Netflix’s latest series, ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’ has been on many K-drama fans’ watchlists long before its official release. Upon its premiere, the Do Ra Mi craze quickly spilled into the real world, captivating fans worldwide.
In this drama, popular South Korean actress Go Youn Jung delivers a standout performance as Cha Mu Hee, an actress who rises to global stardom after her breakout role as Do Ra Mi in her hit zombie film ‘The Quiet Woman.’ Following ‘Can This Love Be Translated?,’ many fans have expressed their love for K-dramas where actors portray on-screen actors. These meta-style dramas offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, blending romance, realism, and the pressures of fame.
If you are enjoying ‘Can This Love Be Translated?,’ these K-dramas featuring actors playing actors are well worth adding to your watchlist.
Dear X
Kim Yoo Jung delivers one of the most intense and emotionally layered performances of her career as Baek Ah Jin in ‘Dear X.’ She portrays a celebrated actress whose glamorous image hides deep scars and complex relationships. The drama delves into abuse, ambition, manipulation, and the psychological toll of staying at the top, making Baek Ah Jin one of the most psychologically compelling actress roles.
My Love from the Star
One of the most iconic K-dramas of all time, ‘My Love From the Star’ stars Jun Ji Hyun as Cheon Song Yi, a Hallyu actress at the peak of her career. The drama perfectly balances comedy, romance, and fantasy while offering a humorous yet insightful look at celebrity life, media scrutiny, and public perception.
Full House
A classic romantic comedy, ‘Full House’ features Song Hye Kyo as an aspiring screenwriter who enters a contract marriage with a famous actor played by Rain. While lighthearted and comedic, the drama highlights the pressures of stardom and the public image actors must maintain.
Uncontrollably Fond
In ‘Uncontrollably Fond,’ Kim Woo Bin plays a top actor-singer whose life is marked by fame, illness, and unresolved emotions. The drama portrays the loneliness behind celebrity status and the emotional cost of living under constant public attention, making it one of the most captivating portrayals of a star’s life.
Sh**ting Stars
This drama offers a refreshing take on the entertainment industry by focusing on both actors and the hardworking staff behind them. Kim Young Dae plays a top actor, Gong Tae Sung, whose public charm contrasts with his private personality, delivering a realistic and often humorous depiction of celebrity management and PR crises.
Record of Youth
‘Record of Youth’ centers on young models and actors chasing their dreams in a competitive industry. Featuring Park Bo Gum and Byeon Woo Seok as model-turned-actors, the drama contrasts two very different paths to success. Bo Gum stars as Sa Hye Jun, a model from a working-class family who dreams of becoming a top actor, while Woo Seok plays Won Hae Hyo, a model born into wealth whose career is controlled by his mother.
Touch Your Heart
Following the success of ‘Goblin,’ ‘Touch Your Heart’ reunites Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na. Yoo In Na plays an actress trying to revive her career by working as a secretary for a lawyer. The drama charmingly explores career redemption, public image, and the challenges actors face after falling out of the spotlight.
The above dramas allow viewers to peek behind the curtain of the glamorous entertainment world. From fame and fan culture to scandals and personal sacrifices, these stories feel both authentic and emotionally engaging.
SEE ALSO: Byeon Woo Seok donates 30 million KRW, first to join fan donation relay with fandom
SHARE
