Bitch Talk: BoD’s Top Ahjussi Deuteragonists of 2021

Vocabulary of the Day! Deuteragonist = sidekick or supporting character

It comes from the word “deuter” (meaning “second”) and “agonist” (meaning “participant”).

This category is new for this blog. @Growing_Beautifully suggested that we have an appreciation post for ahjussi actors like Lee Seung Joon and Oh Jung Se. I thought that was a great idea since we often take their contribution lightly.

True, their role is to recede in the background when the main characters enter the scene. But I consider them the “salt of the earth.  They’re valuable to the story because they can move the plot forward, create conflict and intrigue, and enhance the heroic characteristics of the principal players. And they do all that, without demanding to be the center of the drama-universe, or an exorbitant actor’s fee.

Hurray for these ahjussi deuteragonists!

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Here are my top four.

1. Lee Seung Jun

Born: February 11, 1973
Age: 48
Debut: 1999
Years in showbiz: 22 years

I first saw on “Memories of the Alhambra,” and I never forgot his face after that. It was a pleasant surprise to see his cameo on “Doom at Your Service” earlier this year, and the recently concluded “Happiness.”

Fun fact: He and Yoo Jae Suk (“Running Man”) were best friends in high school.

2. Oh Jung Se

Born: February 26, 1977
Age: 44
Debut: 1997
Years in showbiz: 24 years

Top Tweets for #OhJungSe on Twitter. - TwStalker

I could still remember him in “When the Camellia Blooms.” He was the loser of a husband flirting with a younger woman. He sucked at infidelity and was being blackmailed for something he didn’t even commit. His breakout drama, however, was “It’s Okay to Be Psycho” where he played the autistic Hyung of Kim SooHyun.

Fun facts: He married his childhood sweetheart. He has prosopagnosia (or inability to recognize faces) and he couldn’t even recognize his own kids. Gasp!

Maybe, I’ll join you in “Uncle,” @GB.

3. Kim Gab Soo

Born: April 7, 1957
Age: 64
Debut: 1977
Years in showbiz: 44 years

If there’s anything nice that came out of “Hospital Series,” it would be this man.

#chief of staff from The Untamed

His cameo in “Jirisan” surprised me. I replayed the scene where he played the father of the comatose male lead because I was delighted to see him again. It gave me a warm feeling, like I was meeting a familiar stranger on the street.

Fun fact: According to “Entertainment Weekly” feature on him, his character often died early in the series, that in “Mr Sunshine,” he kept asking the director, “How will I die? When will I die?” because he wanted to mentally prepare for his death.

4. Kim Won Hae

Born: May 21, 1969
Age: 52
Debut: 1991
Years in showbiz: 30

Scene Stealer - Kim Won Hae

He’s a professional “Scene Stealer.” He has a knack of making his ordinary character memorably absurd. I wouldn’t be surprised if the director just hands him the script (for formality’s sake), and he adlibs everything.

He was funny in this year’s “Monthly Magazine Home,” and in last year’s “Start Up.” But nothing could beat his comedy in the 2017 “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.” He played both the bully manager and the mafia sidekick.

My runners-up:

1. Jo Woo Jin

As LtCol Han Tae Suk, he was listed as a main character in “Happiness.” I think he was one of many supporting cast members who made this drama enjoyable to watch.

#tvn happiness from bittergloss#tvn happiness from bittergloss#tvn happiness from bitterglosscredit: bittergloss’ tumblr

The reason he didn’t place in my top four is because I must test whether I can tell him and Kim Byung Chul apart. They both look alike to me.

2. Kim Byung Chul

He’s good at portraying sinister men. “Sisyphus,” “Pegasus Market,” and “Goblin” were three of the dramas I associate with him. I want to see him play warm and fuzzy.

#Σ from Ἀποκάλυψις means revelation#Σ from Ἀποκάλυψις means revelation#Σ from Ἀποκάλυψις means revelationcredit: apokalypsiaa’s tumblr

3. Kim Eui Sung

Who can forget him from “W”? He sounds like a jerk in real life, though.

#Memories of the Alhambra from always late to the partycredit: kakuusei’s tumblr

4. Sung Dong Il

To me, he’s over-exposed so I didn’t include him on my Top Four. He’s always playing a tsundere ahjussi: grumpy on the outside but softie inside.

