Many K-drama actors light up the screen with a special kind of charm. They sing OSTs like pros, perform at fan events with ease, and carry a natural star vibe. Where does all this talent come from? For some, itโs because they once trained to be K-pop idols at the biggest agencies in South Korea: SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment. These stars spent years in tough training programs before switching paths to acting. Hereโs a deep look at the K-drama actors who almost became idols under the Big 3 agencies and how their past shaped their success today.
Get ready for a front-row seat to their incredible journeys!
Lee Jong Sukโs Short SM Stint Before Acting Fame
Lee Jong Suk is a name every K-drama fan knows. Heโs starred in huge hits like While You Were Sleeping and Pinocchio. But before all that, he took a shot at being a K-pop idol. At just 15 years old, he joined SM Entertainment as a trainee. His goal? To debut as a rapper in a boy group. He trained for three months, learning dance moves and rap skills.
However, things didnโt click for him in the idol world. He left SM and soon found his real passionโacting. In 2010, he debuted in the drama Princess Prosecutor and quickly rose to fame. Fans still wonder what his rap career mightโve sounded like, but his acting talent has made him a household name instead.
Ahn Hyo Seopโs JYP Days with GOT7
Ahn Hyo Seop has won over fans with roles in Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic 2. Before that, he was a trainee at JYP Entertainment for three years. He even trained alongside the members of GOT7, like JB and Jackson. Back then, he was a tall, quiet kid from Canada with big dreams.
He faced challenges during training. His heightโstanding at 6 feetโmade it tricky to fit into a typical idol group. Plus, he felt his singing and dancing skills werenโt quite up to par. So, he left JYP and turned to acting. His first role came in 2015 with Splash Splash Love, and heโs been unstoppable since. Funny enough, he still keeps in touch with some GOT7 members!
Goo Hye Sunโs Journey Through SM and YG
Goo Hye Sun became a legend with her role as Geum Jan-di in Boys Over Flowers. Sheโs also a singer, director, and artist. Her talent runs deep, and it started early. She trained at SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment, two of the Big 3, as well as DSP Media.
At SM, she worked on her vocals and performance skills. Later, she moved to YG, known for its hip-hop edge. She never debuted as an idol, but her time at these agencies built her confidence. In 2004, she started acting with Nonstop 5, and Boys Over Flowers in 2009 sealed her fame. She even released music, showing off those trainee skills years later.
Min Hyo Rinโs JYP Roots Before Sunny Success
Min Hyo Rin shines in movies like Sunny and The Grand Heist, both massive hits in South Korea. Before acting, she was a 19-year-old trainee at JYP Entertainment. She trained with the girls whoโd later become Wonder Girls, like Sunye and Yeeun.
Her days at JYP were full of vocal lessons and dance practice. She didnโt debut as an idol, though. Instead, she stepped into acting in 2007 with a small role. Her big break came with Sunny in 2011, which drew over 7 million viewers. Her trainee past gave her the poise she brings to every role.
Gong Seung Yeonโs Seven Years at SM
Gong Seung Yeon charms fans in dramas like Are You Human Too? and Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency. She spent seven long years as a trainee at SM Entertainment. Thatโs rightโseven years of hard work, alongside her younger sister, Jeongyeon, who debuted with TWICE.
She trained with future stars like Girlsโ Generation members. But debuting as an idol wasnโt in the cards for her. She switched to acting and debuted in 2012 with I Love Lee Tae-ri. Her warm presence on screen comes from all those years perfecting her craft at SM.
Yoo In Naโs Decade-Long YG Training
Yoo In Na stole hearts in Goblin and My Love from the Star. Before that, she spent over 10 years chasing an idol dream. Part of that time was at YG Entertainment, where she trained in singing and performing. She started her trainee life at 17 and stuck with it through her 20s.
She almost debuted in a girl group, but it fell apart. Tired of waiting, she chose acting instead. Her first role came in 2009 with High Kick Through the Roof. That YG training gave her the charisma and voice that make her stand out todayโshe even nails drama OSTs!
Kim Ji Hoonโs SM Start Before Flower of Evil
Kim Ji Hoon grips viewers in Flower of Evil and Love to Hate You. Early in his career, he was a trainee at SM Entertainment. He was popular among trainees for his good looks and skills, training with future idols in the late โ90s.
He didnโt stay long enough to debut. Acting called him, and he started with A River Flows Through It in 2003. His sharp visuals and stage-ready energy scream idol potential, but heโs made his mark as a versatile actor instead.
Honey Leeโs YG Time with 2NE1
Honey Lee, also known as Lee Hanee, is a former Miss Korea and a talented actress seen in Extreme Job. She trained at YG Entertainment for about a year. There, she practiced with 2NE1 members Park Bom and Minzy, sharpening her performance skills.
In 2006, she left YG to join the Miss Korea pageant, winning the crown. Acting followed, with her debut in 2009โs Pasta. Her elegance and strength on screen owe a lot to her YG days, even if they were short.
Lee Yeon Heeโs SM Contest Win to Drama Star
Lee Yeon Hee brings grace to dramas like The Package. In 2001, she won SM Entertainmentโs SM Teenage Contest at age 13. She trained with girls whoโd later join Girlsโ Generation, like Taeyeon and Seohyun.
She couldโve been an idol, but acting caught her eye. She debuted in 2004 with Emperor of the Sea. Her soft beauty and skills, honed at SM, keep fans hooked on her every role.
How Trainee Life Shaped These Stars
These K-drama actors didnโt just stumble into fame. Their time at SM, YG, and JYP taught them discipline, stage presence, and how to connect with fans. Whether it was three months or 10 years, that training stuck with them. Itโs why they shine in dramas, sing OSTs so well, and handle the spotlight like pros.
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