Try These Korean Celebrities who’re Followers of Golf
Golf, often referred to as the “gentleman’s game,” has garnered a significant following worldwide, and South Korea is no exception. Beyond their prowess in entertainment, 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 at it.
According to the New York Times, “South Korea is the third-largest market for golf in the world, behind only the United States and Japan.” With 117 private and public 18-hole golf facilities sprawled around the country, demand for tee times has become so high that some venues have even added night golfing alternatives to accommodate fans. In Seoul, where access to most golf courses is restricted to military personnel except for one, fans have resorted to screen golf as an alternative, which is basically the virtual version of the sport.
With the great success Koreans have achieved in PGA and LPGA tours, and popular K-dramas like Business Proposal, Love in Contract, and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha featuring the sport, it’s only natural that golf has become the ‘it’ game in South Korea. Golf is an excellent sport for leisure, recreation, and exercise because it does not involve excessive physical exertion and is an excellent way to unwind. So it’s understandable that many K-celebrities with stressful schedules prefer this activity for a break. From BTS’ V to popular Korean actor Park Seo Joon, these are the top Korean celebrities who have taken up golf as a hobby, and have fallen in love with the sport.
Korean celebrities who have a passion for golf
Park Seo-joon
Park Seo-joon, the adored 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 enthusiastic golfer. His enthusiasm for the sport shines through on and off screen, attracting fans with his abilities and dedication. He’s recently begun sharing shots of his golfing experiences on social media, showing his enthusiasm for the sport. Furthermore, he is frequently spotted hitting the greens with his celebrity friend group, known as the Wooga squad, making golf a popular activity among their friends.
BTS V
Another Wooga squad member, BTS V (Kim Taehyung), has recently taken a keen interest in golf. While he initially started playing to make his dad’s wish come true, to go golfing with him, BTS V now appears to be a true golf lover himself. The Korean idol is frequently seen visiting various golf courses across the world, despite his hectic schedule and work-related travels. 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 ecstatic when Danielle fondly assessed V’s golf swing as “little bro at 100” in answer to ARMY’s (BTS’s devoted fanbase) questions. V has also personalised his golfing experience by having a custom-made golf club with his name ‘V’ clearly imprinted on it.
Choi Woo-shik
Our Beloved Summer actor Choi Woo-shik is another cherished member of the Wooga squad. Like his friends Park Seo-joon and Taehyung, he’s also a regular visitor to golf courses. Their shared passion for the sport often leads them to enjoy delightful moments together on the greens, which they happily share with fans online.
Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin
Before their fairytale wedding, the fan-favourite Korean celebrity couple, BinJin often picked golf as a favourite hobby for their dates. Their enthusiasm for the sport continued to their honeymoon in the United States, where they were photographed playing golf together.
In July 2021, a few months after confirming their relationship, the Crash Landing On You stars were seen bonding over golf, this time while shopping for sports equipment. What’s remarkable is that the actress, Son Ye Jin, had no prior interest in golf. Despite her efforts to learn the sport at the age of 20, she opted against pursuing it further. However, according to reports, Hyun Bin‘s passion for golf renewed Son Ye Jin’s interest in the sport, which has since become a favourite activity for the couple. It’s also mirrored in Son Ye-jin’s comeback K-drama, Thirty-Nine, in which her character is portrayed as an avid golfer who is planning a trip to the United States to enhance her talents.
BTS Jin
A maestro at both tennis and skiing, BTS’ oldest member Kim Seokjin aka Jin is quite the athlete. It’s no surprise, then, that he has also taken a liking to golfing. Although he is not a pro athlete, Jin showcases decent form and swing techniques in the few clips he has shared online. It’s evident that he values fun and enjoyment over strict technicalities when it comes to the sport, allowing fans to admire his laid-back and positive approach to the game. In 2022, He went golfing with actor friend Lee Sang-yeob wearing matching red Nike shoes.
