Undoubtedly, Heirs is one of the most cherished K-dramas across the globe. The K-wave reached its epitome in the last few years and Heirs definitely has a big share in it. This was the first Korean drama to be co-produced by American digital distribution platform DramaFever and Korean production company Hwa & Dam Pictures. Written by Kim Eun-sook, it revolved around the lives of privileged and uber-rich high school students.
With a stupendous star cast, the international broadcasting rights were sold to more than 13 countries—first for any Korean drama. The cast comprises of Lee Min Ho, Park Shin Hye, Kim Woo Bin, Kim Ji Won, Choi Jin-hyuk, Kang Min Hyuk, Krystal Jung, Kang Ha Neul, Park Hyung Sik and Kim Mi Kyung. Here we take a look at what is the cast up to, four years after the super hit drama.
Lee Min Ho: Well, that needs no introduction. The super-smart Kim Tan has matured and evolved over the years experimenting various genres. Lee also made his big screen debut in 2015 with noir action film "Gangnam Blues" and his rising popularity in China made him sign the Chinese action comedy "Bounty Hunters". Post reaching the pinnacle of Korean Wave, Lee also received the "Prime Minister Award" at the 5th Korean Popular Culture & Arts Award for his contribution to Hallyu. Before enlisting into the military early this year, he returned to television with a fantasy drama "Legend of the Blue Sea".
Park Shin Hye: The soft-spoken Chan Eun Sang perfectly sealed her spot as one of the top Hallyu stars in the K-world. Post Heirs, the actress gave two more memorable dramas—Pinocchio and Doctors. The actress was ranked 33rd in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list 2015, and 12th in 2017. She also became the most sought-after model in the field of advertising—endorsing an array of brands including Mamonde, Median, Swarovski, Bench, and Visa. Currently, she is busy with her fan meetings and promotions.
Kim Woo Bin: Kim, who played the cunning but sweet Choi Young Do, was an instant hit among fans. In 2016, he starred in the evergreen romantic drama "Uncontrollably Fond". In addition, he played the lead in films like "The Con Artist", "Twenty" and "Masters". However, the actor was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal cancer early this year and had to put a hold to all his assignments.
Kim Ji Won: Kim played the role of Rachel, the rich, haughty heiress of a clothing company. Though she played the second fiddle in Heirs, her role is definitely one of the memorable ones—adding more spice and flavour. Followed by Heirs, Kim grabbed all the spotlights with dramas like "Descendants of the Sun" and "Fight for My Way". She is currently busy with the third instalment of the "Detective K" film series.
Choi Jin Hyuk: Tan's half-brother Kim Won is the game changer of Tan-Sang love story. Jin Hyuk beautifully portrayed the pain of an heir who is caught between love and family business. The actor has been signing back-to-back dramas post the success of Heirs. Some of them are "Emergency Couple," "Pride and Prejudice" and the recent OCN hit "Tunnel". He is yet to announce his next project.
Kang Min Hyuk: Eun Sang's best friend Yoon Chan Young is one of the most positive characters in the drama. The CNBLUE drummer played his first lead role in the ongoing MBC's medical drama "Hospital Ship".
Krystal Jung: Lee Bo Na and Chan Young are the favourite couples for any Heirs fans. They had a sizzling chemistry on screen and even ended up winning the Best Onscreen Couple at the 2013 DramaFever Awards. "My Lovely Girl" and "The Bride of the Water God" are Krystal's best dramas after Heirs. She is currently awaiting the premiere of tvn's "Wise Prison Life" and Chinese drama "Graduation Season".
Kang Ha Neul: The calm and lethargic Lee Hyo Shin reached greater heights with his negative role in "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo". However, fans had to bid adieu to another handsome hunk in 2017. He began his mandatory military service in September 2017 and is also awaiting the release of mystery thriller film "Recall the Night".
Park Hyung Sik: The opportunity to play the lead role reached the cute and playful Jo Myung-soo early this year with JTBC's Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, which was a runaway hit. He has also confirmed to star in the Korean remake of the popular American legal drama series Suits.
And of course, the bonus news is that there is a talk in the local Korean media that the team is planning to make a sequel to the hit drama after Lee Min Ho is discharged from the military service.
Happy fourth anniversary to one of our favourite K-dramas of all time!
