Korea’s celebrity sweethearts of 2021: from ‘nation’s little sister’ IU to ‘nation’s first love’ Bae Suzy, 7 K-pop and K-drama stars who earned larger-than-life nicknames

Dec 8 , 2021

South Korean stars Lee Seung-gi, IU, Bae Suzy and Yeo Jin-goo have all earned OTT nicknames
Photos: @leeseunggi.official/Instagram, @dlwlrma/Instagram, @skuukzky/Instagram, JANUS Entertainment — South Korean stars Lee Seung-gi, IU, Bae Suzy and Yeo Jin-goo have all earned OTT nicknames Photos: @leeseunggi.official/Instagram, @dlwlrma/Instagram, @skuukzky/Instagram, JANUS Entertainment

My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho star Lee Seung-gi was dubbed ‘nation’s mother’s friend’s son’, while beloved comedian Yoo Jae-suk was crowned the ‘nation’s MC’

Kim Tae-hee from Stairway to Heaven is called ‘nation’s mother’s friend’s daughter’ … while husband Rain landed the ‘nation’s thief’ title after their marriage!

It’s undeniable that Korean celebrities are beloved both domestically and globally, but there are some idols and actors who have reached beyond and snagged the most specific titles thanks to their skills, charm and image. Crowned as “the nation’s …”, these honorific titles are regarded as the Korean public collectively agreeing on each celebrity’s strengths and appeal. And touting them to and for the whole country.

Here are South Korea’s most beloved idols, who reign with their own royal-esque nicknames.

IU: Nation’s little sister

The popular solo singer has been dubbed the “nation’s little sister”. Photo: @dlwlrma/Instagram

Arguably South Korea’s most popular solo artist, IU is also well loved for things other than her singing ability. Debuting at the young age of 15 and releasing hit songs like Nagging and Good Day early in her career, IU was the embodiment of the “girl next door” image, earning her immense love from the Korean public. The 28-year-old eventually branched out into acting, making her debut in the 2011 drama Dream High and going on to land roles in other hit dramas like The Producers and Hotel del Luna.

A consistent chart-topper, she’s been acknowledged as the “nation’s little sister” by many, including Billboard and TV Report Korea. Despite the title, later in her career, IU expressed that she wants to be seen as not just a young celebrity, pouring out her thoughts through her music, such as in her 2015 song Twenty-three. Though her nickname endures, she’s sure a multitalented artist who’s more than her youthful, innocent image.

Yeo Jin-goo: Nation’s little brother

Yeo Jin-goo’s youthful and charming image has made him the “nation’s little brother”. Photo: @yeojin9oo/Instagram

Actor Yeo Jin-goo started his career at the young age of eight, slowly gaining more attention through his roles in popular dramas like Moon Embracing the Sun and Hotel del Luna. Much like the “nation’s little sister” IU, the 24-year-old’s popularity as a child actor, alongside his youthful and cute image, has made him the reigning “nation’s little brother”, a title acknowledged by not only fans, but also Korean media.

Though he’s recently shown his mature side through roles in works such as The Royal Gambler and Beyond Evil, his charming looks and charisma still make him a favourite among the Korean public, especially as he has basically grown up on screen.

Bae Suzy: Nation’s first love