Now that spring is finally here in my neck of the woods, I just want to say thanks to these six young actors for playing their characters well in the kdramas. They made the dark months of winter bearable. I didn’t have much to bitch about their performance.
1. Choi Woo-Shik as Woong in “Our Beloved Summer”
I don’t usually have patience for the quiet, sensitive, and artistic type of male characters since I’m used to rugged men in real life.
But what made me empathize with Woong is the actor’s performance. He made his character believable because of the way he communicated the inner workings of Woong’s mind with the subtle movements of eyes, gestures of body, inflection of his voice, and pauses in his speech pattern.
After 12 episodes, Woong looks dreamy as a boyfriend and future spouse for Yeonsoo (played by Kim Dami). I want one for my hypothetical daughter, too. I like him because my girl can grow old along with him, comfortably, happily.
CWS owns this role, and I can’t imagine any other actor playing Woong.
Gifs from surii’s tumblr
2. Nam Joo Hyuk as Yijin in “Twenty-Five Twenty-One”
I get that Heedo will eventually move on from him, he was a good “starter” boyfriend. If I were her mom, I’d thank him for taking care of my daughter. The reason I say that he’s a “starter” boyfriend is because I’m still waiting to find out how he and Heedo will handle their eventual break up.
I think I’ve said this before. NJH reminds me of Gregory Peck. There’s something solid, reliable, and trustworthy about him. Sure, YiJin can be dorky, but NJH has mastered the art of looking boyish and awkward without himself (the actor, I mean) looking self-conscious as he does it (unlike Ahn HyoSeop/Paul Ahn, lol).
But there’s something about YiJin that makes him look wiser than his years, and I’ve credit to NJH for that. He doesn’t have to resort to gimmickry and aegyo acting (cough cough, Kim SeonHo) to hold my attention. He can do nothing at all, and still convey something. And I think it’s because he’s studied his role and understands the layers in his character.
So good job, NJH!
Gifs from ahsung’s tumblr
3. Park HyungSik as YiHyun in “Happiness”
I like that he takes no bullshit from anybody…except from his wifeu, SaeBom (played by Han HyoJoo). Only she could wrap him around her little finger, and because she could, he’s endeared himself to me.
If NJH’s YiJin presented the “starter” boyfriend, the PHS’ YiHyun showed the forever-husband image.
Acting-wise, I think PHS picks roles that resemble his real personality. He may add a few mannerisms or tics to the character he’s playing, but overall, he’s not venturing out of his comfort zone. And that’s fine with me.
In this kdrama, for instance, he delivered a good performance because he looked so natural. But he looked natural precisely because he was acting out how he would have normally reacted had he found himself in that situation. Even Han HyoJoo commented in an interview, that her friends were teasing her and wondering when was she going to start acting. She was just playing herself in the drama.
gifs from ahneunjin’s tumblr
4. Ahn HyoSeop/Paul Ahn as Taemoo in “A Business Proposal”
I’m willing to forget his stork legs for his Archaeopteryx face.
I know his antis complain about his awkward acting, but I must remind them that being a cartoon character isn’t an easy task at all because it requires “mugging” for the camera. He’s required to make outrageous faces and over-the-top expressions just like his character in the comics. And considering his personality, AHS might feel self-conscious about it, and it shows in his eyes.
The fact is there’s a difference between acting out a caricature (like AHS did) and acting out a characterization (like CWS and NJH did in their kdramas).
I doubt that CWS or NJH could have done a better job. They’re more comfortable creating a character from scratch, than patterning their actions after a visual representation. So going out of his comfort zone, kudos to AHS.
One thing I did learn about AHS from one of his promotional interviews is that he tried not to become close to his costar, Kim Sejeong, at the start of the filming. I think he was attempting to stay in character and be aloof like Taemoo. Only as the relationship in the drama progress did he allow himself to show affinity for KSJ.