Jirisan” Writer Introduces Supporting Cast Members Sung Dong Il, Go Min Si, Oh Jung Se, And More | Soompi

5. Kim Kwang Gyu

I recognize him for his baldness. If he put on a toupee, I wouldn’t be able to identify him on a police lineup.

Kim Kwang-kyu — The Movie Database (TMDB)

Case in point: Lovers of the Red Sky. Because of the head covering, I only recognized him after the show was over. lol.

Meet the Supporting Characters in Upcoming Drama 'Lovers of the Red Sky' | KDramaStars

6. Woo Hyun

He always plays this feisty old man.

#kdrama from drama foxxcredit: dramafoxx’ tumblr

7. Jo Han Chul

He was in “Hometown Cha Cha Cha” and “Jirisan” and in my opinion, he overacted in both. He looks like the guy who must make a grand entrance with a booming, “Yah!!!” I wish to see him mute his voice.

Jirisan” Writer Introduces Supporting Cast Members Sung Dong Il, Go Min Si, Oh Jung Se, And More | Soompi

8. Kim Sang Ho

Another bald ahjussi but I would recognize this man’s face anywhere because he looks like the hobo version of Mr. Miyagi from “Karate Kid.”

He’s also one of those actors who consistently die before the final episode, feeling remorseful about a betrayal or deception he committed.

#netflix kingdom from ju ji hooncredit: jujihoon’s tumblr

Did I miss your favorite ahjussi deuteragonists?

Blacklisted:
Kim Young Gun (76 years old) because of his scandal

46 Comments On “Bitch Talk: BoD’s Top Ahjussi Deuteragonists of 2021”

  1. What no ahjummas? 😢

  2. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    Wow @pkml3 how lovely! Thanks for taking me up on that little suggestion LOL. Actually I wasn’t only thinking of deuteragonists but all actors in the ahjusshi age range (40s-50s). In fact the great guys who play the very important second fiddle also now and then play lead roles so I’ll just list whomever comes to mind.

    I’ve in fact just watched the movie, Seobok (2021) and Jo Woo Jin was in it as well with Gong Yoo and Park Bo Gum. He was the same and yet different from his Han Tae Suk character in Happiness.

    Your top faves are about the same as mine. Just some honourable mentions from off the top of my head and I must head off to sleep.

    Ahn Nae Sang (56) – who plays many dads with a pained expression LOL and also priests who might be evil *sigh*.

    Lee Won Jong (55) – the large, usually affable guy.

    Jo Hee Bong (50) – he’s the 2nd councilor in The Red Sleeve.

    Park Sang Myun (53) – the nice dad of Chae Young Shin, and sometimes plays a bad guy, but he’s somehow not convicing as a baddie.

    Ahn Kil Kang (55) – he’s usually the good guy and still manages to play the role of a dashing love interest.

    Uhm Hyo Sub (55) – he is usually the not so good guy, poor chap.

    Park Sung Geun (50) – a grey character in Stranger

    Yoo Jae Myung (48) – another morally grey/black character in Stranger. He played that role with such gravitas.

    Jang Hyun Sung (51) – he’s in so many shows and gives off a comfortable vibe. Don’t know if he played any bad guy roles but that would have been a surprise.

    Mostly leading men:
    Gong Yoo (42) – he’s just good and dashing in every role, even when dirty and unkempt.

    Jo Seung Woo (41) (Sisyphus: the Myth) – very watchable.

    Lee Dong Wook (40) – he’s gotten better.

    Jo Jin Woong (45) – loved him in Signal.

  3. Old American Lady (OAL)

    @pm3 and @GB, what a great idea. And @Fern I vote for ahjummas too. These actors add so much color to these dramas. I love Oh Jung Se. I started watching Uncle,- he’s another actor who rocks facial hair. He’s a lead here and does funny and tragic. I love that he can stretch with such ease. There are others who I’ll comment on later but Mr. Oh is my particular favorite.

  4. Yoo Ji Tae – if he’s old enough to be considered an ahjussi. He was so good in Healer.

    Woo Hyun was in Healer as well, as the ex-con restaurant worker.

