Korea’s celebrity sweethearts of 2021: from ‘nation’s little sister’ IU to ‘nation’s first love’ Bae Suzy, 7 K-pop and K-drama stars who earned larger-than-life nicknames
South Korean stars Lee Seung-gi, IU, Bae Suzy and Yeo Jin-goo have all earned OTT nicknames
Photos: @leeseunggi.official/Instagram, @dlwlrma/Instagram, @skuukzky/Instagram, JANUS Entertainment
It’s undeniable that Korean celebrities are beloved both domestically and globally, but there are some idols and actors who have reached beyond and snagged the most specific titles thanks to their skills, charm and image. Crowned as “the nation’s …”, these honorific titles are regarded as the Korean public collectively agreeing on each celebrity’s strengths and appeal. And touting them to and for the whole country.
Here are South Korea’s most beloved idols, who reign with their own royal-esque nicknames.
IU: Nation’s little sister
The popular solo singer has been dubbed the “nation’s little sister”. Photo: @dlwlrma/Instagram
Arguably South Korea’s most popular solo artist, IU is also well loved for things other than her singing ability. Debuting at the young age of 15 and releasing hit songs like Nagging and Good Day early in her career, IU was the embodiment of the “girl next door” image, earning her immense love from the Korean public. The 28-year-old eventually branched out into acting, making her debut in the 2011 drama Dream High and going on to land roles in other hit dramas like The Producers and Hotel del Luna.
A consistent chart-topper, she’s been acknowledged as the “nation’s little sister” by many, including Billboard and TV Report Korea. Despite the title, later in her career, IU expressed that she wants to be seen as not just a young celebrity, pouring out her thoughts through her music, such as in her 2015 song Twenty-three. Though her nickname endures, she’s sure a multitalented artist who’s more than her youthful, innocent image.
Yeo Jin-goo: Nation’s little brother
Yeo Jin-goo’s youthful and charming image has made him the “nation’s little brother”. Photo: @yeojin9oo/Instagram
Actor Yeo Jin-goo started his career at the young age of eight, slowly gaining more attention through his roles in popular dramas like Moon Embracing the Sun and Hotel del Luna. Much like the “nation’s little sister” IU, the 24-year-old’s popularity as a child actor, alongside his youthful and cute image, has made him the reigning “nation’s little brother”, a title acknowledged by not only fans, but also Korean media.
Though he’s recently shown his mature side through roles in works such as The Royal Gambler and Beyond Evil, his charming looks and charisma still make him a favourite among the Korean public, especially as he has basically grown up on screen.
Bae Suzy: Nation’s first love
Bae Suzy’s “girl-next-door” image amassed her millions of fans. Photo: @skuukzky/Instagram
Formerly a part of now-disbanded girl group Miss A, Bae Suzy has amassed fame both domestically and internationally, and has been hailed as South Korea’s “first love”. The 24-year-old CF queen was 15 when she first debuted and 17 when she, like IU, made her acting debut in Dream High. Especially in the early years of her career, Suzy maintained a cute, innocent and girl-next-door image, and her roles in hit dramas like While You Were Sleeping and Start-Up cemented her title as the “nation’s first love”.
Her title has been widely recognised, even by Vogue Korea. However, much like IU, she’s also been a victim of the pressures of such a title, has sought to expand her repertoire as a singer and actress to prove that she is more than that single image.
Park Bo-gum: Nation’s crown princeandnation’s boyfriend
K-drama actor Park Bo-gum has been dubbed the “nation’s crown prince” and “nation’s boyfriend”. Photo: @_parkbogum/Instagram
Award-winning actor and former Forbes’ “Korea Power Celebrity” chart-topper Park Bo-gum boasts two titles – “nation’s crown prince” and “nation’s boyfriend”. Leading hit dramas like Reply 1998 and Love in the Moonlight, Park is loved not only for his acting prowess, but also his natural charm and classy persona – the latter of which earned him the title of “nation’s crown prince”. His role in historical drama Love in the Moonlight only cemented this title, especially when he sang for the soundtrack with the song My Person.
The 28-year-old star enlisted in mandatory military service in August of 2020, and is set to return to the spotlight on April 30, 2022. Fans can expect him to grace their screens soon with him already set to star in upcoming Netflix movie Wonderland.
Yoo Jae-suk: Nation’s MC
South Korea’s top comedian Yoo Jae-suk was hailed as the “nation’s MC”. Photo: @yoojaesuk0814/Instagram
It’s no surprise that South Korea’s top comedian, who’s hosted shows like Infinite Challenge, Running Man and You Quiz on the Block, takes the title of “nation’s MC”. Having started his career in 1991, the 49-year-old industry veteran is even part of supergroup Ssak3 with Lee Hyo-ri and Rain. According to the Korean Business Research Institute, he’s also almost always the top-billed star in the monthly variety rankings.
With his quick wit, impressive work ethic and overall likeable personality, he’s well loved by older and younger generations alike. He’s also known to be an exceptional role model, consistently being chosen as a favourite by both fellow entertainers and Korean citizens. If there was any doubt to his popularity, he’s also the first television host to have his own wax figure – currently on display at the Grevin Seoul museum.
Lee Seung-gi: Nation’sum-chin-ah(mother’s friend’s son)
Multitalented Lee Seung-gi is seen as the “nation’s um-chin-ah”. Photo: @leeseunggi.official/Instagram
Long-time celebrity Lee Seung-gi is seen as a well-rounded model celebrity, hence the nickname “nation’s um-chin-ah” – meaning “your mother’s friend’s brilliant son”, who is somehow good at everything. Acting, singing and even hosting – Lee can do it all. This, on top of his good looks and charming personality, has established him as a favourite of the Korean public.
The 34-year-old has also released hit songs like Will You Marry Me and Love Taught Me To Drink, starred in popular dramas My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho and Vagabond, and hosted shows like 2 Days & 1 Night, Strong Heart and even Produce 48.
Kim Tae-hee: Nation’sum-chin-ddal(mother’s friend’s daughter)
With her beauty, talent and brains, Kim Tae-hee is seen as the “nation’s um-chin-ddal”. Photo: @frangipani_rose/Instagram
Actress Kim Tae-hee, who is considered one of South Korea’s most beautiful women, takes the title of “nation’s um-chin-ddal”, or the “nation’s mother’s friend’s daughter”. Like Lee Seung-gi, she seems to have it all: beauty, talent and brains. The 41-year-old star graduated from Seoul National University – the country’s most prestigious university – with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design.
She rose to stardom with the 2003 drama Stairway to Heaven, and gained further recognition after her performance in hit action thriller Iris, gaining attention for her acting ability. Though her screen work has been sparse, she’s since become a household name and has been considered the Korean “standard of beauty”. She returned to the small screen after five years’ hiatus with the 2020 drama Hi Bye, Mama! Hilariously, since her marriage with singer Rain, Rain has also been dubbed as the “nation’s thief” for stealing Kim’s heart.
My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho star Lee Seung-gi was dubbed ‘nation’s mother’s friend’s son’, while beloved comedian Yoo Jae-suk was crowned the ‘nation’s MC’
Kim Tae-hee from Stairway to Heaven is called ‘nation’s mother’s friend’s daughter’ … while husband Rain landed the ‘nation’s thief’ title after their marriage!
