Actors turn singers as Shin Hyun-joon, Byeon Woo-seok join performers’ rights body

▲ These photos of actors Shin Hyun-joon (L) and Byeon Woo-seok is provided by the Korea Music Performers Association. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- The Korea Music Performers Association said Wednesday that several well-known actors, including Shin Hyun-joon and Byeon Woo-seok, have newly joined the organization as members.

The association said that as original soundtracks from dramas and films are consumed across borders through global online streaming platforms, greater attention has been paid to the roles and rights of actors who directly perform songs featured in the productions.

“Songs performed by actors, once regarded simply as a directing element, are now functioning as independent music content,” the association said. “Actors are increasingly recognizing themselves not only as performers in front of the camera but also as music performers.”

Shin Hyun-joon released the song “Embracing You 2025” last year with fellow actor Jung Joon-ho.

Byeon Woo-seok, who played a top star in the 2024 hit drama Lovely Runner, also sang an OST track for the series.

Other actors, including Chu Young-woo, Lee Sun-bin, Jung Hae-in, Kim Min-seok and Shin Si-a, have joined the association after performing songs in dramas and films.

Kim Seung-min, executive director of the association, said the global popularity of K-dramas and films has boosted the influence of OSTs.

“Songs performed by actors are no longer just supplementary elements but stand-alone content and an area of rights that deserve protection,” he said. “The expansion of our membership spectrum clearly reflects changes in the industry environment.”

Actors who join the association can regularly receive neighboring rights royalties and broadcasting compensation fees for OSTs, insert songs and theme songs they have performed, without having to manage them individually, the association said.

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