Park Hyung Sik dominates the April 2025 actor brand reputation rankings, driven by his standout role in the popular drama Buried Hearts. The Korean Business Research Institute highlights top stars based on media coverage, participation, interaction, and community engagement.
The Korean Business Research Institute released its actor brand reputation rankings for April 2025, showcasing the most influential actors in dramas, movies, and OTT content aired between March 22 and April 22. Park Hyung Sik secured the top spot, fueled by his compelling performance in the SBS drama Buried Hearts. The rankings reflect a detailed analysis of 100 actors, focusing on their media presence, audience interaction, and overall popularity.
Top Five Actors Shine in April Rankings
Park Hyung Sik claimed first place with a brand reputation index of 5,118,609. His role as Seo Dongju in Buried Hearts, a romance revenge thriller, has drawn significant attention. The drama follows Seo Dongju, a loyal aide to a corporate chairman, whose life unravels after a betrayal on the day he planned to propose. The show’s intense plot and Park Hyung Sik’s emotional depth have resonated with viewers, boosting his ranking.
“Park Hyung Sik’s acting in Buried Hearts is so real. His emotions pull you in every episode!”
“He deserves the top spot. Seo Dongju’s pain and strength are portrayed perfectly.”
— Netizen comments on social media platforms
Lee Byung Hun took second place with a brand reputation index of 4,622,583. His recent film The Match, a box office hit, showcased his versatility as an actor. The movie’s success and Lee Byung Hun’s powerful performance have kept him in the spotlight.
Park Eun Bin secured third place with a brand reputation index of 3,753,711. Her role in the thriller drama Hyper Knife has earned praise for its intensity. The series, focusing on a skilled surgeon with a dark past, has highlighted Park Eun Bin’s ability to tackle complex characters.
Ha Jung Woo ranked fourth with a brand reputation index of 3,428,029. His return to cinemas in the film Lobby has been well-received. The movie’s political drama and Ha Jung Woo’s commanding presence have contributed to his strong standing.
Seo Kang Jun rounded out the top five with a brand reputation index of 3,265,303. His charming performance in Undercover High School, a lighthearted drama about a secret agent posing as a student, has won over audiences. The show’s fresh premise and Seo Kang Jun’s charisma have driven his popularity.
“Seo Kang Jun in Undercover High School is so fun to watch! His chemistry with the cast is amazing.”
“He makes every scene in the drama feel alive. Great comeback!”
— Fan reactions shared online
Notable Performances in the Top 30
The top 30 list features a mix of established and rising stars. Go Youn Jung, ranked sixth, gained attention for her role in a recent OTT series, showcasing her growing influence. Lee Jun Hyuk, in seventh, impressed with his heartfelt performance in the romantic comedy Love Scout. Choo Young Woo, eighth, continues to shine with dual roles in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call and The Tale of Lady Ok.
Park Bo Gum, at ninth, remains a fan favorite with his consistent charm in recent projects. Jung Hae In, ranked tenth, earned praise for his emotional depth in the romantic drama Love Next Door. Other notable names include Mun Ka Young (11th), known for My Dearest Nemesis, and Jung Jae Kwang (12th), who stood out in a supporting role.
Lee Soo Kyung (13th) and Park Ji Hoon (14th) also made the list, reflecting their steady popularity. Lee Da Hee (15th) and Kang You Seok (16th) drew attention for their roles in high-profile dramas. Choi Dae Hoon (17th), Uhm Ji Won (18th), and Lee Je Hoon (19th) showcased their versatility across genres.
Hong Hwa Yeon, ranked 20th, gained recognition for her role alongside Park Hyung Sik in Buried Hearts. Shin Si Ah (21st), Hyun Bong Shik (22nd), and Choi Hyun Wook (23rd) also made strong impressions. Son Suk Ku (24th), Ju Ji Hoon (25th), and Lee Dong Wook (26th) maintained their relevance with recent projects.
Roh Jeong Eui (27th), Gong Seung Yeon (28th), Lee Joo Bin (29th), and Gong Yoo (30th) completed the list, each contributing to the vibrant Korean entertainment scene. Their performances across dramas, films, and OTT platforms highlight the industry’s depth and talent.
