Not many people know that PARK JIHOON, now a star actor with over 10 million viewers to his name, first gained attention as an actor through the web drama Love Revolution, where he played the role of GONG JUHOON. As more and more idol-turned-actors emerge, how exactly do idols become actors?

These days, idol trainees reportedly receive acting lessons alongside vocal and dance training. In recent years, it has become increasingly common for idols to make their acting debut through web dramas. From there, some shift their focus toward acting and join larger productions, while others continue balancing both idol and acting careers, expanding their paths in their own ways.

Idols who began acting through web dramas and gradually grew as actors include DONGJUN of ZE:A, KIM DOYEON of I.O.I, and YOON DUJUN of HIGHLIGHT.

Aftermath, starring DONGJUN, was based on a webtoon and told the story of an ordinary high school student who gains extraordinary senses after an accident and goes on to live a dynamic life. Since it was adapted from a webtoon, expectations for immersion were high, and many fans commented that his acting had improved significantly compared to his earlier performances.

In Idol Fever Agent, I.O.I members KIM DOYEON and CHOI YOOJUNG appeared together. One scene became particularly popular among fans: after the two bickered back and forth, CHOI YOOJUNG slammed the door and stormed out, prompting an angry reaction from KIM DOYEON. CHOI YOOJUNG then casually replied, "The wind did it." Fans enthusiastically responded to the pair’s adorable chemistry.

Splash Splash LOVE, starring YOON DUJUN alongside actress KIM SEULGI, remains a widely praised and well-made web drama to this day. Viewers flooded the internet with comments such as, “While everyone else is obsessed with King DANJONG, I’m obsessed with King SEJONG,” and “I like this more than most romantic comedies these days.” Even now, many viewers continue to hope for a second season. The two later reunited and showcased their chemistry once again in the tvN drama Nyangyukwon War.

On the other hand, there are also cases where performers first gained recognition through web dramas before becoming idols. SUHYEON of Billlie received tremendous love for her role as YEO BORAM in the web drama A-Teen and later debuted as the group's main vocalist. Around 2019, A-Teen enjoyed explosive popularity among teenagers and young adults in their twenties, with its OST also generating significant buzz. Thanks to this success, SUHYEON was able to begin her idol career with a certain level of public recognition, often hearing people say, “She’s YEO BORAM from A-Teen.”

There are also many idols who debut first and pursue acting alongside their idol activities. Ideally, maintaining a balance between the two is the best scenario, but in reality, it is not easy to prioritize both equally. Acting schedules, in particular, tend to be tightly packed, making absences from group activities unavoidable. Missing music shows, fan sign events, and other promotional schedules becomes common, and they must be prepared to face criticism as a result.

Because of this, many fans believe that if someone debuts as an idol, idol activities should remain their top priority. This is one reason why acting is treated almost like a taboo subject within certain fandoms.

Of course, idols do not pursue acting simply because they want to try acting. Some want to show fans different sides of themselves through a wider range of activities, while others hope to promote their entire group through their work as actors. Each idol has their own reasons.

Idol-turned-actors must confront prejudice from both viewers and fellow actors. It often takes considerably more time and effort for them to be accepted as peers, and if their acting skills are still lacking, they may be hurt by harsh remarks such as, “You should have just stayed an idol.” As a result, the pressure is even greater, and they have that much more to prove.

Since an idol’s career span is often relatively short, seeking out new opportunities is also a natural progression. Now is the time to view those who take on new challenges with greater warmth and encouragement.