Anyway, AHS’ character is a sweetheart, and the actress playing Hari is a sweetheart, too. I wouldn’t mind if they were dating in real life.
gifs devildrusje’s tumblr
5. Lee Junho as Yisan in “Red Sleeve”
Although I didn’t even reach halfway with his drama because I didn’t like the direction of the script, I must acknowledge Junho as an actor. Although he might not be much to look at, he has “it.” Magnetism? Charisma? Sex appeal? I don’t know what it is, but to me, if I were to cast a Korean James Bond, and I was given all these five actors: CWS, NJH, PHS, AHS, and Junho, I’d go with Junho. He’s the one who can say, “Shaken, not stirred,” with just the right panache.
It’s probably because of his years being on stage as an idol. He knows how to work the camera, and the crowd.
gifs from ami-fidele’s tumblr
6. Na Inwoo as himself in “2 Days, 1 Night”
Technically, 2D1N isn’t a drama but Inwoo projects a naïve, rookie persona in this variety show that’s been entertaining these past few weeks. Thank you.
gifs from tytrack’s tumblr
Now, I’ll give a handful of iconic heroes from literature and cinema, and pick one among the aforementioned actors who I think will make the best Korean version.
1. Batman
Park HyungSik. Rich kid during the day, crime fighter at night.
2. James Bond…scratch that…Ethan Hunt, “Mission: Impossible”
Junho!!!
But I think Park HyungSik can do this, too.
3. Indiana Jones
Junho or Choi WooShik? I’ll go with Choi WooShik. Just because I want to see him in a three-piece suit looking like a professor. But Junho looks more manly, to be honest.
4. Mr. Rochester, “Jane Eyre”
Ahn HyoSeop/Paul Ahn. I’ve gotten used to see him play a two-in-one character like the blind astrologer, Haram.
5. Atticus Finch, “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Nam Joo Hyuk in sartorial clothes.
6. Neo, “The Matrix”
Junho. I think he’ll look cool doing the iconic “bullet” dodge.
7. Sherlock Holmes
If it’s a modern adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, I want to see how Park HyungSik portrays a narcissistic persona.
If it’s a classic rendition, I want Na In Woo because I want to see him pretend to be a genius.
8. The Beast, “Beauty and the Beast”
Na In Woo.
9. Mr. Darcy, “Pride and Prejudice” – Colin Firth’s version
Who can look haughty and aristocratic? I always thought Junho looks like a commoner. But “Red Sleeves” was an eye-opener. I’ll go with Junho.
Or Ahn HyoSeop.
10. Mr. Darcy, “Pride and Prejudice” – Matthew MacFayden’s version
He must look cold and vulnerable, too? Choi WooShik.
To be honest, I think Junho can do all these characters. He isn’t the handsomest actor of the bunch, but I think he’s more versatile than the others precisely because he isn’t pretty. (I told you I’ve a bias for rugged manliness.) Who knew that I’m a closet Junho fan?
🙂
What about you? What do you think?
Ah, Gregory Peck. One of the handsomest of all Hollywood actors.
I agree with you about Junho’s versatility.
I really love Junho and his versatility and agree that he can really do it all and make it believable and great. He’s a Korean frank abagnale jr. if I were looking for something to nitpick, I’d make him taller like the rest of your line up.
PHS- yes for Batman. Suave Bruce Wayne. I can see him as Neo in the matrix as well. And James Bond because I bet he’s super handsome in a tux.
Side note, just last night I came across an interview with HHj (she was wearing a fuzzy bucket hat) and him and she made the statement that she was jealous of SB because she had someone like Yihyun in her life and then PHS looked at her and after another comment on the way she looked he praised her and called her noona. It felt very much like their characters and I actually found myself shipping them in real life. THEN I fell down a HHJ rabbit hole and found out she’s had a scandalous career that seems like it was none of her doing. Her brother had military bullying allegations that ended with a soldier’s suicide and her manager blackmailed her family with nonexistent pictures of HHJ and her boyfriend. I root for her now because it seems she’s persevered and kept a good attitude throughout.
