From BTS member RM’s discovery by rapper Sleepy, to Song Joong-ki getting friend Lee Hee-joon cast in Netflix’s Vincenzo: 4 K-stars who would be nothing without their celebrity mentors

Aug 16 , 2021

Song Joong-ki recommended Lee Hye-jung to be in the smash Netflix K-drama Vincenzo and BTS’ RM made his debut thanks to rapper Sleepy’s support. Photos: @songjoongki.kg, @sweetyhye, @btsrm.offical, @sleepycamo/Instagram

NCT’s Jaemin and Exo’s Suho were famously scouted volunteering – but these K-celebs got lucky when established K-drama actors and K-pop idols began rooting for them

RM’s rap dreams only became real after Sleepy recommended him to BTS and Lee Seung-gi’s talent was first spotted by ‘national diva’ Lee Sun-hee

There are many ways Korean stars can be scouted – from Chae Eun-woo and Bae Suzy being discovered outside a toilet, to the stories of Exo’s Suho and NCT’s Jaemin being plucked from obscurity whilst doing volunteer work. So it’s clearly not always the most obvious routes to fame – typically hopeful auditions followed by years of arduous idol training – that produce the brightest stars.

Exo’s Suho and NCT’s Jaemin, who were discovered while doing volunteer work. Photo: @NouraL_Se, @NCTsmtown_Dream/Twitter

One path to success that’s perhaps among the most tried and tested, however, is when established names shower praise on would-be idols, using their own fame to bring fresh talent to the spotlight. In short: having friends in high places can really pay off when it comes to K-pop and K-drama, it seems. Here are our favourite instances of K-stars “discovering” K-stars.

Song Joong-ki saw the acting potential in K-model Lee Hye-jung

Song Joong-ki starred in Vincenzo, and roped in a few of his friends for the ride – much to their delight. Photo: @joongkisource/Twitter

Of all the hit dramas Song Joong-ki has left his mark on, Vincenzo is the one that truly broke on a global scale and set K-drama fans’ hearts aflutter. It just so happens that Song was the one championing Korean model Lee Hye-jung to take a role in the drama too. Fans of the crime romcom series will know her as Jung Do-hee, the director of Ragusang Gallery.

Lee Hye-jung in a still from the K-drama Vincenzo. Photo: @do_ftoom/Twitter

According to Topstarnews, Lee Hee-joon, who also made a special appearance in Vincenzo, is another close friend of Song Joong-ki’s thanks to the fact that they both starred in the film Bogota, and it was this friendship that saw him get a part in the show. During her appearance on MBC’s Radio Star, the actress said she happened to contact Song Joong-ki on the day she dyed her hair red, and Song directly recommended her to Vincenzo’s director for a part.

Lee added that she had only expected to put in a cameo appearance, but was extremely grateful that Song championing her talent resulted in a larger role with a greater impact.

BTS’ RM got his big break thanks to Korean rapper Sleepy