The presence of the Korean entertainment industry dubbed “Hallyuwood” has become more unavoidable and experienced immense growth over the last decade. From blockbusters movies and dramas like Train to Busan, Parasite, Squid Game, Alchemy of Souls, Mouse, and Queen of Tears to mention a few, it's no surprise that they've got Hollywood's attention.

Here are a few Korean celebrities that the Hallyu wave brought into Hollywood limelight.

Ma Dong Seok

It's literally impossible to start this list without mentioning one of the most popular Korean and Asian actor stars, Lee Dong-seok. Popularly known as “Ma Dong-seok or Don Lee” internationally, he graced the Korean film scene with dramas such as Squad 38, Bad Guys, The Outlaws, Ashfall, Reign with the Gods, and for his breakout role in the film ‘Train to Busan’ which shot him into international fame. Our tough guy ahjuicy made his Hollywood debut in Marvel's “Eternal” with the role of Gilgamesh.

He acted alongside a rich ensemble of Hollywood's A-listers such as Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Kit Harrington, and Gemma Chan to mention a few.

Park Seo Joon

Forever on the top list of Oppas after our hearts and blood pressure, A-list Korean actor Park Seo-Joon has charmed his way into Hollywood. Popular for dramas such as Gyeongseong Creature, Fight My Way, and What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Marvel literally kept all K-drama stans on their toes for years in anticipation of his role in “Captain Marvel II”.

Although we expected a bigger role, Park Seo-Joon debuted alongside Brie Larson in Captain Marvel II as Prince Yan, Captain Marvel's political husband. Although the role was smaller than we'd hoped with the weird dancing scene and zero romance, our Oppa still killed it 10/10 with an awesome fight scene so we give Marvel a side-eye pass.

Jennie Kim

With the stage name, Jennie Ruby Jane, our Love-sick girl gave a statement that she doesn't just dazzle on the music stage but can also kill it on movie scene with her acting debut on American Drama “The Idol”. She played the supporting role of “Dyanne”, a backup dancer and main character's best friend. Jennie shared scenes with The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp and others.

Bae Donna

This Korean actress is no stranger to the Hollywood scene as she has starred in a number of movies and series such as Cloud Atlas, Jupiter Ascending, Sense8 and Rebel Moon. She has truly earned the title of one of the most sought after Asian stars of her generation as she delivers both locally and internationally.

She garnered local popularity in Korea drama “Barking Dogs Never Bite” which was outstanding as she acted with no make-up, a feat several Korean actresses avoided at that time and has since featured in several award-wining dramas and films. Some of which are Sympathy For Mr Vengeance, A Girl At My Door, Kingdom, The Host, Tunnel and The Silent Sea. Bae Donna made her Hollywood debut as a Clone and Mexican housewife in Dystopian Movie, “Cloud Atlas” where her performance garnered several positive reviews from critics. According to reports, this paved way for her to act in Jupiter Ascending and since then, she has starred in several other Hollywood projects.

Lee Byung-Hun

A Korean household name popular for starring in several award-winning dramas and films such as Mr Sunshine, I Saw The Devil, Iris, Inside Men, Ashfall, and the game master in Squid Game, Lee Byung-Hun is one talented “Ahjuicy” Hollywood could not pass up.

He became internationally acclaimed after his Hollywood debut in 2009 as Storm Shadow in the popular cult series G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and its sequel, G.I. Joe: Retaliation. He has also starred in other huge huge productions such as Terminator Genisys, The Magnificent Seven, Red 2 and Misconduct.

Lee Byung-Hun is the first Korean actor to present an Oscar at the Academy Awards and is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences paving the way for other Korean celebrities in the international film industry.

Lee Joon-Gi

Known for his charm, visuals, and being a leading man in Korea's acting scene with several awards and accolades across Asia, Lee Joon-Gi is Hallyu wave personified. He got his big break in his debut movie, The King and the Clown earning him the “Pretty Boy” nickname, and has starred in several successful projects such as Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Scholar Who Walks the Night, Arthdal Chronicles, Flower of Evil and Again My Life.

He made his Hollywood debut in the action horror film franchise “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter”, portraying the character “Commander Chu”, Umbrella's Chief Security Officer. The Movie performed well in the box office becoming the highest-grossing film out of the whole franchise.

Jeon Ji-Hyun

Jeon Ji-Hyun also popularly called Gianna Jun, she is one of Asia’s most popular actresses of all time. She got her huge break with the movie, My Sassy Girl, the highest grossing Korean comedy movie of all time and her stellar performance in series and movies such as My Love From Another Star, Legend Of the Blue Sea, The Thieves, The Berlin File, Kingdom has established her as a top hallyu star.

She made her Hollywood movie in the supernatural movie, Blood, acting as a half-human, half-vampire hunter named Jun. Although the movie got poor reviews at the box office, her performance was commended by critics tagging her “an Asian actress to watch out for” in the Hollywood scene.

Rain

If you're a K-pop stan, then you should be familiar with name “Rain”. Jung Ji-hoon (Rain) is a multifaceted artist, actor, dancer, songwriter and record producer who has sold out concerts across the world earning the title of a “Hallyu Star”. Popular in K-dramas such as Doctor Ghost, Full House, Under the Queen's Umbrella, he made his Hollywood debut in action film, Ninja Assassin, playing the main character of Raizo, an assassin seeking retribution. He had to undergo martial arts training for 6 months to prepare for the role and his performance earned him a MTV movie award.

It is always sort of rewarding to see your favorite stars on the international screens and platforms because they truly deserve it and boasting about it feels so good.

You should check out these movies and tell us what you think in the comments section.

Till later.