CWS- I nominate him as Robin to PHS’s Batman.
I think he could do Sherlock as well. And possibly Indiana Jones
AHS- I felt pretty ambivalent about him in red sky and dr 2 BUT he’s totally charmed me with tae moo. Actually, I think it was during the actor’s interview and he answered the perilla leaf question. That kind of thinking is my favorite and I hope he finds a bubbly girl like or even actually Seojong in real life that appreciates his awkwardness and also brings out his fun playful side.
I can see him as Bond, Darcy, Atticus,and Sherlock.
NJH- I really appreciate him as an actor and the roles he’s picked to play. I never find him handsome until BAM I’m looking at him and feel my heart flutter and wonder what just happened. I bet in person he’s a force. I think he’s be a great Batman, Indiana, Darcy, and Atticus
NaIW- Beast, Sherlock, Indiana and I’m racking my brain because I’m feeling like there’s a perfect role for him to play that’s the super smart secret agent in disguise as a bumbling idiot that has everyone fooled.
Agree with Paul Ahn. If his goal is to bring us comical funny moments, I think the actor has succeeded. I am impressed with his Archaeopteryx stares (e.g. in the cafe, almost kill of Hari and MW lol). I can totally imagine the how that face would have been drawn in the comics – and he brought it alive. Not to mention his unfair face when slapped by Hari and climbing on his four. I don’t think this is pitch for an acting award. I felt this is pitch for bringing a comic character alive. I only watched him in LOTRS so he was a total different person there. I don’t know enough about acting techniques, but as a viewer, his last role and this role give me completely different vibes. I guess, that means he has “range”?
Junho – his acting convinces me with a tricky moral situation in the Red Sleeve so no doubt he mange to deliver the best side of his character. It would be interesting to see his next move. With such high expectation on him now, would his next work as captivating?
Thanks @pkml3. I’ve been wowed by Junho since ‘Rain or Shine/Just Between Lovers‘ although I don’t deliberately watch everything he’s in, I make a note of his work in dramas. Yes, he’s the young actor with the greatest range here with Choi Woo Shik.
I do enjoy NJH in 25,21 although he didn’t stand out so much for me before. I was precisely thinking the same thing about PHS just yesterday when I was considering him in Soundtrack #1. He always seems to play the same type of character. I don’t know Na In Woo. I notice Ahn Hyo Seop only because of Business Proposal.
But back to Junho, as one closet fan to another, I posted this before, but here it is again, just in case it was missed. The reasons and the photos we may become Junho’s fan.
https://thefangirlverdict.com/2022/01/16/officially-smitten-with-lee-junho/
Cheers to all the boys of winter @PM3!!! What a fun post and a good recognition for these hard working male leads. I have to think about what role do I see them in. Will post more thoughts later.
What a fun post! I am not familiar with all these male actors, but what I like about NJH, PHS and AHS is that they seem sincere and respectful to those around them. NJM and AHS are introverts who seem to be the shy type in real life, while PHS is confident in who he is.
I recently watched “Strong Girl Boon-soon” with PHS and Park Bo-yong and they both rocked their roles. Their chemistry was amazing!
The only work I’ve seen of NJM was “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” and he and Lee Sung Kyung played their roles well and even dated after the show.
Someone posted the BP special episode with English subs:
https://ok.ru/video/3634329881300
and you can tell AHS has become more confident as a person through this role as Kang Taemoo. He seems to be intentionally stretching himself and acting in different roles to expand his acting repertoire.
What a fun read! I have only watched dramas with NJH (Weightlifting Fairy), PHK (Strong Girl) and AHS (Dr. Romantic 2 and now Business Proposal) as the main leads. CWK I am only familiar with him from his roles in Fight for My Way and Parasite. The other two male actors I am not familiar with.
