The Most Underrated Asian Actors of the 21st Century

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Throughout the 21st century, Asian movies and TV shows have had a huge impact on what we watch around the world, bringing diverse stories and styles to the screen. Several Asian actors have achieved lasting success, working with renowned directors and appearing in films that have gained international popularity.

This collection showcases the careers of twenty actors, detailing their most important roles, achievements, and international projects. Each profile offers a clear overview of their work, making it easy to discover where to begin exploring their films and television shows.

Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan was a versatile actor who appeared in films in Hindi, English, and Bengali, working both in India and on international projects. He was known for acclaimed roles in movies like ‘The Lunchbox’, ‘Paan Singh Tomar’, ‘Maqbool’, and ‘Piku’, as well as Hollywood films such as ‘Life of Pi’, ‘Jurassic World’, and ‘Inferno’. He honed his skills at the National School of Drama in New Delhi.

He won a National Film Award for ‘Paan Singh Tomar’ and several Filmfare Awards. He also gained international recognition by working with acclaimed directors like Ang Lee, Mira Nair, and Asif Kapadia, which led to his films being shown at prestigious festivals like Cannes and Toronto.

Song Kang-ho

Song Kang-ho is a leading actor in South Korean film, known for his performances in movies like ‘Memories of Murder’, ‘The Host’, ‘Parasite’, and ‘Broker’. He started his career in theater before collaborating with acclaimed directors including Bong Joon-ho, Park Chan-wook, and Kore-eda Hirokazu.

Song Kang-ho is a highly acclaimed actor, winning Best Actor at Cannes for his role in ‘Broker’ and appearing in the Oscar-winning film ‘Parasite’. He consistently stars in films that are both popular with Korean audiences and recognized at international film festivals, successfully bridging the gap between mainstream and art house cinema.

Choi Min-sik

Choi Min-sik is a celebrated actor famous for his powerful performances in films like ‘Oldboy’, ‘I Saw the Devil’, and ‘The Admiral Roaring Currents’. He’s also appeared in international films, including ‘Lucy’.

Before becoming a filmmaker, he trained as an actor in Seoul and established himself on stage. His films have broken box office records in Korea and been showcased at numerous international film festivals, earning him several prestigious acting awards, including multiple Grand Bell and Blue Dragon Awards.

Ha Jung-woo

Ha Jung-woo is a talented actor and director known for his work in films like ‘The Chaser’, ‘The Yellow Sea’, ‘Along with the Gods’, and ‘Nameless Gangster’. Beyond movies, he also works in television and is involved in the art world.

After studying performance at Chung-Ang University, he went on to direct successful films. His movies have been both commercially successful and critically acclaimed, earning him awards at prestigious ceremonies like the Baeksang and Blue Dragon awards, establishing him as a leading director in the thriller and drama genres.

Ryu Seung-ryong

Ryu Seung-ryong starred in the hit Korean film ‘Extreme Job’ and is also known for his roles in ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’, ‘Masquerade’, and the popular series ‘Kingdom’.

After studying at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, he transitioned from acting on stage to appearing in films and television. He’s received prestigious awards like the Grand Bell and Baeksang, and his work is now frequently available on international streaming services.

Lee Byung-hun

Lee Byung-hun is a Korean actor who performs in both Korean and English language films and television. He’s known for his roles in Korean productions like ‘A Bittersweet Life’, ‘Inside Men’, and ‘Mr. Sunshine’, as well as international films such as ‘G.I. Joe’ and ‘Red 2’.

He’s a highly acclaimed actor, winning prestigious awards in Korea like the Baeksang and Blue Dragon, and even receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He successfully moves between independent films showcased at festivals and leading roles in popular movie franchises.

Chang Chen

Chang Chen is a versatile actor who has worked in films from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Hollywood. He’s known for his roles in acclaimed movies like ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, ‘The Assassin’, ‘Three Times’, and ‘Dune’.

A frequent collaborator with acclaimed directors like Hou Hsiao-hsien and Wong Kar-wai, he’s been a regular presence at film festivals such as Cannes and Venice. He’s known for his diverse roles in genres like martial arts fantasy, romance, and science fiction, and consistently receives positive reviews from critics.

Huang Bo

Huang Bo is one of China’s most popular and successful movie stars, known for hits like ‘Crazy Stone’, ‘Lost in Thailand’, and ‘No Man’s Land’. Beyond acting, he also works behind the camera as a director and producer.

He received a Golden Horse Award for his acting and became well-known for starring in popular Chinese comedies and dramas that were seen throughout Asia. He also broadened his fanbase through appearances in music and variety shows.

Liao Fan

Liao Fan gained international recognition with his film ‘Black Coal Thin Ice’. He’s also known for directing ‘Ash Is Purest White’ and ‘The Shadow Play’.

Liao Fan received the Best Actor award at the Berlin International Film Festival for his role in ‘Black Coal Thin Ice’. He frequently works with acclaimed directors such as Diao Yinan and Jia Zhangke, helping their films gain recognition at European film festivals and secure distribution in China.

