The People Who’ve Stolen My Watchlist and My Heart

Let’s get one thing clear: this isn’t some random list pulled from a trending article or a YouTube rabbit hole. No, these names have earned their place here through the sacred ritual of me watching at least three of their performances—and probably spiraling into a full-blown binge after that.

These are the faces I look for in a cast list like a detective on a case. The ones who’ve made me cry into my snacks, laugh out loud alone like a weirdo, or just sit there in awe, whispering “who is this??” like it’s the first time I’ve seen acting done right.

They’re not just talented. They’ve got range, charisma, and that unteachable “you can’t look away” energy that makes even mediocre scripts feel like cinematic gold. You’ll see a mix of genre chameleons, low-key legends, and a few scene-stealers who should honestly be getting way more international love.

This isn’t some all-time, critically-ranked hall of fame. This is personal. It’s based purely on performances I’ve actually watched, digested, and probably rewatched at 2AM because I was emotionally unprepared the first time. So if someone iconic is missing, chances are I just haven’t gotten around to them yet (blame the ever-expanding watchlist, not me).

So here it is—a very personal roll call of the Asian actors who’ve quietly (and not-so-quietly) taken up residence in my brain. If you've seen them too, you'll get it. And if you haven't? Well, lucky you. You’ve got some seriously good viewing ahead.

(in alphabetical order)

A-J Dec 29, 2017
103 People Loves Report
Sort By: Alphabetical Order
  • Zhang Yu Xi

    Chinese

    “Zhang Yu Xi: The Siren of Sweet Looks and Savage Energy”

    Zhang Yu Xi (or Yukee Zhang, if we’re getting international about it) is that rare brand of actress who looks like a porcelain doll but acts like she absolutely knows where the bodies are buried — and probably buried them herself with perfect nails and zero regrets.

    At first glance, you think, oh cute, here comes the soft-spoken romantic lead. Nope. Wrong. She flips the script with that razor-sharp stare and vibe that says “I will crush your heart, but I’ll do it elegantly.” And that duality? Chef’s kiss.

    In dramas like Love at Night, she’s got this dangerously addictive energy — soft yet commanding, elegant yet unbothered, sweet but never naive. She doesn’t just play love interests. She plays women who choose love (or don’t), and that little distinction makes all the difference.

    And let’s talk chemistry — she could probably generate tension with a bookshelf. Whether she’s going toe-to-toe with a cold CEO or a mystery man with 12 identities, she somehow makes every look, pause, and smirk feel like it’s packed with subtext and secrets. She’s not just holding her own — she’s running the show, even if the show doesn’t realize it yet.

    Also, real talk? She serves looks. The fashion, the makeup, the effortlessly chic chaos she radiates on- and off-screen? It’s an aesthetic lifestyle brand waiting to happen.

    Zhang Yu Xi is not just rising — she’s levitating. And anyone sleeping on her is about to get left behind.

  • Zhao Lu Si

    Chinese

    "Zhao Lu Si: The Adorable Anomaly Who’s Singlehandedly Weaponized Cuteness"

    What is it with Zhao Lu Si? She walks into a scene — all sunshine, dimples, and high-speed banter — and within minutes, you’re grinning like an idiot and wondering why this tiny, chaotic creature suddenly owns your entire emotional bandwidth.

    She’s not just cute. She’s lethal-level cute. The kind that disarms you before you even know you’re in danger. But what makes her so magnetic isn’t just the fluffy rom-com energy — it’s that she knows exactly what she’s doing. Underneath all that bubbly charm is razor-sharp timing, instinctual acting, and the kind of emotional nuance that catches you off guard.

    One moment, she’s doing slapstick comedy like she was born in a sitcom. The next, she’s staring down heartbreak with a tear-streaked face and a monologue that rips you in two. And the best part? She makes the switch feel effortless. That’s not just talent — that’s range in disguise.

    Zhao Lu Si doesn’t force her presence. She makes you lean in. She gives her characters heart, grit, and a little mischief — like she knows she’s too adorable to be stopped, and she’s having a blast with it. And honestly? So are we.

    She’s not just the cute lead in your latest binge. She’s the reason you binged it.

  • Zo In Sung

    South Korean

    “Jo In Sung: The Tall Drink of Water Who Acts Like a Thunderstorm in a Suit”

    Jo In Sung is one of those rare creatures who walks into a scene and makes the air pressure change. Like, your living room gets quieter. Your posture improves. The man carries drama like it's tailored to his six-foot-something frame — and yes, he wears it well.

    Here’s the thing: he’s not just handsome. He’s aristocratic, but in that messy, moody, “I have deep emotional wounds but also perfect cheekbones” kind of way. Watching him on screen is like watching the sea during a storm — elegant, overwhelming, and a little bit dangerous. You don’t just watch him act. You brace yourself.

    He’s built his career on soul-splitting roles — It’s Okay, That’s Love, That Winter, The Wind Blows, Moving — all proof that he doesn’t shy away from characters who are broken, brilliant, or borderline tragic. And yet, there’s always this sliver of warmth just under the surface. You know he could ruin you, but you’re still ready to hand over your heart with a bow on it.

    And offscreen? Oh, he’s chaos. The dry wit. The boyish charm. That laugh. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, which makes the serious roles hit even harder. It’s unfair, really — like he took the acting talent, the looks, and the ability to go viral just by breathing.

    Jo In Sung is a whole era. An emotional heavyweight with face card supremacy and that subtle vulnerability that turns a crush into a full-blown identity crisis.

A-J's Lists

Trending