Actor Ahn Jae-wook has once again heralded the golden age of weekend dramas with "For Eagle Brothers."
In the KBS 2TV weekend drama "For Eagle Brothers" (directed by Choi Sang-yeol, written by Koo Hyun-suk), Ahn Jae-wook plays the role of the rational yet warm-hearted LX Hotel chairman Han Dong-seok, leading the show. He displays a logical and meticulous character at work, yet he captivates viewers with his wonderfully expressive portrayal of Han Dong-seok, who appears to be endlessly indulgent towards his children.
The viewership rating for the 18th episode aired on March 30 was 21.6% (according to Nielsen Korea, based on nationwide households), setting a record for its highest rating and securing the top spot among all programs aired on the weekend. Furthermore, scenes where Dong-seok takes the intoxicated Ma Gwang-suk (played by Uhm Ji-won) to the Eagle restaurant and Gwang-suk's drunken antics resulted in a peak rating of 23.6%, demonstrating its unparalleled popularity. Additionally, the critical 2049 viewership rating, an indicator of channel competitiveness and relevance, recorded 3.6%, proving it to be the top contender during that time slot.
Amid the ongoing rise in ratings, we reflected on the moments from Ahn Jae-wook's performance that have captivated viewers.
First, Ahn Jae-wook added a unique charm by showcasing a comedic performance that contrasted with the serious persona he has displayed so far. Earlier, Dong-seok, distracted by Gwang-suk during a golf lesson, swung and stumbled, ultimately falling flat. His physical comedy in this scene elicited great laughter. Additionally, a moment where Dong-seok misunderstands the relationship with Gwang-suk and lets his imagination run wild had viewers in stitches.
Moreover, Dong-seok's reaction of feeling his heart fluttering while looking at Gwang-suk, who had fallen asleep resting on his shoulder, was further enhanced by Ahn Jae-wook's delicate acting. This scene elevated the show's mood and enriched the emotional narrative.
In addition, Dong-seok delivered a meaningful line to Gwang-suk, saying, "CEO Ma is indeed a nuisance, but not a dislikeable person," while offering a faint smile, showcasing the depth of his romantic acting. This moment transformed the banter-filled relationship between Dong-seok and Gwang-suk into a pink atmosphere, capturing the viewers' attention.
In particular, the preview for the 19th episode featured Dong-seok, oblivious to the fact that his racing heart is due to Gwang-suk, mistakenly concluding, "I think there's something wrong with my heart; it feels like the early stages of a heart attack. It seems serious," raising anticipation for the next developments.
Viewers responded enthusiastically to Ahn Jae-wook's passionate performance, remarking, "I didn't know Ahn Jae-wook was so good at comedy. He's hilarious!", "There's something about Han Dong-seok's final line that feels mysterious??", "Ahn Jae-wook's voice is superb", "Feels like Ahn Jae-wook has found his life's role", "The chemistry between Han Dong-seok and Ma Gwang-suk exploded", "Dong-seok and Gwang-suk are really going to clash now. I'm going to watch the next broadcast live," among other reactions.
In this way, after a long absence from weekend dramas since "Five Children," Ahn Jae-wook presents great joy to viewers. As he seamlessly navigates between comedy and romance, the anticipation for how he will unfold Han Dong-seok's story further grows.
[Photo] KBS 2TV "For Eagle Brothers" broadcast capture
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