Some K-pop idols don’t just steal hearts with their talent—they also have that special “big puppy” energy. Whether it’s their playful nature, warm smiles, or affectionate personalities, these stars remind fans of lovable puppies in the best way. Here are seven Korean celebrities who embody the adorable, giant puppy vibe.
1. BTS’ Jin
BTS’ Jin has the charm of a playful golden retriever. His broad shoulders and intelligent eyes give him a regal look, but his personality is anything but serious. As the oldest in BTS, many expect him to be mature and responsible, but he also loves to joke around like the youngest member. He’s known for making dad jokes, pulling funny faces, and teasing his groupmates most affectionately.
Jin’s warmth shines in everything he does. He treats his fans with genuine kindness, often engaging with them through Weverse and social media. His puppy-like nature is even more obvious when he’s around actual dogs. In every photo with animals, he somehow ends up looking just as adorable as them.
Beyond his playful side, Jin is an incredibly talented artist. His vocals are praised for their clarity and emotional depth, and his solo songs like Epiphany and Abyss showcase his ability to touch hearts. His love for cooking, fishing, and gaming adds even more to his relatable and fun-loving personality. Fans recently voted him as the top “puppy-faced” male celebrity, proving just how much people adore his mix of handsomeness and soft energy.
2. Lee Jun-hyuk
Lee Jun-hyuk has the perfect mix of reliability and playfulness. Whether on-screen or in real life, he carries a warm and dependable aura that fans love. He became well-known for his role in Love Scout, where he played a kindhearted secretary who always put others before himself. His ability to bring sincerity to every role has made him a standout in the Korean entertainment industry.
What makes him even more lovable is his everyday charm. He has a serious, professional look, but once he smiles, he transforms into the ultimate puppy. His fans even call him their “Milky Vanilla Angel” because of his soft and sweet personality. He has a well-known love for snacks like nachos, chips, and popcorn, making him even more relatable to his followers.
Despite his calm and steady image, Lee Jun-hyuk knows how to have fun. His interviews often show a playful side, joking with co-stars and sharing funny behind-the-scenes moments. His personality makes him a favorite both on and off-screen.
3. Park Bo-gum
Park Bo-gum is a mix of small-dog cuteness and big-dog energy. He has an innocent, almost puppy-like face, but his strong build and tall height remind fans that he’s not as fragile as he looks. His warm, radiant smile and expressive eyes make him one of the most beloved actors in Korea.
Bo-gum gained recognition through roles in Reply 1988 and Love in the Moonlight, where he showed both sensitivity and strength. He has an impressive ability to make every character feel real, which is why his performances are so moving. Fans adore how he brings out different layers in every role, whether he’s playing a reserved genius or a playful prince.
Outside of acting, Bo-gum is known for his friendly and humble nature. He treats fans and staff with respect, always greeting people with a bright smile. He’s also incredibly supportive of his fellow actors and idols, often cheering them on through social media.
This year, he’s set to star in When Life Gives You Tangerines, a drama alongside IU. Fans are excited to see him in a new light, proving once again why he’s one of the most adored stars in Korea.
4. RIIZE’s Sungchan
Sungchan, the rising star from RIIZE, is quickly winning over fans with his bright personality and boy-next-door charm. His warm smile and friendly nature make him instantly likable. There’s something about the way he interacts with fans that feels natural and genuine, making him one of the most approachable idols in the industry.
Before joining RIIZE, Sungchan was part of NCT, where he showcased his powerful rap skills and stage presence. Despite his tall frame, his personality is pure golden retriever—playful, affectionate, and always eager to make people smile. Fans love how he effortlessly switches between a charismatic performer on stage and an endearing goofball off-stage.
Sungchan’s journey in K-pop has only just begun, but he’s already leaving a strong impression. His easygoing nature and ability to make people feel comfortable set him apart. Whether he’s laughing at his jokes, teasing his members, or flashing his signature grin, he exudes the kind of warmth that makes people feel at home.
5. Stray Kids’ Seungmin
Seungmin from Stray Kids has always been known for his puppy-like charm. His soft features, bright eyes, and infectious laughter make him one of the most lovable idols in the industry. Fans often compare him to a golden retriever—not just because of his looks, but also because of his affectionate and slightly mischievous nature.
Beyond his playful personality, Seungmin is an incredibly talented vocalist. His smooth and emotional voice adds depth to Stray Kids’ music, making each song even more powerful. Despite his skill, he never takes himself too seriously. He loves cracking jokes, playfully annoying his members, and creating a fun atmosphere wherever he goes.
Seungmin also has a habit of showing his love in the most subtle ways. Whether it’s quietly looking after his teammates or offering words of encouragement, his thoughtful nature never goes unnoticed. His ability to be both playful and deeply caring makes him one of the most endearing members of Stray Kids.
6. EXO’s Chanyeol
Chanyeol from EXO is the definition of “big puppy energy.” Standing at over 6 feet tall, he towers over most of his members, but his personality is pure sunshine. He’s always full of energy, loves making people laugh, and has a heart as big as his smile.
On stage, Chanyeol is a charismatic rapper, musician, and performer. His deep voice and powerful presence make him one of EXO’s standout members. But the moment he steps off stage, he transforms into the playful, fun-loving guy fans adore. His members often tease him for being loud and hyper, but that’s exactly what makes him so lovable.
Chanyeol’s warmth extends beyond just his group. He’s known for being one of the most social idols, always making friends with fellow artists and industry professionals. Whether he’s sharing a goofy moment with his bandmates or showing his deep love for music, he carries that easygoing, friendly vibe that makes everyone feel comfortable around him.
7. Yoo Yeon-Seok
Yoo Yeon-Seok has a charm that feels both warm and familiar. His broad shoulders, gentle smile, and kind personality make him one of the most lovable actors in Korea. He first caught attention in Reply 1994, playing a talented baseball player with a soft heart. His performance made him a fan favorite, and his career grew from there.
In Dr. Romantic, he played Kang Dong-joo, a passionate doctor striving to prove himself. His character was driven, sometimes stubborn, but always full of heart. He balanced confidence with vulnerability, making viewers root for him. His ability to portray deep emotions without overdoing it set him apart.
His roles continued to show different sides of him. In Hospital Playlist, he played Ahn Jeong-won, a pediatric surgeon with a heart of gold. His character was deeply caring, always putting his patients first. Off-screen, Yoo Yeon-seok is just as warm. He adopted a rescue dog, Rita, showing his love for animals.
Most recently, he gained global recognition for A Bloody Lucky Day and When the Phone Rings, where he played intense yet dependable characters. Whether in dramas or real life, he gives off the same energy—a loyal, affectionate, and kindhearted presence. He’s like a big, lovable puppy, and fans can’t get enough.
These idols may be global superstars, but their playful, affectionate, and warmhearted personalities make them feel like the ultimate “big puppy” type. Whether they’re flashing bright smiles, teasing their members, or showing their soft side, they have a special charm that fans can’t resist.
Who’s your favorite idol with “big puppy energy”?
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
