Famous Koreans

Korea is one of the most exotic eastern countries. It was one and united country till 1948. The seeds of the division were, however, rooted after the end of Second World War itself. History of the Korean war tells a lot about the Korean culture. Coming back to the present, we now have two countries, North Korea and South Korea. There are many similar aspects in the North and South Korean culture, the differences are in the political conditions of both the countries. The following is a list of famed Koreans who have made an impact on the world.

Famous Koreans in America

• Philip Jaisohn (first Korean to become an American citizen; first Korean American to receive American medical degree)
• Ronald Moon (Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court)
• Theresa Hak Kyung Cha (author, video/filmmaker)
• Leonard Chang (American-born writer)
• Jay Kim (former Republican Congressman from California)
• Margaret Cho (comedian and former TV star of television show All-American Girl)
• Judge Herbert Choy (appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. First Asian Pacific American to be named to a federal court)
• Heinz Insu Fenkl (author)
• Michael Yang (founder and CEO, Become.com)
• Joy Han (Fashion designer)
• Younghill Kang (author)
• Daniel Chun (writer, co-producer of the TV show, 'The Simpsons')
• Nora Okja Keller (author)
• Elaine H. Kim (author (professor of Asian-American studies)
• Michael Kim (sportscaster on ESPN television)
• Patti Kim (author of 'A Cab Called Reliable')
• Richard E. Kim (author)
• James Sun (entrepreneur, television host, and public speaker. Also the CEO and Founder of GeoPage.com.)
• Chang-rae Lee (author)
• Michelle Park Steel (elected to represent 8.5 million California taxpayers)
• Don Lee (author, editor of Plowshares literary journal)
• Philip W. Chung (Lodestone Theater Ensemble)
• Alexandra Bokyun Chun (actress, filmmaker)
• Angela E. Oh (attorney and Asian American spokesperson during 1992's Los Angeles, California riots)
• Sandra Oh (Korean-Canadian film actress)
• Nam June Paik (Korean-born artist)
• Linda Park (Korean-born actor)
• Linda Sue Park (American-born author; winner of the 2002 Newbery Medal for A Single Shard)
• Jhoon Rhee (Tae Kwon Do master and entrepreneur)
• Michelle Wie (women golf phenom)
• Rick Yune (American-born actor)
• Daniel Dae Kim (actor)

Famous Korean Actors and Actresses

• Lee Dong-gun
• Choi Min-shik
• Jang Dong-gun
• Ahn Sung-ki
• Yu Ji-tae
• Cha Seung Won
• Song Seung-heon
• Son Ye-jin
• Kang Dong-won
• Rain (Jeong Ji-hoon)
• Shim Eun-ha
• Lee Seo-jin
• Han Suk-kyu
• Park Shin-yang
• Kwon Sang-woo
• Wonbin
• Park Yong-ha
• Lee Byung-hun
• Jun Ji-hyun
• Song Kwang-ho
• Bae Yong-joon
• Kim Ha-neul
• Go So Young
• Song Hye-kyo
• Han Eun-jung
• Chu Sang-mi
• Gyeon Mi-ri
• Ha Ji-won
• Choi Ji-woo
• Hong Ri-na
• Jang Na-ra
• Lee Young Ae
• Shim Eun Ha

Famous Korean Singers

• BoA
• Lee Jung
• Lee Hyori
• Ivy
• Chae Yeon
• Harisu
• Bada
• Lee Soo Young
• Bae Seul Ki
• Jang Nara
• BoA
• Lee Jung-hyun
• Lee Hyori
• Ivy
• Chae Yeon
• Harisu
• Bada
• Lee Soo Young
• Bae Seul Ki
• Lee Jung-hyun
• Jang Nara
• Bada
• Rain
• Se7en
• Kangta
• Shin Hye Sung
• Kim Jong Kook
• Kim Jeong Hoon
• Tim
• Lee Min-Woo
• Jang Woo Hyuk
• Ryu Shi-won

Famous Koreans in History

• Dangun Wanggeom (founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom)
• Yi Sun-sin (one of the greatest admirals and military leaders in world history)
• King Sejong the Great (native Korean alphabet Hangul was invented by him)
• An Jung-geun (Korean independence activist who assassinated Japanese Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi)
• Kim Gu (Last President of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea)
• Empress Myeongseong (the first official wife of Emperor Gojongon and one of the most important queens of Korea)
• King Munmu (unifier of the 'Three Kingdoms')

This was only a short list of famous people of Korean origin. There are many other famous Koreans like Kim Il-sung, Lim Yo-Hwan who have made their place in the world with their works.