In real life, NJH and AHS are introverted and are the shy type. NJH dated Lee Sung-kyung for about a year during/after Weightlifting Fairy. She played female lead in Dr. Romantic 2 with AHS and they suited each well.
Recently watched Strong Girl and PHK was amazing with Park Bo-Young. He was so natural and their chemistry was on fire.
From the special episode of Business Proposal I watched online (posted here previously with the link but it didn’t go through so not adding the link here, found it on Twitter), AHS talks about how different he is from Kang Taemoo in real life and how Kang Taemoo helped him become more confident. Admire AHS for choosing different kinds of roles to expand his acting repertoire.
AHS seems comfortable around Sejeong. She brings out the best in him and seems to fit his description of his “ideal type.” Too bad she recently got COVID or they could film more interviews/promos for Business Proposal! Hope she recovers soon!
I personally find PHS the most “dashing” out of the four actors I know (out of these 6) and want to watch Happiness now. Glad to read it is not a horror. Initially thought it was that is why I stayed away even though it was PHS’s first drama after his military service.
25, 21 is on my to-watch list but will binge-watch it later.
For AHS and CWS, I wish they could be in Western media somewhere down the road. Asians are not well enough represented, and they are Canadians.
I also like Park Bo-gum not because the roles he has played except for Taek in Rely 1998, but for who he is and how he seems like a warm, kind and moral person, and look forward to the works he chooses now that he has completed his miliary conscription.
Yes to all of your suggestions, @pm3!
It looks like they’ll be a Dr. Romantic 3 2ith Ahn Hyo-Seop reprising his role. Just want to say that AHS was wonderful in Abyss-ythe ugly guy turned handsome. He plays funny.
And I like going to the various iterations of Junho performing My House on YouTube. I saw him as an actor first buy Junho was such a great idol. His dance moves are mesmerizing.
I love the multitalents and AHS and Junho meet that standard.
And our English speakers like AHS and Choi WOO Shik just add to the fun. And Choi Woonshik was in Parasite(with the cameo of his Wooga squad member Park Seo Joon(now of the Marvel universe).
This whole group make me happy for the future of K entertainment.
@Old American Lady, so funny I just wrote the same thing to you about AHS being in Dr. Romantic 3 in the Carpe Kiss post. 🙂 We posted at the same time!
For those who think AHS and Kim Sejeong are compatible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX2fkiYmZS0 Radio interview from early March I am listening to snippets now…at 28:32 AHS said if he met KSJ in real life as a blind date he’d “fall in love right away”?! (First he said he is the type that takes a long time to get to know…then he revised his answer…wow!)
Oooh I love this list just because of Junho and Nam Joo Hyuk❤️ NJH has matured so much as an actor over the years that he does these dorky, reliable, serious actors very well.
Junho, as you rightly said, is the most versatile of the lot. He was impressive even at the beginning of his career in Just Between Lovers, and he has excelled now. I’m an openly proclaimed fan, not a closet one😜
I never knew I could like AHS before ‘A Business Proposal’ but he definitely plays sweetheart character here.
Lol and thank you @pm3
When I first read the title of this post, I thought of baseball. So I was expecting baseball analogies.
I love your list of movies/books and agree with your positions (I’m not familiar with Na In Woo). I forgot that NJH was in bride of habaek (i think I need rewatch that one). My favorites are PHS and Lee Junho.
Now I have no idea if these actors would even play baseball but I felt I could put them on positions. Humor me for a bit since this list makes sense only in my head:
1. Catcher = Park Hyung. In his role as YiHyun – he was a baseball player and his body to me is more closely to a catcher. His girth reminds me of a catcher. That’s the thought I had when I first saw him being held back by SB. =)
2. Pitcher = I debated giving it to Lee Junho because if his acting skills translate to baseball skills then he can either be a pitcher or shortstop. I gave this position to Ahn HyoSeop/Paul Ahn. I think his skinny legs go perfect lol, but he is tall and serious.
