With the fast-paced nature of K-Pop, it’s hard to keep up with all of
the different groups out there, much less learn every member’s name
right away. It’s a sad fact that a lot of idol members promote without
much individual notice, skating along on the popularity of the
more-recognized idols in their group.
Until they catch their big break, that is, and prove that they’re more than just part of the head count.
The last couple years especially brought in an abundance of idols, so
we’ve compiled a list of the Top 5 Breakout Stars that seemed to appear
out of nowhere (but were there all along). Whether it was through
acting skills, variety show skills, or even a solo album, the following
stars rightfully gained their current it statuses with a break-out moment in the spotlight.
5. Girl’s Day’s Hyeri
When her dating scandal with first generation idol Tony An (H.O.T.) hit the media this past April, Girl’s Day‘s Hyeri became quite the hot issue. Now, with every variety show appearance, the unavoidable topic is the pair’s relationship and their 16-year age difference.
Not only did the scandal boost the frequency of Girl’s Day’s name in
idol conversations, it has also put Hyeri in demand for MV romantic lead
acting gigs. Since April, she’s starred in a string of videos — most
recently for rookie artist NC.A‘s debut MV for “My Student Teacher.”
4. Super Junior- M’s Henry
Thanks to his solo debut with “Trap”, Super Junior-M‘s Henry came
on the radar for Korean fans this past June. With his English-speaking
charms and bright personality, it’s no wonder he’s been such a hit on
variety shows. (Exhibit A: his hilarious Happy Together appearance.)
It doesn’t end there. His solo promotions have continued with “1-4-3″
featuring f(x)’s Amber, and he’ll be starring in the film “Final
Recipe” (featuring MADtv comedian Bobby Lee), which will be released
later this month.
3. ZE:A’s Hyungsik
From Dongjun (Dream Team) to Kwanghee (various talk shows) to Siwan (The Moon that Embraces the Sun), it seems that ZE:A‘s popularity baton has now been passed to member Hyungsik.
After his appearance and love line with 4Minute‘s
Nam JiHyun on the first season of “The Romantic and Idol”, Hyungsik was
no longer “that one guy” from ZE:A. But his real rise to fame came
through his fixed position on MBC’s Real Men. His variety show skills and genuine approach to the missions on the show caused him to gain popularity with not just K-Pop fangirls, but with male fans and older generations as well.
Now, with ZE:A’s recent “Ghost of the Wind” comeback, all eyes seem
to be on Hyungsik’s boyishly good-looking face. How could we have not
noticed him before?!
2. A Pink’s Eunji
Eunji sure has come a long way from debuting as a fresh-faced member of A Pink (remember their first single “I Don’t Know“?) to becoming the representative face of A Pink.
After showing off her amazing acting skills and cute Busan satoori (countryside accent) in the drama Reply 1997, Eunji has continuously been garnering attention.
She’s continued acting in the drama That Winter the Wind Blows (alongside veterans Jo In Sung, Song Hye Gyo, and Kim Bum), and has featured in numerous songs with artists like Huh Gak (“Short Hair“), and Reply costar Seo In Guk (“All For You” and “Still Our Love Continue“). Oh, and did we mention that A Pink recently won #1 for “NoNoNo”?
1. Miss A’s Suzy
When talking about breakout stars, it’s impossible not to mention Miss A‘s Suzy. From her first acting gig on Dream High to the movie Introduction to Architecture that earned her the “Nation’s First Love” title, Suzy has officially been recognized as a triple threat.
She’s continued to act in dramas like Big (with Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung) and Gu Family Book (opposite Lee Seung Gi), and has continued to sing through her dramas’ OSTs.
Often joked to be the breadwinner of JYP Entertainment, Suzy was also
crowned the CF Queen in 2012, and it seems that she still reigns, as
she rakes in 10 billion won (approximately 9 million USD) in commercials
all by herself!
Source: mtvk
