Choi Bo-min Expands Global Footprint with Lead Role in Philippine Drama 'Beauty Empire'

Hwang Sujin Reporter

hwang075609@gmail.com | 2025-06-20 08:55:03

SEOUL, South Korea – K-pop idol and actor Choi Bo-min is set to broaden his international appeal with a confirmed role in the highly anticipated Philippine drama, "Beauty Empire," marking a significant step in his burgeoning global career. The series premiered on June 16 via Viu, Asia's leading pan-regional over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, and is also slated for broadcast on July 7 on GMA, the Philippines' largest terrestrial television network.

Choi Bo-min, a member of the popular boy group Golden Child, will portray Alex Jang, a Korean-Filipino businessman, in "Beauty Empire." The drama is set in 2025 and delves into the cutthroat world of the beauty industry, a colossal market spanning both the Philippines and South Korea. The narrative revolves around various social media influencers, beauty brand founders, and live commerce vendors, exploring the intense competition and conflicts inherent in the pursuit of beauty. Alex Jang is characterized by his composed demeanor and quick wit. He shows interest in Noreen Alfonso, the protagonist played by top Filipino actress Barbie Forteza, and becomes a supportive figure, all while maintaining an air of mystery amidst the fierce power struggles within the beauty sector.

This casting is particularly notable as it places Choi Bo-min alongside prominent Filipino stars such as Barbie Forteza, often referred to as GMA's "Primetime Princess," and Kyline Alcantara, a rising icon among the MZ generation who has also served as an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism in the Philippines, boasting over 19 million followers across her social media platforms. His participation underscores his growing international popularity, a testament to his versatile talents in both singing and acting, solidifying his position as a key figure in the next wave of the Hallyu (Korean Wave) phenomenon. "Beauty Empire" is described as a revenge drama that promises to deliver an insider look into the local beauty industry while inspiring viewers to redefine their own beauty standards, tackling themes of murder mystery, love for family, and revenge. Principal photography for the series began in May 2025, with pivotal scenes filmed in South Korea.

Choi Bo-min's role in "Beauty Empire" is expected to showcase his refined acting skills, honed over years of dedicated training and diverse experiences. His performance is anticipated to captivate Filipino audiences and further establish his presence among international viewers. Viu, where "Beauty Empire" first launched, is a significant OTT player, particularly dominant in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, with a strong emphasis on Korean content.

Beyond his drama endeavors, Choi Bo-min is also making his silver screen debut with the film "Ghost Train," set to be released on July 2. In this horror movie, he takes on the role of Woojin, a YouTube company PD. His potential as an actor was recognized even before the film's release when he received the AAA Potential Award at "The 9th Asia Artist Awards," held in Bangkok, Thailand, on December 27, 2024.

Choi Bo-min first debuted as a member of the boy group Golden Child on August 28, 2017. He ventured into acting in 2019 with the Playlist web drama "A-TEEN 2." Following this, he earned critical acclaim for his performances in television dramas such as tvN's "Melting Me Softly," JTBC's "18 Again," and his first lead role in the KakaoTV original "Shadow Beauty," firmly establishing himself as a formidable actor. His continuous engagement in diverse projects across various entertainment platforms signals an exciting trajectory for his career both domestically and internationally.

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