Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
A man who can time travel but fails to save anyone in crucial moments. With disheveled hair, he hides under a hoodie and retreats into his home with an expressionless face. He is Bok Goo Joo, a man who has lost his superpowers in JTBC’s The Atypical Family. Returning to the small screen after three years, Jang Ki Yong captivates viewers with his somber new look. Here are five notable dramas of Jang Ki Yong, who started his career as a model and gradually established himself as an actor.
Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021~2022)
Set against the backdrop of the glamorous fashion industry, Now, We Are Breaking Up tells the story of a love that blossoms from a one-night stand between two strangers. Jang Ki Yong takes on the role of Yoon Jae Guk, a free-spirited and romantic photographer, while Song Hye Kyo portrays Ha Young Eun, the design team leader at a fashion company. The chemistry between the two actors was palpable throughout the drama, and their off-screen friendship garnered much attention. The drama delved into the lives of professional women, exploring their work, love, and friendships, resonating with audiences both domestically and abroad. Jang Ki Yong once again captivated hearts as a charming young male lead but left a void to be filled after he briefly exited the K-drama scene for his military duty.
My Roommate Is a Gumiho (2021)
My Roommate is a Gumiho is a romantic drama that follows the story of Shin Woo Yeo (Jang Ki Yong), a 999-year-old fox spirit, and Lee Dam (Hyeri), a 19-year-old human, as they are forced to live together under one roof. Jang Ki Yong takes on the role of the gumiho, a mythical creature of stunning beauty known for enchanting humans. The drama is based on a popular webtoon of the same name and revolves around the intriguing storyline of a gumiho’s bead, which holds the key to the gumiho’s ultimate transformation into a human, ending up in the mouth of a human. This unexpected turn of events leads to their unusual living arrangement. Jang Ki Yong and Hyeri’s fantastic chemistry captivates audiences with the blossoming romance between the hard-bitten, centuries-old gumiho and the spirited human who’s never dated in her life. Their close on-screen chemistry was so palpable that it extended beyond the drama, with their couple photos generating much buzz from fans.
>> Hyeri and Jang Ki Yong Reflect on Their Iconic Couple Photoshoot for ‘My Roommate Is a Gumiho’
Search: WWW (2019)
Search: WWW takes viewers inside the fast-paced world of a leading internet portal site, focusing on the powerful women who keep it running. In this dynamic environment, Jang Ki Yong steps in as Park Mo Gun, a game music composer who sets his sights on Bae Ta Mi (Lim Soo Jung). Adopted at a young age and raised in a loving environment, Mo Gun dreams of building a harmonious family of his own. Even though Mo Gun is ten years younger than Ta Mi, a single woman who has sworn off marriage, he throws himself into charming her. His persistent charm keeps things exciting, but he also switches gears to show maturity when needed. With his good looks and captivating performance, he stole the show even alongside a cast of seasoned actresses.
My Mister (2018)
My Mister is a rare work in Jang Ki Yong’s filmography where he plays a villain. The drama tells the story of three brothers who are struggling with the weight of life and a woman who has lived a rough life, and how they come to heal one another. Jang Ki Yong plays Lee Kwang Il, a loan shark who harasses IU‘s character, Lee Ji An. Kwang Il tries to take not only Ji An’s money but also control her relationships with the three brothers around her. He is a bad guy who resorts to violence and threats, adding tension to the drama throughout. Jang Ki Yong recently appeared on a YouTube show titled Salon Drip with Chun Woo Hee and revealed that people told him he was ‘scary’ and ‘intimidating’ after his role in My Mister.
Go Back Couple allowed Jang Ki Yong to break free from the “model-turned-actor” image. The drama centers on a married couple in their late 30s, Ma Jin Joo (Jang Nara)and Choi Ban Do (Son Ho Jun), on the brink of divorce. When they decide to call it quits and take off their wedding rings, a bizarre twist of fate sends them back to their college days. Reliving their youth allows them to rediscover the importance of the connection they once took for granted. Jang Ki Yong steps into the role of Jung Nam Gil, a star lecturer with seemingly flawless looks and backgrounds. He’s Jin Joo’s college friend, and even though she doesn’t return his romantic feelings, he’s her constant source of quiet support whenever life throws her a curveball. Jang Ki Yong masterfully captures Nam Gil’s charm, hinting at the warmth beneath the surface with his quiet but romantic gaze.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
