British Actors & Mixed-Race Characters in K-Dramas – Who Are They?

British Actors & Mixed-Race Characters in K-Dramas – Who Are They?

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Introduction

K-Dramas are known for their diverse storytelling, international appeal, and increasingly global casts. While most actors in Korean dramas are of Korean descent, there have been notable British actors and mixed-race characters who have played important roles in popular series. However, these appearances are often overlooked, and many British fans may not realize that their countrymen have made their mark in the world of K-Dramas.

In this article, we explore British actors who have appeared in K-Dramas, British-Korean mixed-race actors, and characters with distinctly British traits. If you’ve ever thought, “Are there any UK actors in Korean dramas?”, this guide will provide all the answers.

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1. British Actors in K-Dramas – Notable Appearances

1.1 Rice Michael (Ryas Michael) in Moving (2023)

✅ Who is he?

• Rice Michael is a British actor who made his breakthrough performance in Moving, Disney+’s critically acclaimed Korean superhero drama.
• He played Frank, a ruthless assassin working for an American organization targeting super-powered individuals.

📌 Why is this role important?

• Frank was one of the most feared characters in the series, bringing an intense Western antagonist to the show.
• His performance was widely praised for its strong presence and action sequences, making him one of the few British actors to take on a major antagonist role in a K-Drama.

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1.2 Daniel C. Kennedy in Various K-Dramas

✅ Who is he?

• Daniel C. Kennedy is an American-British actor who has had supporting roles in several Korean dramas.
• He has appeared in Vagabond (2019), Itaewon Class (2020), and Squid Game (2021).

📌 Why is he significant?

• While often cast in minor roles, Daniel frequently plays foreign businessmen, diplomats, or government officials, adding an international touch to K-Dramas.
• His role in Squid Game as one of the VIPs was particularly memorable (though controversial for its awkward English dialogue).

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2. British-Korean Mixed-Race Actors in K-Dramas

2.1 Roman (Christian Lagahit) in All of Us Are Dead (2022)

✅ Who is he?

• Roman, played by Christian Lagahit, is a British-Filipino actor based in Korea.
• He played a supporting role in All of Us Are Dead, Netflix’s viral zombie thriller.

📌 Why does this role matter?

• He is one of the few visibly mixed-race characters in a mainstream K-Drama.
• His casting reflects Korea’s evolving approach to diversity in storytelling.

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3. K-Drama Characters with British Traits

Some characters in K-Dramas may not be played by British actors but are portrayed as having British influences, accents, or backgrounds.

3.1 Gong Yoo’s ‘Goblin’ Character’s British Influence (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, 2016)

✅ Why is it relevant?

• In Goblin, Gong Yoo’s character is seen wearing traditional British trench coats (often from Burberry).
• The drama’s aesthetic and cinematography take inspiration from European landscapes, with Canada standing in for old British-style buildings.

📌 Why does this matter?

• It reflects how British culture is sometimes woven into K-Dramas through fashion, cinematography, and set design.

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4. The Future of British Representation in K-Dramas

✅ With the growing international popularity of K-Dramas, there is potential for more British actors and mixed-race characters to appear in future series.

✅ K-Dramas like Squid Game, Pachinko, and Moving have already expanded their international cast selection.

✅ The increasing number of Western-Korean collaborations may lead to more British actors securing prominent roles in K-Dramas.

📌 What to Watch Next:

• Keep an eye on upcoming global projects like Netflix’s next K-Drama collaborations, which are likely to feature international actors.

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Conclusion

British actors and British-influenced characters are slowly making their way into the world of K-Dramas. While not yet mainstream, their presence is growing, with actors like Rice Michael and Daniel C. Kennedy leading the way.

As K-Dramas continue to expand their global reach, we can expect more diverse casting, international collaborations, and even British-Korean co-productions in the future. Whether you’re a British K-Drama fan or simply curious about cross-cultural storytelling, the UK’s influence on K-Dramas is a fascinating trend to watch.

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