Da Nang-born actor makes mark in S.Korean cinema

Vietnamese voice in K-drama

As South Korean dramas continue to dominate global streaming platforms, a brief line spoken in Vietnamese has resonated deeply with audiences back home. The words “xin cảm ơn” ( thank you) delivered in a recent Korean series on Netflix, carried particular emotional weight.

The voice belonged to Le Anh Ton, a young actor from Da Nang who is steadily building a career in South Korea’s highly competitive entertainment industry.

The moment appeared in The Dream Life of Mr. Kim (2025), a drama that topped viewership rankings in South Korea upon release. In a short exchange, actress Jung Eun Chae speaks Vietnamese, and Le responds in his native language.

Though fleeting, the scene struck a chord with Vietnamese viewers, who rarely hear their mother tongue woven naturally into mainstream South Korean productions.

It was not his first appearance on Korean television. In 2019, Ton had a small role in the historical epic Arthdal Chronicles, which featured leading South Korean stars including Song Joong Ki and Jang Dong Gun.

He later recalled being the only foreign actor in his segment, communicating confidently in Korean with cast and crew. Filming lasted four days and three nights with minimal rest, a demanding schedule that tested both stamina and professionalism.

“It was exhausting but unforgettable. What mattered most was showing the dedication and work ethic of a Vietnamese actor,” Ton said.

In an industry known for rigorous standards, Le Anh Ton’s journey reflects persistence, adaptability and quiet ambition. From Da Nang to Seoul, he is not only pursuing personal dreams, but also bringing a touch of Vietnam to one of Asia’s most influential screens.

Promoting Vietnam through small yet meaningful steps

Few would have predicted that Le Anh Ton’s path would lead to the screen. Before entering the arts, the Da Nang native followed a distinguished academic trajectory.

A former physics major at Da Nang’s Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, he graduated top of his class in Embedded Systems from the University of Science and Technology under the University of Da Nang, and was invited to remain as a faculty member.

He later earned a scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in Telecommunications in South Korea, with plans to become a university lecturer.

Yet after completing his graduate studies, Ton chose a different direction. He spent nearly a year improving his language skills, researching the entertainment industry and submitting audition applications.

“Sometimes I sent hundreds of emails without receiving a single reply,” he recalled. South Korea’s entertainment sector largely prioritizes native actors, leaving limited opportunities for performers from Southeast Asia.

Ton began with background and supporting roles, steadily building experience in a demanding professional environment. Over time, he secured appearances in television projects such as Miss Hammurabi, Voice 3, and Taxi Driver 2. To date, he has participated in around 60 film and television productions in South Korea.

For Ton, the journey is not only about career advancement, but also about representation. “My responsibility is to portray characters objectively, so audiences can empathize, even if the role lasts only a few minutes or seconds,” he said.

Whenever possible, he discusses Vietnamese cultural details with directors and production teams to ensure that characters and contexts are depicted accurately and positively. In his view, that is part of working responsibly as a foreign actor.

Recently, Ton has expanded into digital content creation, using online platforms to introduce Vietnamese culture in more accessible ways. “It motivates me to keep going,” he said.

Each role is an opportunity to present a thoughtful, professional image of Vietnam abroad. His story reflects a generation of young Vietnamese quietly contributing to the country’s cultural presence on the global stage, through persistence, discipline and dedication to their craft.

Translated by THƯ LÊ