These female stars may be popular in different fields now, but did you know that they were actually some of the most popular female idols during the first-generation era of K-Pop? See the list for more details!
Even before Suzy, IU, Girl's Day Hyeri, SISTAR Dasom, and more, there are actually few female stars from the first-gen era who broke the barrier between singers and actors!
The following celebrities are presently popular for their incredible acting skills, but let's bring back the time where they some of the most popular idols way back!
These 6 Famous Korean stars Initially Debuted as First-Gen K-Pop Idols + Their Groups
1. Eugene (S.E.S)
The "Penthouse" star was actually a K-pop star! The "OG Main Visual" Eugene debuted as a member of S.E.S. under SM Entertainment in 1997.
During their heyday, S.E.S. became the top and best-selling group in Korea, particularly in 2000. However, in 2002, Eugene parted ways from SM Entertainment along with co-member Bada, and eventually the group dissolved.
Currently, Eugene is in her second heydey, following her hit K-drama "Penthouse," which is about to air Season 2 this February.
2. Yuri (FIN. K.L.)
The "OG Fairy of K-pop" is actually Yuri! She's one of the co-members of Hyori in FIN. K.L.
Yuri was always ranked back then as one of the most beautiful K-pop idols, and anyone will tell she's still a fairy. The idol appeared in numerous K-dramas, such as "The Snow Queen," "The Secret of Birth," and many more.
Though she's promoting as an actress, Yuri is still a member of the group as FIN. K.L never officially disbanded and only went to an indefinite hiatus.
3. Yoon Eun Hye (Baby V.O.X)
The princess that fans loved in "Princess Hours" and the breadwinner in "Coffee Prince" is also the cute, youngest member of the K-pop group, Baby V.O.X.
She debuted in 1999 at the age of 15 and was loved for her sweet and cute image. But in 2005, she left the group and is now one of the representative actresses in South Korea.
4. Ryeowon (Chakra)
In 2000, Ryeowon debuted as a member of the Lee Sangmin-produced group, Chakra. With their unconventional concept, they drew love and attention from K-pop fans.
In 2004, though, she withdrew from the group and decided to become an actress, landing on her debut drama, "My Name is Kim Sam Soon."
5. Seo Hyun Jin (M.I.L.K)
You may be familiar with Hyun Jin, the "Rom-com Queen," who is notable for her dramas "Another Oh Haeyoung," "The Beauty Inside," and "Dr. Romantic."
But aside from being a successful actress, Seo Hyun Jin was actually an idol and former member of M.I.L.K that debuted in 2001 under SM's label BM Entertainment. In fact, she's also a contributor to SMTown soundtracks and songs.
6. Hwang Jung Eum (Sugar)
Lastly, the drama hitmaker Hwang Jung Eum, who is widely known for her works "She Was Pretty," "Kill Me, Heal Me," "Secret," and more is also once a K-pop star!
In 2001, she became a member and lead vocalist of Sugar, but she left the group in 2004 to pursue her solo career.
Are you a fan of these actresses? Share your comments with us!
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Written by Eunice Dawson
