Lee Jong-suk, who has lowered his intensity, has left a new chapter of a relatable drama with 'Seocho-dong.'
On the 10th, tvN's Saturday-Sunday drama 'Seocho-dong' (written by Lee Seung-hyun, directed by Park Seung-woo, planned by CJ ENM Studios, produced by Chorokbaem Media) concluded with its 12th episode. After achieving the highest viewer rating for a first broadcast of a tvN Saturday-Sunday drama in 2025, Lee Jong-suk, who has led the viewer ratings as the number one for six consecutive weeks, presented the real face of a 'drama master,' doing well in everyday life as a friend, colleague, and lover.
Lee Jong-suk approached viewers closely with the realistic aspects of a working professional living in modern society. As a corporate employee belonging to a law firm, Lee Jong-suk's character, Ahn Joo-hyung, quietly carried out his given tasks, resembling the image of an ordinary employee. The insights gained from accumulating experience made Ahn Joo-hyung (played by Lee Jong-suk) more rational than anyone else. However, as experiences piled up and new encounters and relationships continued, changes also occurred in Joo-hyung. Lee Jong-suk realistically depicted Ahn Joo-hyung's growth, allowing viewers to project themselves onto him.
The charm of Lee Jong-suk's professional character shone as well. Perfectly synchronized with the nine-year veteran attorney Ahn Joo-hyung, equipped with sharp insight and finesse, Lee Jong-suk detailed the character's professionalism through his attire, gestures, and speech, enhancing the immersion of the drama. From Ahn Joo-hyung's firm professional attitude, observing cases and clients with a cold gaze, to reflecting on his original intentions and looking into the sincere feelings of the clients while moving toward what he believes is right, Lee Jong-suk brought the character to life.
The conclusion of Ahn Joo-hyung's growth was also perfect. It not only broke the discomfort held in his heart but also revealed Ahn Joo-hyung's sincerity with a true apology, embodying greater goodwill by inheriting the goodwill of others. Ahn Joo-hyung became a representative attorney who could choose what he truly wanted to do and what he aspired to achieve, resulting in a shining conclusion for his future. As always, Lee Jong-suk left an immersion and lingering feeling that makes one imagine the character's remaining journey. Because it's Ahn Joo-hyung, portrayed by Lee Jong-suk in 'Seocho-dong', that reflects on the past narrative and envisions the future life. Lee Jong-suk's high-density performance infused vibrant life into the character, allowing viewers to breathe alongside him, inspiring infinite support for Ahn Joo-hyung's tomorrow, which is ongoing even after the conclusion.
Whenever Lee Jong-suk portrayed attorney Ahn Joo-hyung as a friend and colleague, the drama was instantly filled with warmth. The warmth unique to Lee Jong-suk gave Ahn Joo-hyung an image that seemed like he would fully become a supporter, providing trust and stability. Moreover, the fantastic chemistry with his colleagues amplified the enjoyment of watching. Ahn Joo-hyung, who served as a true friend and a supporter for all, endured the work life with his colleagues, sharing worries and being dependable. Lee Jong-suk's humanism made him more approachable. Along with the understated romance permeating everyday life, Lee Jong-suk filled Joo-hyung's love emotions with a relatable sweetness in the face of love, enriching 'Seocho-dong' into a multifaceted genre beyond just a courtroom drama.
Lee Jong-suk's passionate performance, which kept the viewers lingering in Seocho-dong and immersed in Ahn Joo-hyung's daily life, drew a heated response beyond Korea and overseas. Globally, based on the OTT platform Rakuten Viki, it recorded a Top 5 viewer count in 150 countries and regions, including the U.S., Brazil, France, the United Arab Emirates, and India. It also proved popular by ranking high in the service countries and regions on platforms like Disney+, Japan's largest platform U-NEXT, Taiwan's iQIYI, and Friday. In light of this success, 'Seocho-dong' hosted a fan event in Malaysia, which is rapidly growing as Asia's largest market, coinciding with its conclusion on the 10th. Lee Jong-suk personally attended a screening event called 'Star Tour,' where over 20,000 fans gathered, marking the unprecedented scale of warmth and congratulations in K-drama history in Malaysia as they put a shining end to the journey with 'Seocho-dong.'
Meanwhile, Lee Jong-suk, who has redefined the depth and warmth of everyday dramas through 'Seocho-dong,' is set to return with the Disney+ original series 'The Remarried Empress,' based on the hit webtoon of the same name that has garnered great love from fans both domestically and internationally. 'The Remarried Empress' is a grand romantic fantasy epic about the empress of the Eastern Empire, Nabie (played by Shin Mina), who is notified of divorce by the emperor, Sobiesu (played by Ju Ji-hoon), and demands the permission to remarry Prince Heinri (played by Lee Jong-suk) of the Western Kingdom in exchange for accepting the divorce. The global fans are eagerly anticipating the romantic fantasy that actor Lee Jong-suk, who possesses a limitless spectrum across genres, will showcase, transitioning from reality to fantasy.
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