Actor Kang Yoo-seok conveys both warmth and a deep resonance through 'Seocho-dong', quietly touching the hearts of viewers.
Each episode of the high-engagement tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' has captured attention, and Kang Yoo-seok is being praised for his intricate and three-dimensional portrayal of the character Jo Chang-won. Beyond simply excelling in courtroom scenes, he delicately captures the nuance of observing fellow associates in Hyungmin Building quietly and extending consideration in unseen places, eliciting both empathy and persuasiveness regarding his character.
In the recently aired episodes 7 and 8, Kang Yoo-seok's presence, which brings warmth to the drama solely through sincere viewpoints and restrained acting tone, became evident. Jo Chang-won sincerely immersed himself in the case of the falsely accused public defender Domi-kyung (played by Hwang Jung-min), who was entangled in a voice phishing incident, while also taking on a warm role among the associate attorneys who supported Kang Hee-ji (played by Moon Ga-young), who was emotionally crushed by her father Kim Myung-ho's (played by Kim Tae-hoon) case.
In particular, Jo Chang-won calmly analyzes the situation of victim and defendant Domi-kyung and goes through the records late into the night, striving to prove her innocence. His perspective, which does not easily label the victim as a 'perpetrator', and his composure in addressing the essence of the matter, are convincingly completed through Kang Yoo-seok's unique detailed emotional acting and solid inner expression.
The scene where Domi-kyung carefully approaches him after a guilty verdict and asks, 'If I can't pay the fine, do I have to go to prison?' marked the climax of the drama. After a brief hesitation, Jo Chang-won responds, 'I'll pay it,' showing the true face of a lawyer extending a warm hand amidst cold reality, and Kang Yoo-seok heightened the drama's temperature with his clear yet resonant gaze. Without excessive emotion but merely through brief dialogue and silence, he conveyed deep feelings of helplessness, responsibility, and regret, leaving a profound impact.
Moreover, even in the chaotic atmosphere within Hyungmin Building, Jo Chang-won's considerate gaze, continuously holding his ground among fellow associate attorneys and law clerks, was noteworthy. The moment he carefully checks with Hee-ji about her father's detention and offers comfort with weighty words further illuminated Kang Yoo-seok's sincere acting. The unexpressed gestures of consideration and trust, along with Jo Chang-won's presence that balances the relationships at the core of the drama, can truly be considered the essence of the narrative in 'Seocho-dong'.
In this way, Kang Yoo-seok not only portrays Jo Chang-won simply as an outstanding legal expert but also completes him as a character who does not lose dignity and respect amidst the relationships between people, vividly showcasing how meticulously he has crafted this character. This is also why viewers are generously empathizing with and praising the Jo Chang-won that he has brought to life.
Through this work, Kang Yoo-seok once again proves the true value of 'quiet strength'. He portrays Jo Chang-won, who maintains balance between conviction and compassion, with weight and realism, firmly anchoring the drama's emotional center in every episode.
Kang Yoo-seok is showing exceptional performance in 'Seocho-dong' with restrained emotional lines and persuasive acting, coupled with a presence that, while not excessive, is distinctly noticeable. Anticipation is growing for the story of Jo Chang-won that he will unfold in the remaining episodes.
Meanwhile, the tvN weekend drama 'Seocho-dong' airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 p.m.
[Photo] tvN
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