Lee Jae-wook Captivates as Architect Baek Do-ha in 'The Last Summer'

Actor Lee Jae-wook has grabbed the attention of viewers with his portrayal of the talented architect Baek Do-ha in the new KBS 2TV weekend drama 'The Last Summer'.

In the series, which premiered on the 1st, Lee Jae-wook perfectly transformed into Baek Do-ha, an architect who returns to 'Patan-myeon,' his childhood neighborhood, where he spent his formative years with Song Ha-kyung (played by Choi Sung-eun). The drama kicked off with a promising start, achieving a peak viewership rating of 3.9% in its first episode, with Lee Jae-wook's commanding presence being a key driver of its early success.

Making his full appearance in the latter half of the first episode, Do-ha reunites with his childhood friend Ha-kyung, from whom he had become estranged due to an incident two years prior. His subtle yet complex gaze, conveying a mix of familiarity and lingering emotion, as if he had just met her yesterday, significantly amplified the character's charm. His delicate eye acting added depth and immersion to his performance.

Furthermore, his sharp confrontation with Ha-kyung over the sale of a 'peanut house' amplified curiosity about his hidden past. The reasons behind his reluctance to sell the house have heightened anticipation for the unfolding narrative.

Lee Jae-wook also showcased his architectural prowess. Possessing strong convictions, he boldly reinterpreted the client's requests, demonstrating superior architectural skills and satisfying the client. He also displayed professionalism by instantly sketching blueprints when his father, Baek Ki-ho (played by Choi Byung-mo), who works as a construction site supervisor, found himself in a difficult situation.

The bickering yet heart-fluttering chemistry between Do-ha and Ha-kyung served as another major point of enjoyment in the drama. Do-ha found Ha-kyung's prickly attitude towards him endearing, sparking a unique sense of romance, and they engaged in a tense standoff over the 'wall-demolishing project.' Particularly at the end of the second episode, when Ha-kyung became fixated on a box containing Baek Do-yeong's name tag, Do-ha's mention of the past incident and his direct line, 'I'll try to endure that darn summer you talked about. I won't go anymore. I won't back down this time,' struck viewers' hearts, raising expectations for the next episode to a crescendo.

Through the role of the talented architect Baek Do-ha, Lee Jae-wook has enriched the drama with his portrayal of a principled professional and complex inner turmoil. His skillful navigation between his first-ever dual role (Baek Do-ha and Baek Do-yeong) and his 'enemies-to-lovers' dynamic with childhood friend Ha-kyung has further enhanced the dramatic excitement.

Anticipation is mounting for how Baek Do-ha's journey to overcome past traumas and remodel their tangled relationship will unfold, and how it will intertwine with the identity of the enigmatic figure Baek Do-yeong.

Netizens are praising Lee Jae-wook's performance, commenting things like 'Lee Jae-wook's eye acting is incredible,' 'Architect Baek Do-ha is so cool,' and 'Can't wait for the next episode!'