Actor Kang Yoo-seok is shining once again as a delightful source of energy.
The tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' (written by Lee Seung-hyun, directed by Park Seung-woo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Chorokbaem Media) is gaining a hot response since its first broadcast and is spreading through word of mouth. Kang Yoo-seok's unique bright and lively acting tone is skillfully adjusting the rhythm of the drama and is receiving great attention.
In the drama, Kang Yoo-seok plays Jo Chang-won, a 4-year associate lawyer, who actively works both in and out of the office as the 'mood maker' of the legal town. Using humor and meddling as his weapons, he joyfully engages with various characters, effectively relieving the tension of the viewers with his own rhythm amidst complex cases and character conflicts.
Upon his appearance, Jo Chang-won immediately changed the atmosphere with his witty line, "I came a little earlier," showing that he is not just a source of energy but also serves as a link that smoothly connects the flow of events. In his first meeting with junior Kang Hee-ji (played by Moon Ga-young), he naturally led the awkward situation using his unique approachability and sense, earning the audience's empathy as a character who embodies both human warmth and professionalism.
Kang Yoo-seok delicately captures the multi-faceted aspects of Jo Chang-won, showcasing acting that effortlessly blends into the emotional lines of the entire drama rather than merely being a tension maker. He infuses various emotions into repeated lines with subtle differences in intonation and speed, and uses the character's playful expressions and tone to effectively diffuse the weight of the drama, enhancing the viewers' immersion. His humor, interwoven throughout the lines, is vividly portrayed in Kang Yoo-seok's own tone, increasing the drama's entertainment value.
This level of acting was possible due to the consistent efforts and skills he has built in various genres over time. Kang Yoo-seok has fully showcased his potential, transitioning between comedy and seriousness through 'Seocho-dong,' while demonstrating stable leadership of the drama's flow based on his excellent chemistry with fellow actors, leaving a deep impression.
In particular, in the second episode, he convincingly proved why Jo Chang-won is an indispensable character with engaging emotional expressions and clever delivery that goes beyond simple reactions. His performance, oscillating elegantly between laughter and lingering emotions, effectively arranges the tension and relaxation of the narrative, playing a crucial role in balancing the drama.
Playing a central role in adjusting the emotional temperature, he brings joy to the viewers while injecting energy into the drama, acting as a true 'in-drama air purifier.' Viewers have responded by noting that they find themselves eagerly awaiting scenes featuring Jo Chang-won, asserting that just his appearance revitalizes the overall atmosphere of the drama.
In this way, Kang Yoo-seok vividly realizes the notions of 'a colleague you might encounter in reality,' 'a charismatic character who talks a lot but is endearing,' and 'a friend who puts you at ease,' showing performances that truly embody the term 'realistic character acting.' Expectations are growing for his diverse activities in 'Seocho-dong' in the future.
Meanwhile, the tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 p.m.
[Photo] tvN
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