    In Dali and Cocky Prince, Park Sang-myun played an evil elected official. But he played the wonderful adoptive dad and lawyer in Healer, so quite a range.

  5. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    Hello my dear @Fern, yes, Yoo Ji Tae. He’s interesting to watch.

    LOL Woo Hyun always has the right face for the ex-con or the loan shark.

    Yes, we must not forget the gals. I think we can slowly go through several lists of actors/artistes who’ve graced our screens and come to our attention (for better or worse!) both guys and gals and of all ages. 🙂

  6. @Fern and @GB – Yoo Ji Tae is my top dueteragonist! He was the first to come in my mind. He is always part of main cast but support role. He is kinda fresh to us given our Healer rewatch. I also loved him in Mad Dog!

    The other one Kim Joo Hun – he was Dalmi’s dad in Start Up, the other guy in DOdosol, talent manager in Psycho it’s ok, a hyung in Now we are Breaking Up.

    Thanks for this list @PM3! You’re right, everytime we see these ahjussis in supporting roles, it’s like seeing a familiar face. I love your top 4 especially Kim won Hae. He nails his roles well that he is always noticeable and memorable even if he has only 1 scene as a taxi driver (noticed him in DAYS). I heard he is the hardest working actor appearing in many simultaneous kdramas!

  7. Old American Lady (OAL)

    Hi @Janey, I think of Yoo Ji Tae as a lead but he has done a lot of supporting and ensemble roles. On a superficial note, he is so handsome and may I say, sexy. He is also tall. In his personal life, he is happily married and the father of two. He is also getting a social work degree because he is very charitable. I last saw him play opposite another of my favorites, Lee Bo Young, in When My Love Blooms and will be in the Korean version of Money Heist on Netflix. He and Bo Young were great together(two happily married to others actors ). Anyway, I’ve gone on too long. Chalk it up 5o unbridled enthusiasm.

  8. @Janey, I like Kim Joo Hun. For a while he seemed to be in every other drama I saw.

  9. Oh my! This list is totally spot on! They are the best deuteragonists ever! Never disappoint, always give their best and always grab me in each of their role. 😍😍😍 Thank you for listing this. 😆 3 in the runner-ups were in Mr Sunshine and 2 of them helped me got through the series, besides DongMae, obviously 🤭🤭🤭 Nevertheless, this is a solid list 👍👍👍👍

  10. Kim Chang Wan was good in a number of dramas. I really liked him as the boss in Search : www. He’s a musician, too.

  11. When I first started watching Kdramas a couple years ago, it seemed Kim Won Hae popped up in almost all of them, including a cameo as Trash’s dad in Reply 1994. Yes, he’s good at comedy, but he’s got range and I’ve been pleased with what he’s done in serious roles, such as Signal. He also did a good job of balancing humor and menace as an antagonist in this year’s One The Woman.

    Oh Jung Se also has range. He played a slimy character in Hot Stove League. I wouldn’t say his breakout role was It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, for which he won Best Supporting Actor awards, since he also won Best Supporting Actor awards for the film Swing Kids in 2019, the 2019 TV series When the Camilla Blooms, and Hot Stove League in 2021 (same year he won for PBIO). In 2020 he also won the SBS Drama Awards Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Action Drama for his role in Hot Stove League.

    I agree with not including Sung Dong Il among the top deuteragonists, since in all his roles he just seems to be playing himself. Heck, in the Reply series he plays three different fathers all bearing his own name!

    I love to hate Kim Byung Chul. He’s good at playing baddies. He did an especially notable job with his character in SKY Castle, a controlling husband and father who would have had me screaming at him through the screen (okay, I did a few times) if he hadn’t become a mockery of himself. Even with such a dislikable character, he showed a bit of humanity here and there.

    @GB, I also enjoy watching Ahn Kil Kang. He can convincingly do both good and bad characters, humorous and dramatic roles. He was a baddie in Sell Your Haunted House, but a sweetie in Tale of the Nine-Tailed.

    I don’t know why, but there don’t seem to be many good-looking, still-performing Korean actors of my age group. But one a bit older than me is Han Jin Hee, who is currently age 72. He was fun to watch as the grandfather in Record of Youth. A decade younger is Kim Eung Soo. His face is distinctive, and he can play distinguished characters, but he’s not what I’d consider handsome.

