From BTS member RM’s discovery by rapper Sleepy, to Song Joong-ki getting friend Lee Hee-joon cast in Netflix’s Vincenzo: 4 K-stars who would be nothing without their celebrity mentors
- NCT’s Jaemin and Exo’s Suho were famously scouted volunteering – but these K-celebs got lucky when established K-drama actors and K-pop idols began rooting for them
- RM’s rap dreams only became real after Sleepy recommended him to BTS and Lee Seung-gi’s talent was first spotted by ‘national diva’ Lee Sun-hee
One path to success that’s perhaps among the most tried and tested, however, is when established names shower praise on would-be idols, using their own fame to bring fresh talent to the spotlight. In short: having friends in high places can really pay off when it comes to K-pop and K-drama, it seems. Here are our favourite instances of K-stars “discovering” K-stars.
Song Joong-ki saw the acting potential in K-model Lee Hye-jung
According to Topstarnews, Lee Hee-joon, who also made a special appearance in Vincenzo, is another close friend of Song Joong-ki’s thanks to the fact that they both starred in the film Bogota, and it was this friendship that saw him get a part in the show. During her appearance on MBC’s Radio Star, the actress said she happened to contact Song Joong-ki on the day she dyed her hair red, and Song directly recommended her to Vincenzo’s director for a part.
Lee added that she had only expected to put in a cameo appearance, but was extremely grateful that Song championing her talent resulted in a larger role with a greater impact.
BTS’ RM got his big break thanks to Korean rapper Sleepy