TWICE Jihyo
In 2022, TWICE’s Jihyo spoke with GQ Korea about her newfound love of golf, her competitive mentality, TWICE‘s triumphs, and more. Jihyo reflected on the progress she has made in golf, and admitted that while her passion for the sport has increased over time, she misses the simplicity of when she first started. She said, “I can’t say it’s deep now either, but at the very start, it was only fun. If I just hit the ball mildly well and it made a sound, I thought, ‘what is this? It’s so fun.’ Now that I’m starting to play properly, I’ve developed bad habits and I get angry when I can’t hit the ball well.” Laughing, Jihyo added, “I think my personality is starting to worsen.” TWICE has even modelled for the golfwear brand Pearly Gates.
Park Min-young
Park Min-young, a famous South Korean actress best known for her performances in hit dramas such as What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim and Love in Contract, is not only a talented actress but also an ardent golfer. She often expresses her enthusiasm for the sport both on and off-screen, publishing photographs and videos of herself playing golf on her Instagram account.
Interestingly enough, rumours spread that Park Min-young and her co-star Park Seo-joon from What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim were dating at the time, with golf being one of their common interests. The suspicion arose after Park Seo Joon disclosed in an interview with Elle Korea that he had lately picked up the sport. Many assumed that Park Min-young taught him how to golf, which fueled the relationship rumours.
Super Junior’s Siwon
Choi Siwon, the visual member of Super Junior, is admired for wisely choosing to spend his free time on the golf course. Perhaps Siwon’s image of elegance and sophistication explains why he is an avid golfer, as golf is frequently associated with luxury and refinement. Siwon, a member of the famed K-pop group Super Junior, is well-known for both his musical abilities and his passion for golf. As a longtime fan of the sport who often includes it in his roster of leisure activities, Siwon boasts an elegant swing that he maintains with his competitive personality.
Girls’ Generation’s Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung
Hyoyeon, Yuri, and Sooyoung of the popular trio of the K-pop girl group Girls’ Generation developed a shared passion for teeing off on the fairway in their spare time.
Hyoyeon is considered the most devoted of the trio, incorporating golf into both her training routine and leisure activities. She first became linked with the sport when promoting French golf clothing line Le Coq Golf. Hyoyeon regularly shares pictures and videos on social media, allowing followers to see her remarkable swing and unwavering enthusiasm for golf.
Yuri began her golfing journey in 2020 and has since made significant progress in honing her talents. She takes pleasure in the sport’s soothing and sociable qualities, frequently joining friends and fellow celebrities such as Sooyoung and Hyoyeon for fun rounds on the course. Yuri endorses the golf brand TaylorMade.
Similarly, Sooyoung has lately taken up golf and enjoys it for its leisurely and social aspects. Joining her bandmates Hyoyeon and Yuri on golf outings has evidently become hobby of hers, with the three routinely showcasing their friendship and fun-filled moments on social media.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie
In a 2022 interview with W Korea, BLACKPINK member Jennie said that she has taken up a new hobby: golfing. When asked if she was interested in learning any other sports outside golf, Jennie stated that she planned to focus more on perfecting golf. Despite her declaration, there has been no following update on her progress in the sport.
Park Shin-hye
Next on the list of Korean celebrities who enjoy playing golf is Park Shin-hye. Shin-hye, who is known for her versatility and brilliance in the entertainment business, has discovered delight in the serene yet exhilarating sport of golf.
She became the brand ambassador for Castelbajac Golfwear in 2021, cementing her ties to the golfing community. As the brand’s face, she brings her distinct charm and flair to the world of golf apparel, demonstrating her elegance on and off the course.
Lee Jung-jin
Lee Jung-jin, who is known for his performances in K-dramas like Love Story in Harvard and The King: Eternal Monarch, is another Korean celebrity who enjoys golfing. He is frequently seen participating in celebrity golf tournaments and charity events, where he not only exhibits his talent but also helps to raise funds for great causes.
Lee Yong-dae
Lee Yong-dae is widely recognised as a retired professional badminton player, but what many people don’t know is that he is also a passionate golfer. His athleticism and precision, which benefited him well on the badminton court, translate perfectly onto the golf course. Lee Yong-dae has devoted more time to golf since retiring from professional badminton, frequently posting 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 so many K-pop stars take it up a hobby.
– Do BTS members play golf?
Yes, BTS members Jin and V often play golf.
– How many BTS members play golf?
As of now, we know two BTS members — Jin and V play golf.
Source: Prestige Online