  12. How could I overlook Choi Moo Sung? Whenever I see him make an appearance in a show, I feel confident I’ll be drawn into his character, and I haven’t yet been disappointed. I’ve seen him in Reply 1988, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, Prison Playbook, Mr. Sunshine, and that fun cameo in Hospital Playlist.

  13. I like this guy

    Ahn NaeSang (fun fact – he graduated Yonsei University with a degree in Theology 😮). He was outstanding in The Light In Your Eyes. But he’s always dependable and his range is broad.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahn_Nae-sang

  14. @nrllee,

    I was going to say that I’ve never seen this actor before until I saw “Racket Boys” on his list of works.

    Are you sure he has a degree in Theology and he’s not like a Fake Pastor or something? 🤪

    I’m torn between watching drama or getting a head start on gift-wrapping. 😂 My brains say I should wrap some gifts because the tower of Amazon boxes in the guest room is on the brink of toppling. But if I don’t get a move on Uncle, Red Sleeves, and Our Beloved Summer, I won’t be able to catch up with you. 🥺

    When do y’all have time to watch kdramas?!

  15. 🙂 You made me look up this Choi Moo Sung, @Welmaris.

    He’s Taek’s Dad!

    Wasn’t he the Dad of the Weightlifting Girl, too?

    He looks like a Teddy Bear.

  16. 😂😂 Thanks, @GB.

    I’ll try to add your honorable mentions to the list, and include their pics for reference.

  17. @packmule3 that’s what Wikipedia says of him 😂. I am currently not watching anything “live”. I will wait for Red Sleeves to complete before bingeing. There’s just too much on socially to watch anything properly. I will be behind in all the dramas starting in December eg Snowdrop. Started Yumi’s cells and hope to finish it in time for the start of S2. I need rainbows and unicorns right now. Nothing heavy that would ruin festivities 😂

  18. @Fern,

    The ahjummas should get their own list.

    When I’ve time, I’ll list them. But if you want, you can go ahead and start your own list, and I’ll just add to it.

    My Christmas 🎄 obligations are sadly encroaching on my blog time. After last year’s COVID restrictions on partying, people are partying with a vengeance this season. My hubby and I have to coordinate because I absolutely detest going out every evening. Sigh. I’ve gotten used to zoom parties. Tonight, I begged off attending his party because I’ve to wrap Xmas gifts. 😂

  19. Wow this is such an interesting category..
    My top list is Oh Jung See, thanks for mentioning that he is on Uncle too.. (another drama that I should watch later..)

    If I may add one of the above great list, (but this would be based on GB’s which actors are 40s-50s in general, not sure if he’s considered to be a deuteragonist or not..)

    I would add Park Hee Soon. He played as Choi Mu Jin in My Name (the netflix drama where Han Soo Hee played as a badass girl). I don’t know why but since I first saw him in that drama.. I got star-strucked 🤩🤩lol
    Oh he would play in Dr Brain too.. since it is on apple tv I think I could watch this.. maybe sometime.. lateeer 😅

  20. @Moonstar – I’ll chime in on Choi Mu Jin to say same here! But of course, I forgot his name so thanks for the mention. I was mesmerized by how he played his role in My Name. That fight scene in ep2 (I think since I did not finish it) when he was training So Hee was a key highlight.

    @AOL – maybe I’ll get into Money Heist kdrama version since Yoo Ji Tae is there! He did great in the movie Swindlers, too. Looks like he has a stable life away from the limelight, too! It’s great to be able to get a balance like that especially in SK.

    @PM3 – I’m still practicing JOMO! No new shows for me right now, still on Happiness hangover. Next week, Family is taking vacation and hibernating near a winter beach (at least we have a good view). Good excuse to decline the frenzy of social gatherings. So I’m working like crazy to wrap up the year end until tomorrow.

  21. @MoonStar, I first saw him in The Client movie and his face stays for a long time. He is that good. Dr. Brain is just 6 ep, so it will be a quick watch trip 🤭

  22. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    Heheh! @pkml3, where do we find time to watch dramas? It helps if one already has a quiet sort of social life, works part-time and/or from home. The traveling time is eliminated, for one thing. There are up and down work periods, a lot of standby waiting times… a chance to sneak in bits of a drama with one eye on the work emails LOL.

