Actor Choi Won-young is overwhelming the small screen with a villainous acting class on another level.
Choi Won-young is currently delivering a passionate performance as Im Sa-hyeong, who races toward the desire called power, in the KBS 2TV weekend miniseries To My Beloved Thief (written by Lee Seon, directed by Ham Young-gul). Im Sa-hyeong, who once aroused suspicion by burning a suspicious incense in the king's bedchamber and checking Yi-yeol (Moon Sang Min), has been heightening tension as he increasingly reveals a cruel inner nature driven by uncontrollable ambition.
Returning to the small screen as a villain after a long time, Choi Won-young captivates viewers with the essence of villain acting that reveals his acting depth. He sharply and delicately unravels the complex inner workings of Im Sa-hyeong through subtle eye acting, and even the passing facial expressions he displays add depth to the character.
Earlier, after hearing the chief state councillor express concern about the king's health by saying, "There are rumors that His Majesty's body is not healthy," the scene in which Im Sa-hyeong suddenly breaks into a sly smile revealed a facet of him that barrels toward twisted desire and sent chills through viewers.
In addition, when the king, who was experiencing hallucinations and visual disturbances after being intoxicated by the incense Im Sa-hyeong burned, mistook Hong Min-jik (Kim Seok-hoon) for a tiger and shot him dead with a bow, Im Sa-hyeong's composure, which he had maintained until then, collapsed and he revealed a bloodless face, creating high tension.
In particular, when Geum Nok (Song Ji-woo) said, "Tomorrow I will be hunted like a vixen," he suddenly changed and replied, "A death like that would be too little," and the intense emotion he showed at that moment and the tone in which he spoke calmly and pressedly formed a stark contrast that vividly revealed his cruelty.
Although Im Sa-hyeong moves busily, planning and taking steps toward power, Choi Won-young portrays him as thoughtful and scheming rather than impatient. The wisdom of gradually revealing Im Sa-hyeong's multifaceted sides and approaching viewers provides a deep sense of immersion.
Choi Won-young's seasoned and perfect acting balance, knowing when to run hard with force and when to ease off and take a beat, naturally overwhelms the small screen and delivers explosive power.
[Photo] Broadcast capture
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