From Blockbuster Hits to the Small Screen: Ten Million-Viewer Stars Jin Sun-kyu, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Lee Jung-jae Conquer the Drama World

The stars who have captivated audiences with blockbuster films are making a significant move to the drama scene.

Leading actors such as Jin Sun-kyu, Ryu Seung-ryong, and Lee Jung-jae are set to grace the small screen in 2025, heightening anticipation among viewers. These proven box-office powerhouses are now venturing into the drama market, and the question remains whether their on-screen charisma will translate to compelling television performances.

Jin Sun-kyu, who garnered immense popularity for his villainous roles in the 'The Roundup' series, is set to undergo a dramatic transformation in the Coupang Play X Genie TV original series 'UDT: Our Neighborhood Special Force'. Shedding his intense on-screen persona, he will portray a unique neighborhood hero. In his role as 'Kwak Byung-nam,' a former technical sergeant and neighborhood association president, he captivates viewers with a seemingly indifferent yet sharp delivery and a character that balances gravitas with comedy. He confidently stated, "I believe this role might replace the strong impression I left in 'The Roundup'." The series has kicked off to a strong start, ranking as the second-highest ENA drama of the year with a 2% nationwide viewership rating for its premiere and receiving a flood of perfect reviews on Coupang Play.

Ryu Seung-ryong, known for hits like 'Extreme Job' and 'Miracle in Cell No. 7', has chosen the JTBC drama 'The Story of Mr. Kim Who Lives in Seoul and Works for a Large Corporation' as his next project. The drama delves into the harsh realities faced by middle-aged office workers who appear successful on the surface but struggle internally. His authentic portrayal of a man grappling with loneliness and emptiness has earned widespread acclaim. Driven by his performance, viewership ratings have steadily climbed, and the series has also topped Netflix's 'Top TV Shows in South Korea' chart. The original webtoon has experienced a surge in popularity, with viewership increasing by over 30 times since the drama's premiere.

Lee Jung-jae, who achieved global stardom with 'Squid Game', is taking an unexpected turn with the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama 'Unpleasant Love'. Moving away from his signature charismatic roles in films like 'New World' and 'The Face Reader', he stars as top actor 'Im Hyun-joon', who is striving to break free from his popular detective persona 'Kang Pil-goo'. His dynamic and often hilarious interactions with entertainment reporter Wi Jeong-shin (played by Lim Ji-yeon) showcase a vibrant and playful side. The scenes depicting his desperate attempts to escape the 'Kang Pil-goo' image, including a humiliating red carpet incident, evoke both sympathy and laughter, solidifying his role as a 'button for unpleasant laughter'.

The increasing trend of acclaimed film actors transitioning to drama productions signifies a notable shift in the Korean content industry. With the growth of OTT platforms, drama production scales have rivaled those of films, making them an attractive avenue for top actors. Notably, all three actors are challenging themselves with characters vastly different from their established images: Jin Sun-kyu moves from villainous roles to a friendly neighbor, Ryu Seung-ryong shifts from comedic roles to a realistic office worker, and Lee Jung-jae embraces a romantic comedy lead after years of portraying charismatic characters.

Industry experts commented, "The participation of ten million-viewer actors in dramas guarantees both high-quality content and significant buzz. It is also expected to positively impact global OTT market expansion." The performances of these acclaimed actors, as they aim to captivate home audiences with their proven acting prowess, are highly anticipated.

Korean netizens are reacting enthusiastically to the news of these ten million-viewer actors returning to dramas. Comments like, "Actor Jin Sun-kyu, I'm already looking forward to his comedic role this time!" and "Actor Ryu Seung-ryong seems to embody any character perfectly," and "I never imagined actor Lee Jung-jae in a rom-com, it feels so fresh!" are flooding in, showing strong support and anticipation for the actors' new endeavors.