K-dramas

The Glory Breakout Male Star Jung Sung Il Gets His Spotlight in Arena Magazine March 2023 Pictorial

I love the breakout moments for underrated stars especially when it’s so organic and undeniable. There have been plenty over the years and the latest to join this special group is K-actor Jung Sung Il who ostensibly was like maybe the third or fourth male lead in Netflix revenge drama The Glory but projected so much thrumming charisma that the spotlight landed on him. He’s also been getting a lot of coverage after her went on a variety show and shared his personal backstory – his parents were not around since he was a little kid and he was basically raised by his grandma who then got sick and he was raised by his few years older noona. He got teary discussing how impoverished they were and how she gave up everything to raise him which makes his success all the more meaningful. Love seeing a heartwarming success story coupled with genuine talent that can stand on his on even after this buzz fades.

ockoala

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  • Agree Koala, he definitely got me interested. He exuded that mature male charisma in the Glory that fits his character well. I paid more attention to him than the male lead doctor on screen. I’m also glad he had his break out in this tough and competitive industry.

    • Yeah, I find it ironic that Lee Do Hyun (actor playing the male lead doctor) was the scene-stealer in Hotel De Luna as the second male lead there. And now that he's the lead, someone stole his thunder lol

      Pretty much confirms to me that most second lead characters are better written than most lead characters. Probably explains the Second Lead Syndrome phenomena too.

      Of course, it also helps that Jung Sung Il is so fine anc charismatic on screen 😍

  • He was so good in Bad & Crazy, I'm really happy he's getting more recognition. He's my fave character in the Glory, can't wait to see what he delivers as the story gets more intense.

  • His character isn’t so good either, but the complexity and value he holds to his reputation is quite interesting. All other male actors’ characters were lacking except him; hence, I did find his character to be the more interesting. But I don’t see his character having any romantic feels towards the LD. I hope it stays that way/

    • You really said my mind. He's an interesting rich character because he's very subdued, not some gross caricature. He's polite, is neither warm nor cruel to people below his station, and he has his own set of values, and in spite of his seemingly low-key attitude, he likes being in control and not being left in the dark about something.
      Ha Do-young's interactions with Dong-eun gave me the impression he inherently sees her as a kindred spirit (aside from Go, they're both smart and are interested in architecture), and chemistry doesn't always have to be romantic. I think he could be friends with her but his upbringing and noblesse oblige attitude prevent him from doing so, and I wonder how these traits and his newfound companionship with Dong-eun will complicate matters for him.

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