Golf, often referred to as a “gentleman’s game,” has a large following worldwide, and South Korea is no exception. Beyond their entertainment skills, several Korean celebrities have recently taken to their social media to showcase their skills on the golf course. From popular K-drama actors and actresses to chart-topping K-pop idols, these stars have taken their talents from the stage and screen to the fairways and greens, showcasing their love for the game and often excelling Services provided.
According to the New York Times, “South Korea is the third-largest golf market in the world, behind only the United States and Japan.” With 117 private and public 18-hole golf facilities across the country, demand for tee times has become so great that some venues even offer night golf -Added alternatives to accommodate fans. In Seoul, where access to most golf courses is restricted to all but one military member, fans are turning to screen golf, which is essentially the virtual version of the sport, as an alternative.
Given the great success Koreans have achieved on the PGA and LPGA tours, and popular K-dramas such as “Business Proposal,” “Love in Contract” and “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” that feature the sport, It's only natural that golf has become the “it game” in South Korea. Golf is an excellent leisure, recreational and training sport because it does not require excessive physical exertion and provides an excellent opportunity to relax. Therefore, it is understandable that many K-celebrities with stressful schedules prefer this activity for a break. From BTS's “V” to popular Korean actor Park Seo Joon, these are the top Korean celebrities who have taken up golf as a hobby and fallen in love with the sport.
Korean celebrities who have a passion for golf
Park Seo-joon
Park Seo-joon, the popular South Korean actor known for his outstanding performances in hit dramas such as What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Itaewon Class and Fight for My Way, is not just a fascinating celebrity; He is also an avid golfer. His passion for the sport shines through on and off screen, captivating fans with his skills and dedication. He has recently been sharing pictures of his golf experiences on social media, showing his enthusiasm for the sport. Additionally, he is often seen playing on the green with his celebrity friend group, the so-called Wooga Squad, making golf a popular activity among their friends.
BTS V
Another member of the Wooga team, BTS V (Kim Taehyung), has recently taken a keen interest in golf. While he initially started playing to fulfill his father's wish to play golf with him, BTS V now seems to be a real golf lover himself. The Korean idol regularly visits golf courses around the world despite his busy schedule and work-related travel. However, the K-pop star then went on an unforgettable golf tour with his close friend Park Seo-joon and professional golfer Danielle Kang. Fans were thrilled when Danielle lovingly rated V's golf swing as a “little brother at 100” in response to questions from ARMY (BTS's loyal fanbase). V has also customized his golf experience by having a custom-made golf club with his name “V” prominently printed on it.
Choi Woo-shik
Our beloved summer actor Choi Woo-shik is another valued member of the Wooga troupe. Like his friends Park Seo-joon and Taehyung, he is also a regular visitor to golf courses. Their shared passion for the sport often leads to them enjoying beautiful moments on the green together, which they enjoy sharing with their fans online.
Hyun Bin and son Ye-jin
Before their fairytale wedding, fan-favorite Korean celebrity couple BinJin often chose golf as his favorite hobby for their dates. Their enthusiasm for the sport continued until their honeymoon in the USA, where they were photographed playing golf together.
In July 2021, a few months after confirming their relationship, the “Crash Landing On You” stars were spotted getting closer while golfing, this time shopping for sports equipment. It is noteworthy that actress Son Ye Jin had no interest in golf before. Despite her efforts to learn the sport at the age of 20, she decided against pursuing it. However, Hyun Bin's passion for golf reportedly renewed Son Ye Jin's interest in the sport, which has since become a favorite activity of the couple. This is also reflected in Son Ye-jin's comeback K-drama Thirty-Nine, in which her character is portrayed as an avid golfer who plans a trip to the United States to hone her talents.
BTS Jin
Kim Seokjin aka Jin, the oldest BTS member, is a master at both tennis and skiing and is a real athlete. So it's no surprise that he also developed a love of golf. Although he is not a professional athlete, Jin shows off decent form and swing techniques in the few clips he has shared online. It's clear that he values fun and enjoyment in this sport over strict technical details, so fans can admire his relaxed and positive approach to the game. In 2022, he went golfing with fellow actor Lee Sang-yeob and wore matching red Nike shoes.
