Recently, Korea Research (Hrcopinion) released the results of a survey asking the public which actors they consider representative figures of South Korea. Conducted from August 21 to 24, 2026, the survey involved 1,000 adults nationwide, each of whom could freely name up to three actors.
According to the results, Lee Byung Hun topped the list with 22% of respondents choosing him, ahead of Choi Min Sik (18%) and Song Kang Ho (15%). The next positions went to Kim Hye Soo (13%), Hwang Jung Min (11%), Yoo Hae Jin (10%), Lee Jung Jae and Choi Bool Am (both 9%), Youn Yuh Jung (7%), and Ahn Sung Ki and Jun Ji Hyun (both 6%).
Notably, four stars tied for 12th place with 5% each: Hyun Bin, Song Hye Kyo, Park Bo Gum, and Kim Hye Ja. Song Hye Kyo’s 12th-place ranking highlights her continued influence in the Korean entertainment industry. However, she may still need more time to reach the legendary status enjoyed by some of the industry’s veteran actors.
The 4% group included Kim Go Eun, Choi Soo Jong, and Han Suk Kyu. Those receiving 3% were Gong Yoo, Ma Dong Seok, Lee Soon Jae, Lee Young Ae, Jang Dong Gun, Jeon Do Yeon, and Jung Woo Sung.
The 2% group featured Kang Dong Won, Kim Ji Mi, Kim Tae Hee, So Ji Sub, Song Joong Ki, IU, Won Bin, Jung Hae In, Jo In Sung, and Choi Min Soo.
Meanwhile, the 1% group included many other well-known names, such as Suzy, Kim Tae Ri, Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Woo Bin, Park Bo Young, Park Eun Bin, Go Youn Jung, Byeon Woo Seok, Son Ye Jin, Son Suk Ku, Shin Hye Sun, Nam Goong Min, Ha Ji Won, Ha Jung Woo, Jo Jung Suk, Lee Je Hoon, and Ji Sung.
Lee Byung Hun’s first-place finish comes as little surprise. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished stars in Korean cinema, with an appeal that extends beyond Asia to audiences around the world. The actor is highly praised for his performances and his ability to balance artistic quality with commercial appeal.
After rising to fame in the early 1990s, Lee Byung Hun became an A-list star around 2000. To this day, he maintains a leading position in the Korean entertainment industry that few can match. In addition to his acting talent, he has remained highly active in film and television, further strengthening his popularity with the public. In recent years, the 56-year-old star has appeared in a series of notable projects, including Emergency Declaration, KPop Demon Hunters, No Other Choice, all three seasons of Squid Game, and Our Blues.
In 2027, Lee Byung Hun is expected to make another major impression with the action-crime series The Koreans, co-starring Han Ji Min and Lee Hee Joon. Another highly anticipated project is the film Nambeol, in which he will take the lead alongside two talented younger stars, Go Youn Jung and Lee Do Hyun.
In addition to asking respondents to select representative actors, the survey also examined 28 qualities considered essential for an actor. The eight most frequently selected criteria were avoiding social controversies (80%), strong acting skills (72%), a proper understanding of history (65%), humility and politeness (65%), a clean personal life (61%), having notable works to one’s name (55%), versatility in portraying different characters (54%), and serving as a positive role model for younger generations (51%).
Sources: kenh14