Favorite actors of my time

Favorite actors of my time

You may wonder what this is about, the title might be misleading so let me clarify it a little. I first started watching dramas somewhere around 2009, so 7 years now. When I look back, there has been many changes through the years, especially on what is considered a heartthrob or crush. Now, don't go on hating on my list, saying "Are you crazy?! He/She is still super popular!". This isn't that kind of list. I am not talking about overnight sensations that disappeared as quickly as they came, but about the prime years of the actors/actresses that started what we call today "The Hallyu Wave" (it all started around 2010). I will also talk about japanese and taiwanese celebrities, but on a smaller scale, as I am not as familiar with them.

Ok, so after this super long introduction, let's get started.

KOREA

As I talked about "The Hallyu Wave" a little, lets not forget what really made it global: Boys Over Flowers. I know, I know what a cliche, but that's the truth. The F4 was the hottest thing in those days (I sound so old). That brings me to my list!

Lee Min Ho

Yes I know that he is still popular, but nowadays when you are asked what's your crush in dramaland,Lee Min Ho isn't on the tip of the tongue for most. Even if he is only 27 some could say that his gold age passed, not me though, I still like him. He was one of the first "bad boys" that treated the female lead horrible, but warmth up to her eventually. Still, for many dramas lovers, when you say spoiled rich guy you think of Goo Joon Pyo. 

Kim Hyun Joong

Kim Hyun Joong is what you can call THE flowerboy and THE second lead man (the people who watched the drama when it aired can't forger the ever great Ji Hoo "sunbae"). If BOF is held resposible for making an actor is a phenomen then that person is Kim Hyun Joong. Most of you may know the drama Playful Kiss, it was badly received in Korea, but look overseas and things look different: it was a major hit! Why? Kim Hyun Joong fresh from BOF. Now? Looking over his scandal, he isn't considered as much as an icon these days. People aren't as crazy about his dramas and even if he is still handsome, others are too. Still, for us, who begun to love dramas because of him, he is still the everlasting crush, me included.

Jang Geun Suk

You know how today when you talk about Lee Jong Suk you also think of Kim Woo Bin? This was also the case for Jang Geun Suk and Lee Min Ho? They were always compared, and there were even fans that would get angry if you said one was better then the other. The drama, now is somehow considered a classic, that was his big break is You're Beautiful. Everyone fell for his cold stare and somekind of nevrotic state of mind. 

Go Hyun Jung

Ok, so for the ones of you who started watching dramas since 2012 or so, you may wonder who this woman is. To explain I would have to take you back to 2009 and Queen Seon Duk. My first drama, watched it on the TV with my grandma. Everyone who saw it know that Mi Shil made the show glow. Go Hyun Jung made the impossible, making the audience love the antagonist. I love this lady so much! She is one of the best actresses that I've seen and I encourage anyone to watch that drama!

Kim Nam Gil

Everyone loved Bi Dam. His story ark was, and still is, one of the most interesting ones in drama world. Kim Nam Gil played another character in Queen Seon Duk, and took part in what made it so great. Even if in the begging he was meant to be a secondary character, the way he portrayed Bi Dam and the love his character received made him become a leading role. Kim Nam Gil is my first korean crush, I really fell in love with his character and cried when the drama finished.

Lee Seung Gi

Lee Seung Gi was one of the first "nice guys" around. I still remember watching Shining Inheritance and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, both classics now. His popularity was no joke back then, from dramas to variety shows and music programs, Lee Seung Gi was everywhere! You have to remember that "bad boys" were in then, so he was like a breath of fresh air when he appeared. One of the first noona killers:)).

Lee Byung Hun

Lee Byung Hun was, and still is THE MAN. Back in the day, IRIS was a big thing. Maybe action dramas wouldn't be the same if not for it. Most of it's popularity stands with LBH. He was the tortured but handsome and ripped man, that only wanted to do good in the end...what a beautiful soul. In my case, he was an ajhussi (I was 14 then). 

Han Hyo Joo

In her case, you can compare her to a flower: sweet and innocent. I think it's safe to say that if you asked 10 men who their favorite actress was, 8 of them would have said Han Hyo Joo, regardless the age group. She was really charming, this one. Back in 2008 she played in Iljimae, but her break came with Shining Inheritance. She is the best at melodramas. But her biggest accomplishments were her movies: Postman to Heaven, and the one and only Always. I think it's safe to say that girls wanted to be her, boys wanted to date her and elders to have them as daughter-in-law.

Park Shin Hye

Park Shin Hye was the bubbly and boyish, "your friend" kind of actress. The one you would think "If I meet her on the street she may have a meal with me". You're Beautiful was the drama that made her what she is today, in terms of popularity. Everyone loved her and considered her to be someone they could associate with. 

So this is it. As you may see, 2009 and 2010 was the year when many classics were born. This article was partially made out of nostalgia and half with the wish that those of you that passed on these dramas may want to give them a try^^