The results of Gallup Korea’s talent survey for “Talents Who Shined in 2025” or top Korean drama actors are out. This list is unique in highlighting the public’s perception of standout performances in dramas this year. And in 2025, two names led the conversation: Park Bo Gum and IU.
Top Korean Drama Actors Ranked by 2025 Gallup Korea Talent Survey
Gallup Korea surveyed 1,700 people (ages 13+) across South Korea (excluding Jeju) from November 11–28, 2025, asking respondents to name up to two actors who were most active and memorable this year (open-ended). The results were announced on December 17, 2025.
One reason this ranking remains exciting is that it is rare for the same star to win more than once. Since 2007, only Go Hyun Jung, Song Joong Ki, and Park Bo Gum have taken the No. 1 spot twice.
And 2025 marks a notable shift. A Netflix original drama produced this year’s No. 1 for the first time, signaling how central OTT has become to “mainstream” K-drama viewing.
Top Talents of 2025
Park Bo Gum (13.3%)
Park Bo Gum ranked first in the top Korean drama actors of 2025, with 13.3% of the vote. This percentage shows his powerful performance in his latest series “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” on Netflix. His portrayal captivated audiences with its warmth and steady presence.
His career story explains why he has been successful for so long. He made his acting debut in “Blind” (2011), then gained popularity with “Reply 1988” and Love in the Moonlight (aka “Love in the Moonlight”). Previously, he topped this survey in 2016, and this win makes him a rare two-time No. 1.
IU (Lee Ji-eun) (11.3%)
IU came in second with 11.3 percent. She earned the position, also boosted by “When Life Gives You Tangerines.” This shows her reputation for carefully selecting roles that challenge her emotionally.
Gallup’s write-ups and coverage often point back to her drama legacy, including “Hotel Del Luna,” where she previously ranked No. 7 in 2019. She also unified her acting credit name as “IU” (rather than “Lee Ji-eun”) starting in 2023.
Kim Ji Won (4.4%)
Riding on the popularity of “Queen of Tears” (2024), Kim Ji Won took third with 4.4 percent. She has steadily climbed the career ladder by taking one role at a time. From “Descendants of the Sun” to “Fight for My Way” and “My Liberation Notes.” The Gallup ranking shows how broadly recognizable she has become.
Lim Yoona (3.9%)
Yoona ranked fourth with 3.9 percent for her role in “Bon Appétit, Your Majesty” (Korean title: 폭군의 셰프, also known as “The Tyrant’s Chef”). It was also noted as her first time entering the top 10 in this Gallup category.
Choo Young Woo (3.3%)
Choo Young ranked fifth and gained 3.3%. 2025 marked his breakout year, as he captured the public’s attention with multiple drama appearances and starred in several series that made him unavoidable.
Lee Jung Jae (3.1%)
Lee Jung Jae ranked sixth with 3.1%, staying front-of-mind through Netflix’s “Squid Game” sequels (Seasons 2 and 3).
Four Actors Tied at 2.9%
- Namkoong Min (“Our Movie”)
- Han Ji Min (“Heavenly Ever After”)
- Byeon Woo Seok (“Lovely Runner,” “No Gain, No Love,” 2024)
- Kim Tae Ri (“Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born”, 2024)
Notably, Lim Yoona, Choo Young Woo, and Han Ji Min made their first-ever top 10 appearance in this ranking.
The Big Takeaway: A Wider Stage, Tighter Race
Unlike other “year’s top” categories, the ranking of drama actors is more diverse. This is because audiences are being divided across various networks, OTT platforms, genres, and release periods. In 2025, that reality feels even clearer that recognition is less about one channel and more about who broke through the noise.
So, who do you think will be the next public breakout in 2026? Let us know your prediction in the comments!
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates.
Related Posts
Source: (1)
