Lee Jun-young thrilled the home audience with his mesmerizing comic performance in "Pump Up the Healthy Love."
On April 30, KBS 2TV's Wednesday-Thursday drama "Pump Up the Healthy Love" (directed by Park Jun-soo and Choi Yeon-soo, written by Kim Ji-soo), Lee Jun-young made a perfect transformation into Do Hyun-jung, the director of a dilapidated health club who suddenly becomes responsible for it, having been a world-renowned bodybuilder. After leaving a strong impression in other works, he returns as a health enthusiast, showcasing a dual charm that is sweet yet spicy, funny yet serious.
Lee Jun-young captivated the audience with his slick comic acting, enhancing the character's charm, and after the broadcast, viewers reacted passionately, saying, "Lee Jun-young has changed his face again. How many faces does he have?", "It feels like I'm really being scolded by Director Do. I put down the snack I was eating", "What if he's good at comedy too? It's a twist", "Seeing Lee Jun-young as the main character again after many villain roles feels refreshing", "The spicy villain expert shows off the taste of Mara flavor, Director", "I bet the drama gets more popular thanks to Kim Jong-kook."
In the first episode, Hyun-jung unexpectedly encountered Lee Mi-ran (played by Jeong Eun-ji) at the health club and almost fell while she was flustered, wrapping his arms around her waist. However, contrary to the romantic pose, Hyun-jung whispered, "162.7 cm and 62.8 kg" with a serious gaze and elicited laughter by showing a wicked smile upon seeing new member Mi-ran. Moreover, when he exclaimed "What the fat!" about Mi-ran's deteriorated physical condition, one line from the health enthusiast created a catchphrase that resonated.
Viewers poured in positive reviews like, "Lee Jun-young is pretty funny," and the comic points continued into the second episode. In the second episode, Hyun-jung attended a Zumba class instead of Alex (played by Lee Seung-woo) and executed the dance with a divine body movement. He burst forth with an unmatched presence, embodying the 'muscle spirit' that does not shy away from being ridiculous, ensuring the laughter of viewers.
Additionally, Lee Jun-young showcased perfect chemistry with co-star Jeong Eun-ji, delivering a splendid acting synergy that satisfied viewers. In the drama, Hyun-jung protects Mi-ran's self-esteem by covering her mouth with his fist when she hesitates in front of food and rescuing her from embarrassment before her ex-boyfriend. Sometimes harsh, yet filled with teasing remarks, he has created a real-life growth drama, inducing laughter, sympathy, and excitement among audiences, leading to the "health club aftereffects" that makes one smile just thinking about it.
[Photo] KBS 2TV "Pump Up the Healthy Love" broadcast capture
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