, and 2PM's Junho (each 2.7%), Song Hye-kyo, ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, and Kim Hye-soo (each 2.6%), Song Joong-ki (2.3%), Lee Je-hoon (2.1%), Bae Suzy, and Jang Nara (each 2.0%), Kim Go-eun, Jo Jung-suk, and Park Eun-bin (each 1.9%), Ryu Seung-ryong (1.8%), Hyun Bin (1.7%), Jung Il (1.6%), Park Seo-joon, Lee Byung-hun, and Kim Hee-sun (each 1.5%), Lee Seung-jae (1.4%), Kang Ha-neul, Ji Chang-wook, Yeom Hae-ran, and Son Ye-jin (each 1.3%), Choi Woo-shik, Shin Min-a, Park Bo-young, and Kim Hae-ja (each 1.2%), and Jung Ho-jin and Lee Young-ae (each 1.0%), totaling 31 actors. Previously announced, in the variety talent and comedian categories, Yoo Jae-suk ranked first for 14 consecutive years, while athlete Son Heung-min ranked first for nine consecutive years. However, the top talent position has changed every year during the same period. From 2007 to this year, only Ko Hyun-jung, Song Joong-ki, and Park Bo-gum have won first place twice, with all other top spots going to different actors. Given the nature of dramas that air for a limited time, it can be said that the influence of appearances in works broadcast just before the survey is significant. Unlike the past, which was centered around terrestrial broadcasting, the current landscape has diversified into non-terrestrial and OTT (video streaming services), broadening the range of themes and genres, leading to a tendency for viewer interest in featured actors to be dispersed. Compared to the previously announced sports and variety talent fields, the difference in favorability among the top 10 is not large, and the number of individuals receiving over 1.0% is also high, indicating a diversification of viewer preferences. From 2007 to 2017, all actors who ranked first as 'Talent of the Year' appeared in terrestrial dramas. However, since 2018, the presence of non-terrestrial dramas has rapidly increased, and for the first time, a top rank has emerged from an OTT drama.
Related Articles
Taeyeon from Girls' Generation playfully engaged with fans regarding Tiffany's marriage. After a fan asked if she knew about the wedding, Taeyeon replied humorously, confirming she did and laughing about it. Tiffany and actor Byun Yo-han recently submitted their marriage registration, but details about their wedding ceremony are still being considered.
Pyeong Yohan and Tiffany announced their marriage on February 27, but the wedding photos circulating online were confirmed to be AI-generated. Their agency, TEAMHOPE, stated they did not shoot any wedding photos. The couple is considering a small ceremony with family, and they have started following each other on Instagram after the announcement.
Tiffany from Girls' Generation and actor Byun Yo-han have announced their marriage, sparking interest with mutual Instagram follows. Tiffany added Byun to her follow list after submitting their marriage registration on February 27. Both shared romantic posts, including photos from a birthday party and moments together, showcasing their affection.
Tiffany from Girls' Generation and actor Byun Yo-han have officially registered their marriage, denying any rumors of premarital pregnancy. Their agency stated that their relationship was serious from the start, leading to the marriage registration before a wedding ceremony, which is still being planned. Fans are congratulating the couple after their relationship was confirmed last December.
Soo-young of Girls' Generation showcases her strong ambition for the center position, posting on social media with humor. Her comments stem from a conversation with Tiffany on Hyoyeon's YouTube, where they discussed forming a new unit. Fans reacted positively, appreciating the humor and seriousness behind her ambition.
Tiffany from Girls' Generation and actor Byun Yo-han have submitted their marriage registration today, based on deep trust and love. Their agency, TEAMHOPE, shared that while they are considering a small ceremony with family, no specific date or location has been set. They appreciate the support from fans as they embark on this new journey together.
On the afternoon of the 26th, a recording for the new variety show 'X THE LEAGUE' took place at Studio Eugenia in Paju, Gyeonggi-do. Main MCs Tiffany from Girls' Generation and GOT7's BamBam participated. The show features 32 global sellers from 9 countries competing by selling products, with actual sales translating into scores. It will be released in August on ENA and global OTT platforms.
On the afternoon of the 25th, Yuna from Girls' Generation returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport after completing her overseas schedule. She recently won an award at the 2026 Visionary Awards and received acclaim for her role in the drama 'The Tyrant's Chef'. Additionally, she traveled to the UK to attend Fashion Week (video available).
In the recent tvN show, Yoon Si-yoon impressed viewers with his fluent Japanese while participating in a cooking challenge in Lyon. Despite being a newcomer, he quickly engaged with Japanese customers, showcasing his charm and communication skills, even after a few mishaps in the kitchen. His efforts to connect with guests highlighted his adaptability and enthusiasm for the culinary experience.
On the morning of the 21st, Yuna from Girls' Generation departed from Incheon International Airport to London for Fashion Week. She recently won an award at the 2026 Visionary Awards for her role in the drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' and also revealed new visuals for the jewelry brand Qeelin ahead of Valentine's Day.
