5 Korean Celebrities Who Crossed Over To Stardom In China
On a global scale, few countries are seeing the type of mainstream reach as South Korea in recent years. Thanks to the rise of Korean filmmakers and artists, there are a lot more celebrities from the country that are making it big more than ever. This includes China, where several Korean celebrities have become megastars thanks to their talents.
Out of all of the Korean celebrities that have achieved stardom in China, which ones stand out the most? Here is a look at five that have transcended pop culture to become icons in their native South Korea, as well as China.
Jaemin
South Korean-born Na Jae-min, also known as Jaemin, is one of the many members of the boy band NCT(Neo Culture Technology)and a sub-unit of the band, NCT Dream. He’s a talented singer, actor, dancer, and rapper. K-pop is one of the most popular genres of music among today’s youth. Jaemin in particular is one of the biggest stars to come out of the K-pop world. In 2020 he was ranked #2 in China’s AiMan Commercial Index, a ranking system for celebrities based on their popularity level in China.
Jimin
Park Ji-min, primarily known as Jimin, is a singer and dancer from South Korea. He’s one of seven members of the worldwide sensation BTS(Bangtan Boys). I’m 2022, his Chinese-based fan club PARKJIMINBAR went as far as setting up what they call Jiminland, a decked-out party for the singer’s birthday. It took place from October 9th to October 15th in the seven-story P.Ark cultural center at Yeongdo in Busan, South Korea. Something that had never been done before. Jimin’s incredible influence and love for his home of South Korea convinced the center to hold the party in honor of him.
Jungkook
Jeon Jung-kook, known as Jungkook, is the youngest member of the worldwide phenomenon BTS. In China, the South Korean singer is the most popular member of the boy band. His first solo collab topped multiple charts on one of China’s biggest music streaming services, QQ Music. Jungkook also holds the title of the most followed member of BTS on QQ Music, Netease, and a few other popular music streaming services. He also became the sole K-pop solo artist to reach #1 on QQ Music’s Western Hot 100. He has had a successful career thus far in South Korea, China, and the US.
Lee Dong Wook
Lee Dong Wook is a South Korean entertainer, actor, and model. He’s had a successful and busy career thus far, starring in shows like My Girl, Hotel King, Life, Hell is Other People, The Fugitive of Joseon, Scent of a Woman, Nine Tailed, and the most recent Bad and Crazy. He’s had growing success in China, with Hotel King receiving 200 million views on China’s popular streaming service Ai Qi Yi. He also appeared more recently in GQ China, where the magazine interviewed the actor after recently reaching the age of 40.
Jennie (BLACKPINK)
Jennie Kim, known primarily as Jennie, is one of the four members of the all-female group BLACKPINK. She later debuted her solo single “Solo”, which found success on the Circle Digital Chart, a music record chart in South Korea ranking in the top 200 hits. She’s set to show off her acting prowess in 2023 on HBO’s “The Idol”. BLACKPINK made their long overdue comeback with their recently released album “BORN PINK”, having sold over 800,00 digital albums in China following its release. Making BORN PINK this year’s best-selling female album in China. Even passing Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” album sales by nearly 300,000.