Wang Jingchun

Wang Jingchun is a Chinese actor known for his roles in films like ‘So Long My Son’, ‘Police Story 2013’, and ‘The Golden Era’.

He received the Best Actor award at the Berlin International Film Festival for his performance in ‘So Long My Son’. His work on Chinese television helped him gain wider recognition, and awards from various film festivals established his reputation internationally.

Tony Leung Ka-fai

Tony Leung Ka-fai is a celebrated actor who has appeared in numerous Hong Kong and mainland Chinese films, including well-known titles like ‘The Lover’, ‘Election’, ‘Cold War’, and ‘Tai Pan’. He has won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Actor four times.

Throughout his career, which began in the 1980s and continues today, he’s consistently received awards and worked with acclaimed directors like Ann Hui and Johnnie To on a variety of films, including crime dramas, historical pieces, and adaptations of literary works.

Tadanobu Asano

As a film buff, I’ve always been impressed by Tadanobu Asano’s range. He’s a fantastic actor who’s worked on some really memorable projects – everything from intense Japanese films like ‘Ichi the Killer’ and ‘Zatoichi’, to epic historical dramas like ‘Mongol’ and Martin Scorsese’s ‘Silence’. And it’s cool to see he’s even popped up in big Hollywood franchises like ‘Thor’!

He began his career as a young actor and quickly gained recognition at prestigious film festivals like Cannes and Venice, thanks to his work with acclaimed directors. Beyond acting, he also pursued music and visual art, establishing himself as a versatile creative talent.

Koji Yakusho

Koji Yakusho is a celebrated actor known for his roles in films like ‘Shall We Dance’, ‘Cure’, ‘The Eel’, and ‘Perfect Days’. He has frequently collaborated with renowned directors Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Shohei Imamura.

Yakusho Koji won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival for his role in ‘Perfect Days’. His work has been shown extensively both in Japan and internationally, successfully blending popular genre films with more artistic, festival-focused cinema.

Satoshi Tsumabuki

Satoshi Tsumabuki first gained recognition for his role in ‘Waterboys’ and has since appeared in popular films like ‘Tokyo Family’, ‘Rage’, and ‘Akunin’. He’s also a regular on Japanese television series.

He’s been recognized with a Japan Academy Film Prize and has worked on a wide range of films, including dramas and mysteries. He frequently collaborates with experienced directors such as Yoji Yamada and Lee Sang-il.

Ryo Kase

Ryo Kase is an actor who has worked on films both in Japan and around the world, including well-known projects like ‘Letters from Iwo Jima’, ‘I Just Didn’t Do It’, and ‘Restless’. He often appears in independent and art-house films.

He was recognized with awards from both the Japan Academy Film Prize and Kinema Junpo Best Ten. Working with acclaimed directors like Clint Eastwood and Kore-eda Hirokazu helped him gain international recognition.

Hiroshi Abe

Hiroshi Abe is a well-known actor who has appeared in films like ‘Still Walking’, ‘After the Storm’, and the comedic hit ‘Thermae Romae’. He started his career as a model before becoming a successful actor.

He often works with director Kore-eda Hirokazu, appearing in family-focused films shown at film festivals around the world. He’s also a well-known and popular actor on Japanese television.

Iko Uwais

Iko Uwais is an Indonesian actor and martial artist specializing in pencak silat. He first gained international recognition for his roles in the action films ‘The Raid’ and ‘The Raid 2’, and has since appeared in ‘Headshot’ and the television series ‘Wu Assassins’.

He designs and performs fight scenes for film, drawing on the martial art of silat. His movies have premiered at prestigious festivals like Toronto, helping to bring Indonesian action films to a wider international audience.

Tony Jaa

I was absolutely blown away when Tony Jaa burst onto the scene with films like ‘Ong Bak’ and ‘The Protector’ – he really put Muay Thai on the map for the rest of the world! It’s been amazing to watch his career grow, and I was thrilled to see him take on bigger roles in franchises like ‘Furious 7’ and ‘Monster Hunter’.

He began his career with training in physical education at the Saraburi college and experience as a stuntman. He then moved into directing films, becoming known for action sequences that rely on real, practical stunts, which have been showcased internationally.

Daniel Wu

Daniel Wu has acted in films like ‘New Police Story’ and ‘Overheard’, and the TV series ‘Into the Badlands’, working in both Hong Kong and the United States. Before becoming an actor, he studied architecture at the University of Oregon.

He was a multi-talented actor, director, and producer who worked in both action and dramatic roles. He successfully bridged the gap between Hong Kong films and American TV, appealing to audiences in both places.

Eddie Peng

Eddie Peng became well-known for his work in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, starring in films like ‘Unbeatable’, ‘Jump Ashin’, and ‘Operation Mekong’. He dedicated himself to rigorous training, including boxing and gymnastics, to convincingly portray athletic characters.

He earned nominations at the prestigious Golden Horse Awards and began appearing regularly in films made across Asia. His work consistently achieves recognition at film festivals while also proving popular with audiences throughout the region.

Share the names you would add to this list in the comments.

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2025-10-07 11:47