(KeyEast Entertainment)

Actor Kim Soo-hyun quickly ascended to pan-Asian stardom after playing the extraterrestrial protagonist in megahit TV series “My Love From Another Star,” whose 21 episodes were sold to Chinese distributors for 40 million won ($35,000) per episode.

Kim has built a solid acting portfolio having starred in major TV dramas and movies over the years, all next to sought-after female stars -- from the actress-debutant chanteuses Suzy and IU to veteran actresses Jun Ji-hyun, Han Ga-in and Gong Hyo-jin.

Now in the league of A-list hallyu stars, Kim is said to be raking in billions of won -- 18 billion won ($15 million) -- through TV ads in China and Korea.

The youthful 27-year-old Kim’s success is attributed to his forte in melting into different roles, especially the rom-com acts in which he has displayed strong chemistry with coactresses.

Scroll down to see the list of five female stars Kim acted romantic roles with.

Kim Soo-hyun and IU

(CeCi)

(KBS)

In his most recent TV drama work “Producers (2015),” Kim Soo-hyun acted next to IU as a newbie producer for an esteemed Korean broadcasting station. IU was a celebrated singer just like in real life, except on the small screen she took on a colder and haughtier image. Despite her popularity, IU falls for the rookie producer Kim for his unassuming candidness. Outside the show, IU has recently admitted to her romantic relationship with musician Chang Kiha.


Kim Soo-hyun and Gong Hyo-jin

(ELLE)

(KBS)

In the same “Producers,” Kim is entangled in a complicated set of one-sided love. While IU nonchalantly chases after him, Kim is more drawn to his supervising producer, Gong Hyo-jin. Gong, in turn, secretly loves her longtime friend and coworker Cha Tae-hyun. Kim is unsuccessful in realizing his love for Gong, but at the end of the show is shown heading on a rosy path with IU.


Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun

(ELLE)

(SBS)

Kim and Jun first showed chemistry in the Korea-Hong Kong film “The Thieves” in 2012, where Kim is portrayed as a young man harboring unrequited love for older and beautiful Jun. In this “Ocean’s Eleven”-like movie, Kim sacrifices himself in place of Jun when she is almost caught by the cops in the middle of their grand theft mission at a Macau casino.

The two actors reunited for “My Love From Another Star (2014),” which triggered immense positive response from fans across Korea and wider Asia. Jun acted as a brazen top star who is protected by the ageless supernatural alien Kim.

In real life, Jun is married to her childhood sweetheart, and is expecting her first child in January.

Kim Soo-hyun and Han Ga-in

(InStyle)

(MBC)

Kim and actress Han Ga-in acted as a fictional Joseon king and his first love in “Moon Embracing the Sun (2012).” The hypothetical period drama shows intimate sides of royalties risking the odds for love. Kim and Han are separated in their youth due to unfavorable political circumstances but are reunited afterward as king and his patron shaman. Han suffers from memory loss but eventually the two reignite their past love and brings the show to a happy-ending. The series marked an impressive 42.2 percent viewership rate.


Kim Soo-hyun and Suzy

(Bean Pole)

(KBS)

Suzy, who is in an official relationship with actor Lee Min-ho, had paired up with Kim in 2011’s “Dream High.” In the school drama featuring high school arts students aspiring to make it big, Kim surprised the viewers with quality singing. Kim is portrayed as a small town boy with great potential who immediately falls in love with city girl Suzy. Innocent and passionate, Kim pledges to become a better man for her.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

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