Check out the top 30 for this month below!
- Park Hyung Sik
- Lee Byung Hun
- Park Eun Bin
- Ha Jung Woo
- Seo Kang Jun
- Go Youn Jung
- Lee Jun Hyuk
- Choo Young Woo
- Park Bo Gum
- Jung Hae In
- Mun Ka Young
- Jung Jae Kwang
- Lee Soo Kyung
- Park Ji Hoon
- Lee Da Hee
- Kang You Seok
- Choi Dae Hoon
- Uhm Ji Won
- Lee Je Hoon
- Hong Hwa Yeon
- Shin Si Ah
- Hyun Bong Shik
- Choi Hyun Wook
- Son Suk Ku
- Ju Ji Hoon
- Lee Dong Wook
- Roh Jeong Eui
- Gong Seung Yeon
- Lee Joo Bin
- Gong Yoo
How Rankings Are Determined
The Korean Business Research Institute compiles these rankings using big data analysis. For April 2025, they collected data from March 22 to April 22, evaluating 100 actors based on four key metrics: media coverage, participation, interaction, and community indexes. Media coverage tracks how often actors appear in news and entertainment outlets. Participation measures audience engagement, such as social media activity. Interaction assesses direct fan responses, like comments and shares. Community indexes gauge an actor’s influence within fan communities.
This data-driven approach ensures the rankings reflect real-time popularity and impact. The institute’s methodology, used consistently across months, provides a reliable snapshot of which actors are resonating with audiences.
“The rankings show how much fans connect with these actors. It’s all about their work speaking for itself.”
— Comment from an industry observer on a popular forum
Drama Highlights Driving Rankings
Buried Hearts has been a major factor in the rankings, with Park Hyung Sik and Hong Hwa Yeon both benefiting from its success. The drama’s high viewership and positive buzz, with a 92.74 percent positive reaction score in March, have kept it in the spotlight. Its themes of love, betrayal, and revenge have struck a chord with viewers.
Undercover High School has also been a standout, propelling Seo Kang Jun and other cast members like Jin Ki Joo (who ranked high in drama actor rankings earlier) into the public eye. The drama’s mix of humor and action has made it a fan favorite.
Hyper Knife continues to boost Park Eun Bin’s reputation, with its gripping storyline and her nuanced performance. Meanwhile, films like The Match and Lobby have elevated Lee Byung Hun and Ha Jung Woo, proving the enduring appeal of cinematic roles.
Fan Reactions
Fans have taken to social media to celebrate their favorite actors. Park Hyung Sik’s top ranking sparked widespread praise, with many highlighting his ability to convey complex emotions. Seo Kang Jun’s return in Undercover High School has been a hot topic, with fans appreciating his effortless charm.
“Park Hyung Sik at #1 is no surprise. Buried Hearts is a masterpiece, and he’s killing it!”
“Lee Byung Hun in The Match was phenomenal. Second place is well-earned.”
“Park Eun Bin’s role in Hyper Knife is so intense. She’s a true star!”
— Fan posts shared across online platforms
The rankings also reflect the competitive nature of Korea’s entertainment industry. Actors like Park Bo Gum, Jung Hae In, and Gong Yoo remain fixtures on the list, showing their lasting appeal. Rising stars like Choo Young Woo and Hong Hwa Yeon signal a new generation of talent making waves.
Current Updates on Top Actors
Park Hyung Sik continues to promote Buried Hearts, with the drama nearing its finale. Lee Byung Hun is reportedly in talks for a new film project following The Match’s success. Park Eun Bin is preparing for a fan meeting to connect with supporters of Hyper Knife. Ha Jung Woo is focusing on upcoming movie promotions for Lobby, while Seo Kang Jun is filming new episodes of Undercover High School, which has been greenlit for additional seasons.
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The April 2025 rankings highlight the dynamic performances driving Korea’s entertainment industry, with actors like Park Hyung Sik leading the charge.
CREDITS: GPKorea
