Now, the new “rising stars” are the Class of 2019 from K-Arts (Korea National University of Arts). Actors Lee Chae-min and Choo Young-woo have emerged as stars dominating the entertainment industry, following in the footsteps of the legendary Class of 2010.



The so-called “legendary K-Arts Class of 2010” refers to the alumni who produced an extraordinary number of top stars. Those from that class have grown to become trusted actors who dominate Korea’s film, drama, and theater scenes. Kim Go-eun, Park So-dam, Kim Sung-cheol, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Sang-yi, and Lee Yoo-young are among them—actors whose three-syllable names alone speak volumes about their star power and acting skills. Although K-Arts has long been considered the elite course for aspiring actors, no class has ever been as dazzling as the Class of 2010. Yet now, the Class of 2019 has produced “superstars” worthy of carrying that legacy forward: none other than Lee Chae-min and Choo Young-woo. Both debuted in 2021—Lee in the tvN drama High Class, and Choo in the web drama You Make Me Dance.



In just four years since their debut, the two have already added blockbuster hits to their filmographies, not only in Korea but also abroad, sparking buzz about the rise of the “legendary Class of 2019.” Lee Chae-min is currently enjoying skyrocketing popularity as the lead in the tvN weekend drama The Tyrant’s Chef, which has become a global phenomenon. Despite being unexpectedly cast as the protagonist Lee Heon after actor Park Sung-hoon’s departure, Lee has embodied the role as if it were tailor-made for him, proving his exceptional talent. Meanwhile, Choo Young-woo has carved out a distinct path with four consecutive hits: JTBC’s Lady Okssi, Netflix’s Trauma Center and The Square, and tvN’s recently concluded Head over Heels. Notably, Trauma Center and The Square received great love overseas. All four projects were released within less than a year, spanning genres as diverse as historical drama, medical drama, action noir, and fantasy romance—showcasing Choo’s immense acting range and signaling an inevitable generational shift in the small-screen landscape.



Choo Young-woo also highlighted his versatility by releasing his first solo single, If Time Could Stop, on the 6th. The song—gifted to fans ahead of his solo fan meeting—was written and composed by singer-songwriter Roy Kim, drawing significant attention.

In just their fourth year of activity, Lee Chae-min and Choo Young-woo have firmly captured the hearts of global audiences. As the “legendary K-Arts Class of 2019,” expectations are high for what remarkable achievements these two will deliver next.


Written by Kim Na Ra
Translated by Lee So Yun