TWICE Jihyo
In 2022, TWICE's Jihyo spoke to GQ Korea about her newfound love of golf, her competitive mentality, TWICE's triumphs and more. Reflecting on the progress she has made in golf, Jihyo admitted that while her passion for the sport has grown over time, she misses the simplicity of her beginnings. She said: “I can't say it's deep either, but at first it was just fun. When I just hit the ball softly and hard and it made a noise, I thought, 'What is that?' It's so much fun.' Now that I'm starting to play properly, I've developed bad habits and get angry when I can't hit the ball well.” Laughing, Jihyo added, “I think my personality is starting to deteriorate.” In fact, she was TWICE Model for golf clothing brand Pearly Gates.
Park Min-young
Park Min-young, a famous South Korean actress best known for her appearances in hit dramas such as What's Wrong with Secretary Kim and Love in Contract, is not only a talented actress but also a passionate golfer. She often expresses her passion for the sport on and off screen by posting photos and videos of herself playing golf on her Instagram account.
Interestingly, rumors spread that Park Min-young and her “What's Wrong With Secretary Kim” co-star Park Seo-joon were dating at the time and golf was one of their common interests. The suspicion arose after Park Seo Joon revealed in an interview with Elle Korea that he had recently started exercising. Many assumed that Park Min-young taught him to golf, which fueled the relationship rumors.
Siwon from Super Junior
Choi Siwon, the visual member of Super Junior, is admired for wisely spending his free time on the golf course. Perhaps Siwon's idea of elegance and sophistication explains why he is an avid golfer, as golf is often associated with luxury and sophistication. A member of the famous K-pop group Super Junior, Siwon is known for both his musical skills and his passion for golf. A long-time fan of the sport, often incorporating it into his recreational activities, Siwon has an elegant swing that he maintains with his competitive personality.
Hyoyeon, Yuri and Sooyoung from Girls' Generation
Hyoyeon, Yuri and Sooyoung from the popular trio of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation developed a shared passion for hitting the fairway in their free time.
Hyoyeon is considered the most dedicated of the trio, incorporating golf into both her workout routine and her leisure activities. She first came into contact with the sport while promoting the French golf clothing line Le Coq Golf. Hyoyeon regularly shares pictures and videos on social media so her followers can see her remarkable swing and unwavering enthusiasm for golf.
Yuri began her golf journey in 2020 and has since made significant progress in further developing her talents. She enjoys the calming and social qualities of the sport and often meets up with friends and celebrity colleagues like Sooyoung and Hyoyeon for fun rounds on the golf course. Yuri supports the golf brand TaylorMade.
Likewise, Sooyoung has recently taken up golf and enjoys it for its relaxing and social aspects. Going on golf trips with bandmates Hyoyeon and Yuri has apparently become a hobby of theirs, and the three regularly show off their friendship and fun moments on social media.
Jennie from BLACKPINK
In an interview with W Korea in 2022, BLACKPINK member Jennie said that she had started a new hobby: golfing. When asked if she was interested in learning other sports besides golf, Jennie explained that she plans to focus more on perfecting the sport of golf. Despite her statement, there were no further updates on her progress in the sport.
Park Shin-hye
Next on the list of Korean celebrities who love to play golf is Park Shin-hye. Known for her versatility and brilliance in the entertainment industry, Shin-hye has discovered her joy in the calm yet exciting sport of golf.
In 2021, she became a brand ambassador for Castelbajac Golfwear, strengthening her connection to the golf community. As the face of the brand, she brings her distinctive charm and flair to the world of golf clothing and demonstrates her elegance on and off the golf course.
Lee Jung-jin
Lee Jung-jin, known for his appearances in K-dramas such as “Love Story at Harvard” and “The King: Eternal Monarch,” is another Korean star who enjoys playing golf. He often participates in famous golf tournaments and charity events where he not only showcases his talent but also helps raise funds for good causes.
Lee Yong-dae
Lee Yong-dae is widely considered to be a retired professional badminton player, but what many don't know is that he is also a passionate golfer. His athleticism and precision, which benefited him on the badminton court, transfer perfectly to the golf course. Since retiring from professional badminton, Lee Yong-dae has devoted more time to golf and regularly posts photos and videos of his golfing escapades on social media.
(Main image: daniellekang/Instagram; featured image: sangyeob/Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– How many K-pop stars play golf?
Golf is a very popular sport in South Korea, which is why many K-pop stars make it a hobby.
– Do BTS members play golf?
Yes, BTS members Jin and V often play golf.
– How many BTS members play golf?
Currently, we know that two BTS members – Jin and V – play golf.
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