Supporting Actor Min Jin Woong Wins the Male Breakout Prize in Memories of Alhambra
If child actress Lee Re playing the young sister role was the female breakout in tvN fantasy drama Memories of Alhambra, the male breakout has got to go to supporting actor Min Jin Woong as the loyal and goofy Secretary Seo. Little cutie pie secretary’s death was the hardest one to swallow in the drama, and in fact his entire arc in many ways was even more heartbreaking that male lead Jin Woo’s never ending quest to battle his nemesis daily. Secretary Seo did nothing wrong and paid the price because he was so protective of Jin Woo and wanted to support him.
Jin Woo played a part in his own Groundhog Day problem by battling Hyun Seok to the death in the game because it was a dick waving contest between them. Even if he didn’t intend to kill him, Hyun Seok still died in real life and the quest after is Jin Woo paying penance (and then some). Secretary Seo was Jin Woo’s “partner” and companion in the only meaningful way rather than the shoehorned love interest that was Hee Joo. It helped that Min Jin Woong was surprisingly memorable and charismatic with his acting, I’ll remember Secretary Seo/City Hunter fondly.
He was very good in Drinking Solo, his character was pretty touching. In MoA, I really liked the relationship between him and Jin Woo. When Jin Woo had to “kill” the bug, it was so sad 🙁
I’m still crying for his scenes! If only HJ didn’t exist in the drama then we would have got more of Secy Seo and maybe he wouldn’t have had to die so early on!
We must be watching a different drama, because, I didn’t believe Lee Re had enough material to say that it was a breakout role. However, I love Secretary Seo. He too didn’t have that much scene, but every scene make scenes and leave a lasting impression.
Rather than calling it a “breakout”, Lee Re’s portrayal of MJ is the most likeable female character in MOA, the only female character who gives a pleasant and lasting impression (instead of an annoying crying face). Secretary Seo is so cute, he is tall and attractive imo. I totally enjoy the bromance and feel the pain of losing him especially if there is a sequel, he won’t be in it because he has vanished into a pile of sugar (not salt nor sand).
He is a good actor. Have watched him in Father is strange also.
Jin Woong is a scene stealer. He’s been a favorite ever since YongPal.