    I believe it’s sometimes more the non-work related obligations/commitments that take up time.

    Lately for me, it’s a strange need for more sleep, earlier than before. 🙁

    Oh, before I forget yet again … another ahjusshi that I once had a crush on, is Shin Ha Kyun. He’s more in movies.

    Then there’s Lee Moon Shik, whose face just lights up the screen. And a much older ahjusshi in Kim Chang Wan (67) who is often the good natured dad or boss.

  23. @GB, Kim Chang Wan is someone who seems like he would be a fun person to work with or a good neighbor. I think it’s because he has a warm smile. Wiki says he was a “rock singer, composer, musician, actor, TV host, radio DJ, writer, and poet.” What’s not to like?

  24. @packmule3, I can appreciate you trying to avoid parties and kdramas in your effort to get your gifts wrapped. It is a bit worrying as well to read that the parties are in full force. We are dealing with the backlash of a lack of sensibility right now with over 88K new Covid cases yesterday – largely among the 20-40 year age group who are the most socially active and/or have young children who can pass it on without symptoms.

    Stay safe and well and your family, too.

  25. @Packmule, Choi Moo Sung played the head coach of the weightlifting department at the athletics college in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. He even got to have a romance arc in that drama. Come to think of it, he also had a romance arc in Reply 1988.

  26. Dear @Packmule3 and fellow B.O.D.’ers,

    I got excited when I read the world: Deuteragonist!
    Here is the greek word: Δευτεραγωνιστής.

    I have to say that my absolute favorite is: Kim Won Hae.

    I have read his bio and he is also a stand up comedian that sheds a light why he is a scene stealer. I enjoyed him in “Strong Woman Do Bong Soo”, in “Start Up” and I like him always.

    2. Yoo Ji Tae.
    I like him best for his articulation. He is the ahjussi that speaks very clearly and his intonation is the best. I have seen him in Healer and I know that he will play the Professor in the Korean adaptation of “La Casa Di Papel or Money Heist.”

    3. Oh Jung Se.
    In “It’s okay to not be okay” he was amazing as an autistic person. He studied a lot as he said and he still encompassed in his portrayal so much wisdom. He was also pretty good in Jirisan especially his wailing was pretty realistic.

    4. Jo Han Chul.
    I liked him both in Healer and in Jirisan. I haven’t seen Vincenzo yet. I have also see him a bit in Home Cha Cha Cha.

    5. Jo Woo Jin
    He is pretty good in whatever he does. I have seen him in Goblin, in Happiness and in Seobok. Although, the roles in Happiness and Seobok are pretty similar yet I just like his persona especially after that dance in Goblin. LMAO!

    Persons who I love to have on my screen.

    Sung Dong Il
    He was the baddie in “The Legend of the Blue Sea” and in “Sisyphus”.
    He was pretty good as the Chief in “Jirisan”.

    Kim Sang Ho
    I have seen him a bit in Kingdom. In L.U.C.A the Beginning and where else?

    Kim Byung Chul
    In “K2” I didn’t like him at all. After watching Hospital Playlist, he made me warm up to him.

    Woo Hyun
    He was so good in “It’s okay to not be okay” He gave our Oh Sung Te very good advice…

    Actors who are known to be in a “it’s complicated” loop:

    Kim Eui Sung
    He was a baddie in “W” and in “Memories of the Alhambra”.

    Kim Byung Chul
    I just can’t…

    As for Gong Yoo, @GB Unnie you already know my bias. He is my favorite Leading Man. I would call him Ahjussi, if I could spot him in the street. LMAO!

    I also agree with your list. Except, I haven’t watched anything with Cho Jin-Woong.

  27. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    Hi Doensaeng Cleo! What a nice long ahjusshi list you have.

    I keep forgetting someone or other each time I post and so I’m adding here, another good natured and ‘cute’ ahjusshi, Lee Moon Shik. He was in Move to Heaven.

    Also did we mention Lee Seung Jun anywhere? I like the dependable look of him. We last saw him in DAYS.

  28. @GB Unnie,

    Thank you! Yes you are right. We keep forgetting! They are so many after all!

