Studio Ghibli is one of the most beloved and influential animation studios in the world. Founded in 1985 by directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, along with producer Toshio Suzuki, this Japanese studio is renowned for its breathtaking hand-drawn animation. Ghibli films transcend time and generations, captivating audiences worldwide with their aesthetic beauty, richly detailed animation, heartfelt storytelling, and magical realism.

Lately, the internet has been buzzing with people turning themselves into Studio Ghibli characters using OpenAI’s new image generation feature. While some fans criticize AI’s encroaching hand in the arts, others are delighting in reimagining themselves in the enchanting worlds that Ghibli built.

The trend got me thinking about the celebrities from the K-pop and K-drama realm that resemble Studio Ghibli’s iconic male leads. Here's a look at some of the stars as Ghibli heroes.

 TREASURE’s Asahi [Jiro Horikoshi from 'The Wind Rises']

Stray Kids’ Hyunjin [Howl from 'Howl’s Moving Castle']

 EXO's Baekhyun [Seiji Amasawa from 'Whisper of the Heart']

Park Bo Gum [Shun Kazama from 'From Up on Poppy Hill']

The Boyz' Hyunjae [Haku from 'Spirited Away']

BTS' V [Shō from The Secret World of Arrietty]

WINNER's Kang Seung Yoon [Sosuke from Ponyo]

There’s a unique charm to Studio Ghibli’s male leads - soft yet striking features, gentle eyes, and an ethereal beauty. It’s no wonder these visually captivating stars in the Korean entertainment world resemble them. The subtle expressions, graceful silhouettes, and even their fashion sensibilities align so closely with Ghibli’s timeless aesthetic.

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