The Korean entertainment industry has become a significant global soft power. Through diverse K-contents such as K-pop, K-drama, K-Beauty, and K-Food, Korean culture is captivating audiences worldwide. This dynamic Korean wave also provides opportunities for international talent to join this industry. Numerous foreign actors and actresses have become part of the Korean entertainment industry, appearing in commercials, music videos, dramas, and films.
Adam Strandt, a British actor and model in Korea, is one of them, with a range of experiences in various projects, including The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025), Seeking the King (2024), Love to Hate You (2023), Hunt (2022), and Jo Yuri's Loveable music videos (2022). After seeing him in the latest ongoing K-drama, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, I reached out to him via his social media and conducted an email interview on August 8-9 to learn more about his career journey in Korea.
He started his creative work in the UK before being drawn to the opportunities and unique energy of the Korean entertainment industry. Over the past few years, he has gained experience in dramas and commercials in Korea, transforming his career in unexpected and rewarding ways. He described Korea as having a dynamic and fast-moving entertainment landscape. He finds that creativity, professionalism, and ambition within the industry are positively contagious. “That atmosphere motivates me to give more of myself as a performer, and I feel inspired to be part of an industry that resonates with audiences worldwide”, he said.
Adapting to the cultural and professional differences within the Korean entertainment industry requires him to spend a lot of time observing and listening. Based on his knowledge, the Korean sets are quite different from those in the UK, particularly regarding teamwork, efficiency, and respect for hierarchy. “By adapting to those rhythms while also incorporating my own creativity, I was able to find a balance that allowed me to fit in and contribute meaningfully”, he said. “My first project here was both exciting and a little overwhelming. The production pace was much faster than what I had experienced back in the UK, and the crews were incredibly talented”, he continued. Despite being a newcomer, he found that everyone was so welcoming, and that kind of support gave him the confidence to adjust quickly.
Living and working in Korea has influenced both his personal and professional life. He has become more independent and adaptable since he had to build a life and career from scratch in a different culture. Professionally, he has learned to be more resilient and flexible. He said, “Working with people from diverse backgrounds has sharpened my skills and broadened my perspective as both an actor and collaborator.” He also mentioned that maintaining consistency is the biggest challenge when building a career in Korea, and being a foreign actor comes with limitations in role availability, so it requires constant effort to demonstrate and prove his value in various projects. “Breaking into the industry is one thing, but maintaining a career takes persistence”, he added.
One of Adam’s most memorable projects involved filming a commercial with a well-known K-pop group. He said that the atmosphere on set was electric, and it showed the powerful connection between performers and their fans. “It left a lasting impression because it resonated with audiences far beyond what I had expected,” he added. He also has some upcoming projects that really excite him and is eager to see the final results.
For his future plans, he expressed, “ I would love to portray a character that is deeply emotional and complex, a role that contributes something meaningful to the story beyond surface traits”. Additionally, he is very interested in stories that explore cultural connections, as that resonates deeply with his own journey.
Working in the Korean entertainment industry has taught him the values of patience and persistence. Establishing a career in this industry overseas can be particularly challenging. “However, I’ve learned that if you stay committed, keep improving your skills, and remain open to learning, opportunities will come. Often in ways you might not expect”, he concluded.
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