    Now, we haven’t mentioned Lee Seung Jun, but @Packmule3 did!
    He was the general in the last episode of Happiness. In DAYS he played the doc!

    We should add to our list: Ji Jin-Hee! He is a leading man as well and he is pretty good!

  29. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    My Agapimeni Cleo, if you mention leading men, then I’ll happily detract from deuteragonists to protagonists and name Uhm Ki Joon, So Ji Sub and
    Jang Hyuk. Hyun Bin comes close at age 39 but we’ll let him get listed with the in-between age, since I mentioned the adhoc range of 40s-50s.
    😆 😛 😉

  30. @GB Unnie,

    I found your soft spot…! :-p
    So Ji Sub and Jang Hyuk I approve!
    I haven’t watched The Penthouse so I cannot say more about Uhm Ki Joon!

    Please also add So In Sung! 😀
    Hyun Bin is pretty good as well. *winks*

    Should we add Kim Dong Wook from “You are My Spring?” >> Chingu aleo?

  31. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    LOL @Cleo I forgot Jo In Sung… I knew there was another main lead actor.

    I’d totally add Kim Dong Wook, only he’s just 38, so I’ll not lump him with ahjusshis yet.

    Ah… but if we want to go into the 30-something age range…. LOLOLOL the list will be VERY long, starting with those already mentioned under the idols list like Lee Jun Ho and Lee Joon Gi and many other who were never idols. LOLOL. No end, no end. 🤣 🤪

  32. P.S. How did I forget: 444 / Mr. Black aka Song Seung Heon?

  33. @GB Unnie:

    No worries! I will exchange Kim Dong Wook with Song Seung Heon…

    As for the 30-something age range, well I have a specific list ! LMAO!

  34. Oh so now we are at protagonist ahjusshi? 😁😁😁 My No. 1 pick is Jang Hyuk! 2. Jisung, 3. Lee Byung Hun, 4. Ji Jin Hee 5. Yoo Ji Tae

    Hahahahah… GB I am looking forward to discuss Jang Hyuk’s next sageuk, Red Single Heart with you 😁

  35. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    @Miracle23 Heh, Jang Hyuk? The actor with the big guffaw, if I remember right, in Fated to Love You.

    LOL, by all means we can chat about Red Single Heart if I try that show. I’m usually a little chary of too much intrigue. Having Lee Joon (of whom I’ve heard but I’ve hardly watched him) and Kang Ha Na on board may encourage me to give it a shot.

  36. Old American Lady (OAL)

    This new strain is dangerous to older people and even when vaccinated people can be silent carriers. So far, it seems that the unvaccinated are getting this illness and those vaccinated people, not in vulnerable categories of older people and those with preexisting conditions are not getting serious cases. So, BODS, please exercise caution, stay safe, use masks, sicia,social, distance to prevent infection. On the upside, you can always stay home and watch K Dramas to your hearts content. Remember K Dramas allow us to remain cognitively active while socially distancing.And BOD allows us to safely socialize and have fantastic discussions. So if need be, ditch the parties you really don’t want to attend even in good times(you have a built in excuse), get comfortable and have your fill of Hyun Bin, Gong Yoo, Ji Sung, So Ji Sub, etc, and consider yourself fighting this pandemic….

  37. @Old American Lady, well said. Plus I love the idea of being socially responsible whilst watching our favourite actors and actresses. 😉

  38. Old American Lady (OAL)

    There are so many good guys and I’ll add some that come to mind.

    He plays great villains but is also wonderful in odd roles like the older actor in Method, where he did a slow burn, Park sung-woong. I find him very sexy. He was in this comedy movie, Okay Madam that showed an entirely different side of him. He does so many genres so well. Love this guy.

    And superstar Lee Byung Hun has aged well. He is a Hollywood presence too. I enjoyed him in Mr. Sunshine.

    Already listed stars like Jo In Sung and So Ji Sub are also fans.

    There are so many great ones. Director Bong Joon Ho said it well when doing Oscar interviews, that Korea has plenty of Brad Pitts. Indeed that country does…

    Speaking of Parasite astars, Lee Sun Gyn also makes my list. I adored him as the chef in Pasta a nfCoffee Prince. His role in My Mister also shows his range. In Parasite he was charmingly despicable. And he is great to look at.