3. Shortstop = Lee Junho. “Shortstops are usually the best athletes on the field at all levels of baseball.” Because I think of Junho as one of the best actors in this list the position goes to him. I think he is a utility man because he could probably play any position.
4. Second baseman – Choi Woo-Shik. He is on the shorter side compared to everyone else so I’ll do that. =)
5. Third baseman – Nam Too Hyuk. He is tall and muscular. Yes I did a bit of research 😉
That’s it. Obviously I’m too involved in baseball so that’s all I could think and had to think about where to put the Boys of Winter. Thanks for the fun post.
my reference for baseball positions
https://danblewett.com/baseball-positions-fielders-body-type/
Hahaha. You got me, @Carolina. I was thinking of baseball. Spring training is here and my team just lost to the Mets.
Agree.
1. Catcher: Park HyunSik. He had the catcher’s face mask in “Happiness”
2. Pitcher: I’ll give the job to either Junho or Choi Wooshik. Gotta have nerves of steel because “pitchers win championships.” Maybe Junho can be starting, and CWS the closer.
3. Shortstop: Junho or Choi Wooshik. The best defensive player.
4. First baseman: Na In Woo. It’s the easiest position, and he seems to be a bit klutzy. Or maybe right field? He won’t get a lot of balls his way. lol.
5. Second baseman: Ahn Hyoseop
6. Third baseman: Nam JooHyuk
@Carolina and @packmule3, I love the baseball analogy. We are a house divided. My husband is a Mets fan and my husband is a Yankees fan. I generally go with a New York team s pop I have act as peacemaker.
I have thought about who would be Most Valuable Player. Hands down it’s Lee JunHo. To me he has the most gravitas. He is an easy heartbreaker but has comedic timing (Wok of Love for example), is charming in interviews, is musically in talented(2PM) and is a killer dancer(My House). Ahn Hyo Seop is a close second (another multitalent). All of them have Hall of fame potential.
@hatlady thanks for the link to the special episode of BP! I’ve been looking for it.
I really wanted to watch and like Happiness, but the zombies were too much for me. I enjoyed HHJ in W and PHS in Strong Woman, but sadly could not make it through the show. PHS’s face looks a lot sharper in Strong Woman, hope it returns sometime soon 🙂
I like AHS in Queen of the Rings, short funny drama with Kim Seulgi. Didn’t like his other dramas much until BP came along! He is still self conscious but such an enjoyable performance.
I was wowed by Junho in Good Manager! He can do comedy so well too. I also only watched about half of red sleeve and some clips inbetween, and can already feel how convincing he is in that role.
I agree with everyone too that this is such a fun read. I have grown to appreciate these actors (and actresses) for their craft. Honestly I have only been more active in watching dramas and movies in the past few years and kdrama sucked me into the whole world of amazing range of shows.
A lot of these actors like JunHo and AHS is new to me and their acting bowl me over. Especially Junho with his performance in Red Sleeve. I think he can morph into any character.
I’ve gotta watch Dr.Romantic 2 for AHS. AHS is muscially talented, he plays the piano and violin, dances and sings. He was supposed to join GOT7 to debut but he was too tall, and he switched to acting instead. I’m glad he did! Interesting how he was actually scouted by JYP when he was in Canada, I think he said that in the Happy Together episode. Also think Sejeong balances his kinda shy nature really well.
https://youtu.be/Nlq4-nhRW0M
I find NJH in roles that fit him too, like PHS, a little dorky (school nurse files?) and sometimes fun and wild. I wonder how he would fare a more action or thriller kinda of dramas.
WooShik did mention that because of his looks, he has quite a boyish cute kinda of look that is not as rugged or something, he doesn’t get casted for certain kind of roles. So really, looks matter a lot isn’t it for that role. OBS writer or director wrote the drama with him in mind. I have yet to watch him in witches2. Though I would say he is really versatile but I can’t see him in any of the movies and characters @pm3 listed about.
