Most searched Korean celebrities in the Philippines for 2021
Google Search Results: Everything Hallyu.
Remote set-ups and digital dependence have become more normalized this year, leading more Filipinos to significantly spend more time discovering new things online.
Among the many trends in the country's online consumption is South Korean entertainment. The Korean wave has significantly piqued the interest of more Filipinos this year. Many have started to deep-dive into the black hole of Korean culture, from music, films, and television series to skincare, make-up, and fashion.
Their undeniable curiosity for everything Hallyu reflected in many of the social media platforms' year-ender roundups, including the most streamed artists on Spotify and the top-of-the-list searches on Google.
Kim Seon-ho
The Good Boy-turned-Chief Hong takes the top spot in this year's most searched Korean celebrity in the Philippines.
Following his breakout second lead stint in the 2020 drama 'Start-Up,' the 35-year-old actor was also cast to star alongside Shin Min-ah in the hit series 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.'
While he was entangled in a forced abortion controversy this year, his name was eventually cleared and he's currently preparing for his big-screen comeback with Sad Tropics.
Hwang In-yeop
The strong second lead syndrome also manifested with the country's second top-searched Korean celebrity being Hwang In-yeop.
He played Han Seo-jun in the popular webtoon-to-drama series, 'True Beauty,' starring alongside Moon Ga-young (Lim Ju-gyeong) and ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo (Lee Su-ho). He's currently taping for 'The Sound of Magic,' an upcoming series top-billed by Ji Chang-wook and Choi Sung-eun.
Jung Ho-yeon
The stars aligned for the 27-year-old model when her acting debut instantly became a phenomenal success.
For the award-winning Netflix series 'Squid Game,' she excellently took on the role of Kang Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector who joined the competition.
Lee Da-in
Lee Da-in is most popularly known for her role in the 2020 drama 'Alice,' but behind the scenes, she's also recognized for being romantically involved with 'Vagabond' actor Lee Seung-gi. In May, it was revealed that the two have been dating since the end of 2020.
Yeonwoo
Former MOMOLAND member Yeonwoo has acted in numerous television series including 'Cheat on Me If You Can,' 'Touch,' and 'Pegasus Market.'
However, her name was a buzz in August when news erupted about her allegedly being in a relationship with 'The King: Eternal Monarch' actor Lee Min-ho. Both of their agencies have denied these rumors, saying that the two are just friends.
Seo Ye-ji
The success of Seo Ye-ji's 2020 drama 'It's Okay To Not Be Okay' led her to more opportunities in the entertainment industry, including the blockbuster film 'Recalled' which sold over 18,000 tickets on its first day.
The actress pulled out from attending the said movie's press conference because she was caught up in a controversy with her ex-boyfriend Kim Jung-hyun. Their agencies have addressed the issue, however, and Seo Ye-ji is currently set to headline the upcoming 2022 melodrama 'Eve's Scandal.'
Song Kang
The multi-talented star had a jampacked year since he starred in three Netflix dramas, namely 'Love Alarm 2,' 'Navillera,' and the fan-favorite 'Nevertheless.' Song Kang's next drama, 'Cruel Story of Office Romance,' is already slated to release next year.
ENHYPEN
The Filipinos were dazed by the charm and talent of this rookie K-pop group that had just debuted in late 2020. The seven-piece band, composed of Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki, popularized the song “FEVER,” which quickly became a dance craze on TikTok.
In September, their fans were filled with concern when five members from the group were confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19.
Heeseung
The Filipinos were not immune to the ENHYPEN fever this year. Aside from being the only K-pop group to make it in Google Philippines' roundup of most searched-about South Korean celebrities, one of their members also landed a spot in the same list.
In November, it was revealed that Heeseung underwent surgery to remove an epidermoid cyst. Their fans, collectively known as ENGENE, sent prayers for him as he entered his recovery stage.
