[비즈한국] It used to be rare for former idols to work as actors, but nowadays, it has become a common occurrence. In fact, it has become an accepted norm. The term "acting-dol" (idol-turned-actor) is establishing itself like a common noun.
While Lee Hyori of Fin.K.L unfortunately didn't quite solidify her position in acting, many others from girl groups have successfully continued their careers as actors, such as Eugene (S.E.S.), Jung Ryeo-won (Chakra), Suzy (miss A), Hyeri (Girl's Day), Yoona (Girls' Generation), and Jung Eun-ji (Apink). Boy groups are no exception. Notable examples include Lee Jun-ho (2PM), Yook Sung-jae (BTOB), Im Si-wan (ZE:A), Park Hyung-sik (ZE:A), Ok Taec-yeon (2PM), and Do Kyung-soo (EXO). There are also those like Yoon Kye-sang (g.o.d) who successfully navigate between films and dramas with ease.
Of course, it is not only acting-dols who work as both musicians and actors. Even throughout modern history, "entertainers" have engaged in both singing and acting. The term "entertainment" (Yeon-ye) itself refers to the widespread dissemination of art, and those responsible for it are entertainers. Jang Na-ra and IU are prime examples of solo singers, rather than idol group members, who have succeeded as actors. Recently, Jang Na-ra successfully announced her return to dramas with 'Good Partner' and has once again solidified her position as a Hallyu star in the OTT era. IU has emerged as a global actor with 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', a drama now being called her "life's work" since 'My Mister'. Her acting has become much broader and deeper than in 'My Mister', capturing even the heart of a mother who has lost a child.
There is something that sets IU apart from other former solo singers turned actors. Usually, acting-dols or former singers no longer pursue musical activities together with their acting. Leaving the music industry to pursue acting after gaining public recognition through music can sometimes be seen as treating the music genre merely as a means to an end. If one gains popularity through music but ultimately abandons it, can they truly be called a genuine entertainer?
IU is both a talented vocalist and a singer-songwriter, as well as an active actress. She can be called a so-called "hybrid artist." In fact, IU failed countless agency auditions, including at JYP. There is no need to criticize the agencies that rejected her; especially for large agencies focused on dance music, it would have been difficult to recognize IU's value. Perhaps if she had joined a large agency, her potential might have been stifled. IU is musically intelligent enough to know what songs people like and how to sing them. With this intelligence, she created and reflected her own music. If she had been a "manufactured" idol, the IU of today might not exist.
However, it is not only former solo singers like IU who become hybrid artists. Blackpink's Jisoo, while participating in songwriting as a main vocalist, has appeared in the drama 'Snowdrop', followed by 'Newtopia', and 'Monthly Boyfriend'. It would be desirable for her to expand her acting range beyond young, youthful characters. I also hope she continues to balance acting with music without "abandoning" it, as is naturally expected.
Moving forward, there will be more hybrid artists among former idols who balance music and acting. Autonomous idols have now become the trend rather than manufactured ones. This is because they are equipped with the competence to establish their own standing as artists. What is important is the ability to intelligently grasp and reflect what the public or fans want, along with relentless effort. That is the reason for a celebrity's existence and the mission given to an entertainer.
Ariana Grande in the U.S. is active as a singer-songwriter, but she originally established herself as a musical actress. Recently, she has emerged as a global actor with the film 'Wicked'. Lady Gaga, while continuing her musical career, delivered an impressive lead performance in 'Joker: Folie à Deux'. She had previously been recognized for her acting skills in 'House of Gucci' and 'A Star Is Born'. The day will come when our musicians also make their mark in Hollywood. Global OTT platforms can serve as a stepping stone for them.
The author, Kim Heon-sik, has been walking through or traversing the forest of popular culture phenomena since his 20s, driven by the expectation that there is a way to make the world a better place through culture. He continues on the same path with the same belief even in the 21st century, where artificial intelligence and quantum computers are active.