Jang Ki-yong’s transition from the runway to the realm of appearing has solely seamlessly translated to his on-screen attraction and portrayals courtesy of his inherent bodily attributes that made him a profitable mannequin, beginning at 20 by way of 2012’s Seoul Fashion Week. Jang’s magnetism, attributed to his good-looking, sharp options and towering stature, certainly contributes to the attraction and plausibility of the characters he embodies. It, as we all know, is rooted within the interplay between bodily capital and an actor’s craft—offering a strong foundation for honing how they act to precisely put throughout characters, their moods, and attitudes by means of look—that’s integral to Jang Ki-yong’s picture in my eyes.
I additionally really feel Jang has been in a position to construct this on-screen picture wholly harmonious along with his desired public identification, interesting to us by way of his clean mix of efficiency and character. So as a model-turned-actor, he exploits his physicality to give off that incredible, participating presence in his roles, leaving an impression. His glossy and enigmatic method, alongside along with his appears to be like, has made him a coveted Korean actor who enjoys recognition world wide, both as an archetypal lead character or another for that matter.
Working his manner up by way of modeling and a number of appearing roles in varied dramas, exhibits, and initiatives, Jang secured his first starring position within the romance melodrama thriller Come and Hug Me (2018), taking part in a freshman detective destined to unite along with his childhood pal. In an unimaginable story of affection, awe, suspense, and attachments, this one totally examines society and humanity, the place Jang’s excellent work and synergy with co-star Jin Ki-joo gained him rave opinions, securing the Best New Actor in Television award on the fifty fifth Baeksang Arts Awards.
He appears to ace the twin roles of a hero and a villain, given the transformative energy of his appearing. He instills actuality in even probably the most advanced roles with these never-failing expressions and gestures of his. Their brilliance rests in how they will humanize a really advanced and grey character, like Kim Soo-hyun (Jang) within the thriller sequence Kill It (2019). If you haven’t seen the drama, let me let you know that Jang is ideal as Kim, a faithful animal lover, and glorious vet, however a really harmful man hiding his true self from the world. His reliability, experience, and, maybe most significantly, his secrecy make him the sought-after specialist killer employed far and huge. And it’s implausible how Jang nails Kim’s enigma, his elusiveness, and his obscurity.
With Kill It, the actor started to star in additional common tasks like Search: WWW (2019), his movie debut within the crime motion Bad Guys (2019), his thriller melodrama Born Again (2020), and his romantic comedy film Sweet & Sour (2021), which established his mainstream success. Whether in heated romantic moments, riveting motion sequences, or fascinating investigation scenes, Jang’s performing fluidity is noteworthy; it actually goes past his bodily being and has to do with cognitive flexibility and different revelations that his expertise could present. That particularly jogs my memory of what he did within the fantasy romcom My Roommate Is a Gumiho (202-2022) alongside Lee Hye-ri and the romance drama Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021) with Song Hye-kyo.
Jang Ki-yong additionally falls below that breed of K-drama heroes who’re unusually adept at pulling off romantic scenes with their seductive smiles, delicate actions, and deep glances. His most up-to-date fantasy romance drama, The Atypical Family (2024), is a beautiful living proof. We encounter Jang’s Bok Gwi-ju, who may slip by way of time again to pleased reminiscences. He’s from a household of superpowered people who, because the pressure of their environment will get to them, begin to lose their talents. But then, a mysterious lady, Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee), alters issues and offers them a shot to begin over.Â
The romance between Gwi-ju and Da-hae is a significant plot level within the narrative. Amidst familial tensions, tragedies, and time journey, they develop to love one another increasingly, however her preliminary plan to wed him solely to inherit his riches. As well-written and well-executed as it’s, I feel the romance K-drama is an exception the place Jang excels and expands, artfully integrating his charisma, feelings, and inventiveness into moments to keep in mind.