Squid Game 2, Buried Hearts and King The Land Posters (Source: Soompi)

Who doesn’t know K-Pop? This globally loved genre of pop music from South Korea is a major driving force behind the Hallyu wave. With its unique blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop, combined with high-energy choreography, K-Pop has become a global phenomenon with a massive international fanbase.

According to Tempo, K-Pop is categorized into different generations and has now entered its fifth. One of the golden eras that pioneered K-Pop’s global expansion was the second generation (2003–2011).

Over time, many second-generation K-Pop idols have expanded their careers beyond singing. They've become brand ambassadors, actors, and even top stars in Korean dramas. Some of them have seen even greater success in acting than in music.

If you’re a millennial K-Pop fan, get ready for a nostalgia trip! Let’s dive into the latest K-Drama projects starring second-generation K-Pop idols that are currently making waves in 2024–2025:

1. T.O.P (Choi Seung Hyun) from Former Big Bang in Squid Game 2

Choi Seung Hyun as Thanos on Squid Game 2 (Source: Soompi)

BIGBANG, featuring members like G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri, is one of the most legendary K-Pop groups ever. Unfortunately, the group has faced many ups and downs, including personal controversies.

T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung Hyun, officially left Big Bang in 2023 to focus on his solo career after a long hiatus. Fans were eagerly awaiting his return to the entertainment world—and in 2024, they got their wish.

T.O.P made a surprise comeback by portraying Thanos in the highly anticipated sequel Squid Game 2. Although a supporting role, his appearance instantly reignited fan interest and boosted the series' popularity and ratings.

Calling all VIPs (BIGBANG fans)—don’t miss T.O.P’s captivating performance in Squid Game 2, now streaming on your favorite platform!

2. Park Hyung Sik (Ex-ZE:A) Shines in Buried Hearts

Park Hyung Sik at Buried Hearts (Source: Soompi)

Did you know that Park Hyung Sik started his career as a K-Pop idol? He debuted in the boy group ZE:A in 2010. The group, originally with nine members, officially disbanded in 2017.

In an interview with Yoo Quiz On The Block, Hyung Sik shared the struggles of his early career—including living in a cramped dorm with only one bathroom for nine members.

Fast forward to 2025, Park Hyung Sik has become one of the highest-paid actors in South Korea, starring in two hit dramas: Doctor Slump and Buried Hearts. Interestingly, both shows are sponsored by Indonesian coffee candy brand Kopiko.

3. Girl’s Generations Im Yoona dan 2PM Lee Jun Ho

Im Yoona and Lee Jun Ho at King The Land (Source: Soompi)

Im Yoona is a member of the legendary girl group Girl’s Generation, which debuted in 2007 and still holds the title of South Korea’s “National Girl Group.” Her co-star Lee Jun Ho debuted with 2PM in 2008—another iconic boy group of the same era.

Their careers have overlapped in various projects, including their famous 2012 collaboration “Cabi Song.” In 2023, these two idols reunited in the romantic K-Drama King The Land.

Set in the luxury hotel industry, King The Land features heart-fluttering chemistry that has fans speculating whether the on-screen romance could turn into a real-life love story.

Want to witness their perfect chemistry for yourself? Stream King The Land and look out for a cameo appearance by the Indonesian butter cookies brand, Danisa!

What We Can Learn from 2nd Gen K-Pop Idols and Local Brands

These second-gen idols are perfect examples of resilience—reinventing themselves beyond music and continuing to thrive. Similarly, Indonesian brands like Kopiko and Danisa have seized opportunities through innovative product placement in Korean dramas, paving the way for global brand exposure.

Want to Build a Global Brand Like Kopiko and Danisa?

Kopiko and Danisa partnered with Linkmedia, a leading advertising agency, to go global with effective product placement and brand storytelling in K-Dramas.

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Source:

1. Dita Pangestu, Lala. (2022). Daftar Idol K-Pop Generasi 1 hingga 4 dan Sejarah Debutnya. Tempo.co. Accessed at 5 May 2025 from https://www.tempo.co/hiburan/daftar-idol-k-pop-generasi-1-hingga-4-dan-sejarah-debutnya-271197

2. Dwi Yanti, Farida. (2025). Cuplikan program 'You Quiz on the Block' memperlihatkan Park Hyung Sik yang berbicara tentang kesuksesannya saat ini lewat drama populer 'Buried Hearts', yang masih disiarkan oleh SBS. Wowkeren.com. Accessed at 5 May 2025 from https://www.wowkeren.com/berita/tampil/00522036.html#google_vignette