    And while he is not classically handsome, Song Kang ho is riveting in whatever he does. That’s why he gets so much work. He plays an everyman and then a gangster. He just draws you in with his enormous talent.

  39. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    LOL @OAL, I feel so socially responsible!!

    I second your choice of actors to add to our long list.

  40. Glad Lee Seung Jun made the list. After playing support in DOTS, I only saw him do cameo roles in Mr. Sunshine and DAYS.

    Kim Won Hae is another fave. My favorite role of his was in While You Were Sleeping.

    Also Sung Dong Il, love him in Reply 1988. I’m currently watching his variety House on Wheels 3.

    And last but not the least, Oh Jung Se who at first annoyed me but later changed my opinion about his character in When the Camellia Blooms. And later impressed me in IOTNBO. I found myself focusing on his character than the main OTP.

    I was excited to watch Jirisan because of the supporting cast of terrific ahjussis but never mind.

    Anyway I choose Jo Woo Jin over KBC. He only had a bit role in Goblin but he still managed to get people to notice him there. He’s also the reason why I started watching Happiness.

    Whereas with KBC, didn’t like his character in DOTS and even more so his loony evil persona in Sisyphus. I guess I was hoping for a Heath Ledger Joker level of performance. I did like his performance in Goblin and Pegasus Market.

    He’s a bit like Park Ho San who was so good in Prison Playbook but pretty much forgettable in other roles.

    Would like to add a favorite ahjussi, Choi Moo Sung. He is Taek’s dad in Reply 88 and was awesome in Prison Playbook.

  41. GrowingBeautifully (GB)

    More ahjusshis who came to mind:
    Lee Seo Jin and Kam Woo Sung. I consider them leading men. The last I’ve noticed Lee Seo Jin was in Trap and Marriage Contract. And Kam Woo Sung in The Spring Day of My Life.

  42. Jo Woo-jin and Kim Byung-chul do look a like, but just a bit. Byung-chul ahjussi looks skinny though.

    I’ve also mistaken Ahn Se-ha to Kim In-kwon back when I watch the first episode of Abyss. Since most of the guys you mentioned here are spot-on, I will only add some honorable mentions too. I include these guys too.

    Kim Byung-ok
    *Because This Is My First Life
    *What’s Wrong With Sec. Kim
    *My Secret Terrius

    Lee Sung-jae
    *Jealousy Incarnate
    *Abyss
    *Show Window

    Jung Moon-sung
    *Hospital Playlist
    *Prison Playbook
    *The Veil

    Cheon Ho-jin
    *Good Doctor
    *Man to Man
    *Beyond Evil

    Oh Dae-hwan
    *Shopping King Louis
    *Come Back, Mister
    *The Red Sleeve

  43. My dear @OAL,

    You also have a good taste in actors, ahem men!

    I do hope you are okay! Don’t you worry, I will spent my Christmas holiday home with family. I have decided to be careful, since we don’t know what will happen with Omicron and so on.

    I wish you the best as well. Stay safe! <3

  44. Old American Lady (OAL)

    Hello @Cleopatra, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas season. If you celebrate Greek Orthodox Christmas I guess the Christmas season will last way into January.i hope you and your family have a healthy happy Christmas and new year.

    I am glad you like my taste in actors/men. One of my philosophies is that as long as I can look at them, I’ll keep lively. No touching though because as an older person I don’t want to be pervy…Lol….

    Wink, wink..

  45. Hey my dear @OAL,

    We are all fine, thank you for asking!
    I return your wishes and I wish your family and yourself will relax these days as well! I will be working but I managed to take two days off.
    As for wishes for the New Year, we will be round here for more, aren’t we?

    I like your philosophy too… *winks back*
    It is always a wonderful thing to admire Kallos / Κάλλος / Beauty. *smiles innocently*

  46. hi packmule3, it’s been a while! am watching mr sunshine now, and I remembered this post as it stars has a couple of the ahjussis you mentioned here (lee seung joo, kim gab soon, kim eui sung, jo woo jin and kim byung chul) – the bonus is that there’s a running gag in the series about how both jo woo jin and kim byung chul (both acting in comical roles here) look alike. keep well!

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