Hold up! Paul Ahn/Ahn Hyoseop did debut as a member of a boy band.
One O One
The letter “O” not the numerical zero.
There must be a YouTube video of them. Warning!!! Ahn Hyoseop looked… sigh. How do I say this? Undernourished. He looked all skin and bones to me.
Anyway, that’s how I think of AHS. Bones. 🦴🦴🦴
Three of the four members of that boy band was in “Lovers of the Red Sky.”
Paul Ahn
The evil son/pretender to the throne
and Haram’s bodyguard (aka Minwoo)
Minwoo actor and Paul Ahn have been together since their boy band days. They were in “My Father is Strange.”
He’s at least 5 years older than Ahn Hyoseop.
@packmule3, Here’s a concert pairing I’d like to see:a violent duet between Ahn Yeo Seop and Henry Lau, maybe called the Toronto guys. I actually was watching several violin performances by our Paul Ahn on YouTube. YouTube also has him in dance performances. He is quite a talent. But I think watching our two Canadians, Ahn being from Korea ND Lau with Chinese heritage would be so much fun. They both play piano too. Anyway, there is something about a man caressing a violin…
Now you have made me curious about the video of One O One. I will go look for that video! 😛
It’s nice to see how they have grown in their craft in this industry. They have been around for close to a decade
@OAL I saw this on my Youtube feeds, Paul Ahn was learning how to play Geomungo because Haram in LOTRS can play it well. I don’t know if they played his music or a cover in the drama. It is still impressive to see that he was really playing it, to make the acting more convincing.
https://youtu.be/InOQl6SBrsY
I do wonder how MinWoo actor felt being the supporting roles around Paul Ahn when they started off from the same band. Tough industry.
@Viva, that industry is really tough. I think it is especially so for idols. They are so controlled-living in dormitories, having their meals monitored, keeping them from dating,etc. They are also so young when most of them start, that it’s a wonder when they actually are able to debut and leave to become actors. So it was good that Ahn Hyo Seop was too tall for his boy band which helped him move on to acting. There is a lot of his material on YouTube. It was fun to see him sing, dance and play the violin, solo and as part of an orchestra. If you put his name into search, you get a lot of videos. The same can be said for any star. Then you’ll get all sorts of content in your feed without doing anything because of the algorithm. Hope 6ou get lots of joy out of this.
Wow Packmule3, this is a fun thread to read. Thank you for the Winter Boys!
For the character, I am so hooked by Yi Hyun. He resembles the criterias that I’ve been longing but never realize them. After watching him in Happiness, I finally know what kind of partner that I hope to have in my life. So yes, super agree with him being the forever husband image. (I promote this drama to my friends, so that they could watch this. I am so happy when I heard that Netflix will air this Happines next month,,, so many of my friends could watch this easily)
As for the actor himself, I have been closely watching NJH and AHS in these 2-3 yrs. Do you ladies think that their posture kinda similar? Or is it just me.. lol.. I really appreciate NJH as an actor after watching him in Start Up. Not only that he has done a great job so far, his personality and attitude towards other actors and actresses (especially towards the older ones) is so great. He looks sincere and he treats his Sunbaes well. After his military service probably starting this year, I hope to see him comeback with different characters to play (wanna see him in a psychological drama or action or thriller, he looks funny when acting surprised or scared, lol)
As for AHS, of course I am waiting him for Dr Romantic 3. Quite curious whether YYS will also join the Dr Romantic 3 together with him. I think he has a potential to grow, I hope that he could select his next project carefully to show his acting skill even more. And as many of you said that he is great with his singing and maybe dancing skill. Would it be great if we could also see him singing and dancing in his next project? Maybe in Musical movie or musical drama?
P.S: MR Darcy’s Colin Firth is so suitable for him!!