Since starring in Architecture 101 as Yang Seon Yeon, Bae Su Ji — who is better known as Bae Suzy or just Suzy — has been considered the “ nation’s first love ,” as reported by DramaFever . From her first role as Go Hye Mi in Dream High back in 2011, Suzy has won numerous awards for her acting roles which includes a best new actress award and numerous popularity awards. Needless to say, the fact that Suzy is the first Hallyu star to win a trifecta of awards in K-pop, K-dramas, and K-movies might be one of the biggest reasons why the Korean entertainment industry keeps pushing her.
Despite all the awards she’s won, Bae Suzy’s acceptance among K-drama fans is split in that fans are far more critical of her acting than accepting. There are other K-pop idols who are far more believable when they act compared to Suzy. T.O.P. of Big Bang is one example. Eunji of Apink is another.
However, there is one K-pop idol who is suddenly getting a lot of attention for acting, Choi Sooyoung, who is better known simply as Sooyoung of Girls’ Generation. Can Sooyoung become a more popular Korean actress than Bae Suzy?
The argument if Choi Sooyoung can surpass Bae Suzy may sound like sour grapes to Suzy’s most devoted fans, especially those who identify as Say A (official fan club of Miss A). To the K-drama fans who are able to keep a level head, the argument is viable and all anyone has to do is compare and contrast the two Hallyu stars.
Starting with Bae Suzy, it is evident one of her strongest attributes is her visual appeal, one that was transferred over from her experience being the face of Miss A. Suzy’s visuals has landed her many modeling and commercial film (CF) contracts. This also opened the opportunity for her to do acting, starting with her first role in Dream High. Suzy was often praised for her “natural acting” and innocence.
However, Bae Suzy’s acting would often be a point of criticism as her “natural acting” would not necessarily mean good acting according to many Korean and international netizens. As a matter of fact, it is Suzy’s acting that is recognized as the primary reason why her current K-drama, Uncontrollably Fond , is dramatically dropping in popularity , as reported by The Bit Bag . As an example of Suzy’s poor acting, netizens cite the part when Suzy’s character, No Eul, is drunk in a restaurant. If there is one positive to be said about Suzy’s acting, one can say it has improved.
Choi Sooyoung, on the other hand, is really good when it comes to acting. Besides her prior experiences acting in numerous leads including Dating Agency: Cyrano , My Spring Days , and the currently airing 38 Revenue Collection Unit , Sooyoung is professionally trained and educated in acting. According to the Korea Times , Sooyoung graduated from Chung Ang University, receiving a diploma from their College of Arts . This is the same university and college that Yuri and popular Korean actress Park Shin Hye graduated from. Not only that, but all three graduated together as well.
Nevertheless, many Korean netizens and K-drama fans recognize the huge improvement in Sooyoung’s acting, which was already praised among them in previous dramas, in 38 Revenue Collection Unit . Sooyoung’s acting, along with the phenomenal acting of all the other cast members, the interesting plot, and fantastic direction, has made 38 Revenue Collection Unit very popular with a high viewership for a pay channel series.
Let’s not forget that Choi Sooyoung is a member of the most popular K-pop girl group in the world today and possibly in K-pop history, Girls’ Generation. With those kind of connections, she’ll have enough promotions and support from SM Entertainment to possibly become bigger than Bae Suzy. However, Sooyoung perhaps lack not just in visuals but in celebrity gossip popularity as well. Suzy is currently dating Lee Min Ho, who is famous for his roles in Boys Over Flowers , City Hunters , and Gangnam Blues . Their relationship is always a topic for gossip, and recent rumors even reported that insiders claimed both Suzy and Min Ho broke up, though that was untrue .
Ultimately, the argument of Choi Sooyoung surpassing Bae Suzy will be split between the industry and fans. As long as Suzy keeps garnering attention for her visual appeal, the Korean entertainment industry will always consider her as one of the best actresses out there despite what netizens may say. As for Sooyoung, every K-drama and movie fan can shout to the heavens that she’s the best, but her lack of visual appeal compared to Suzy means the Korean entertainment industry will not take her as seriously, especially when it comes down to money.
Uncontrollably Fond airs on KBS on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:55 p.m. KST while 38 Revenue Collection Unit airs on OCN on Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m. KST. For those who do not have access to Korean channels, both shows can be viewed for free, with ads, on DramaFever pending region. 38 Revenue Collection Unit is also available on Viki .
[Images via OCN and KBS]