Throughout history, there have been years that have given birth to a significant number of standout stars. For example, 1981 was the year when Jo In-sung, Kang Dong-won, Sung Yu-ri, and Eugene were born. Similarly, 1994 was a year that produced a remarkable number of idol groups. Another year that stands out is 1997, particularly for the birth of male stars. Idols and actors born in 1997 are making waves in the entertainment industry, and there even exists a friendly association among male stars of the same age. Let’s take a look at ten ’97-line’ male stars who are currently showcasing their prime talents.
BTS’s Jungkook
Photo: Naver Music
Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, is a representative figure of the ’97-line’. Debuting in 2013 at the tender age of 17, Jungkook quickly established his position within the group with his natural talent and physique that captivates fans. Now in his 20s, Jungkook is enjoying even greater popularity with his increasingly mature image. He is often seen hanging out with other 97-line stars such as Astro’s Cha Eun-woo, Seventeen’s Mingyu, and Got7’s Yugyeom, showcasing their close friendship.
Astro’s Cha Eun-woo
Photo: Naver Music
Cha Eun-woo of boy group Astro, also born in 1997, is aptly nicknamed the ‘face genius’. With his dazzling looks reminiscent of a character straight out of a romance comic book, he stood out from the moment of his debut, significantly contributing to the recognition of his group. Moreover, in 2018, he starred in the JTBC drama *My ID is Gangnam Beauty*, earning high marks as an actor. Even without glamorous makeup and stage lighting, Cha Eun-woo’s stunning looks were undeniable.
Seventeen’s Mingyu
Photo: Naver Music
Seventeen, a boy group that is currently enjoying immense popularity in both Korea and Japan, is also home to a 97-line star, Mingyu. With his tall stature, flawless skin, and distinct facial features, Mingyu stands out in Seventeen as the member representing ‘masculine beauty’ with his solid rap skills. Despite his intense appearance, Mingyu’s personality is soft and playful, adding to his charm. Aside Mingyu, Seventeen’s members The8 and Dokyeom were also born in 1997.
Got7’s Yugyeom
Photo: Naver Music
Yugyeom, a member of the global idol group Got7, was also born in 1997. Yugyeom is known for his exceptional dance skills and serves as the main dancer in the group. He has even won a dance survival show on Mnet, demonstrating his skills on par with professional dancers. Meanwhile, Got7’s Thai member BamBam also born in 1997 often shares ‘best friend’ moments with Yugyeom, with whom he has been together since their training days.
Yeo Jin-goo
Photo: tvN <왕이 된 남자>
‘Acting genius’ Yeo Jin-goo is another member of the ’97 Hot Stars’, born on August 13, 1997. He made his acting debut in the 2005 film *Sad Movie* at the age of nine, significantly later than most child actors, but his handsome looks and natural acting skills quickly established him as a leading child actor. Yeo Jin-goo’s three-letter name was firmly imprinted in the public’s mind during the broadcast of MBC’s *Moon Embracing the Sun*, when his older female fans jokingly asked why he was born in ’97 instead of ’87. Since then, unlike many of his fellow actors who struggle to transition from child to adult roles, Yeo Jin-goo has successfully established himself as an adult actor.
Kwon Hyun-bin
Photo: Naver Music
Kwon Hyun-bin, born on March 4th 1997, first gained recognition through Mnet’s survival audition program *Produce 101*. Initially, Kwon Hyun-bin, who was working as a model at the time, faced criticism from viewers for his lack of skills. However, he soon began to attract fans with his serious attitude towards the competition. After the end of *Produce 101*, he received a lot of love as a member of the project group JBJ. Currently, Kwon Hyun-bin is actively working as an actor.
NCT127’s Jaehyun
Photo: Naver Music
Jaehyun, a handsome member of NCT127, was also born in 1997. With his tall stature and large facial features, Jaehyun often receives comments that he looks more mature than his age. However, when you see his flawless, porcelain-like skin, you are reminded that he is still in his early 20s. Equipped with both vocal and dance skills, he is loved as a ‘balanced character’ within the group, and thanks to his popularity, he is also serving as an MC for SBS Channel’s ‘Hit Songs’.
Kwak Dong-yeon
Photo: SBS <닥터 탐정>
Actor Kwak Dong-yeon, born on March 19, 1997, made his debut in the entertainment industry with the role of ‘Janggun’ in KBS 2TV’s weekend drama *Adolescence Medley* in 2012. At the time, he was in his third year of middle school, which was significantly later than most child actors who typically debut at pre-school age. However, his handsome looks and natural acting skills quickly established him as a popular child actor. In 2018, Kwak Dong-yeon also starred alongside fellow 97-liner Cha Eun-woo in JTBC’s *My ID is Gangnam Beauty*.
Jeong Se-woon
Photo: Naver Music
Singer Jeong Se-woon, also a 1997-born male star, is signed to Starship Entertainment. In 2017, he narrowly missed joining Wanna One by finishing 12th in *Produce 101*. However, immediately after the show ended, he released a high-quality album, proving his potential as a solo artist. Thanks to this, he is now actively working as a ‘singer-song-idol’, a combination of a singer-songwriter and an idol.
Victon’s Choi Byung-chan
Photo: Naver Music
Choi Byung-chan, who gained a lot of love by appearing on Mnet’s *Produce X 101* in the first half of 2019, was born on November 12, 1997. Choi Byung-chan, who had to leave *Produce X 101* due to health reasons, has since returned to his original group Victon, and completed his activities. Standing well over 180cm tall and possessing a cute smile, Choi Byung-chan’s charm lies in the contrast between his towering height and adorable demeanor.
By. Hee Joo Lee
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