Yook Sungjae Shines in ‘Gwigung’: A Phenomenon in Global Fantasy Dramas
Yook Sungjae Captures Hearts Worldwide in Leading Fantasy Drama
A Global Hit: ‘Gwigung’
Yook Sungjae, the talented actor and singer, recently wrapped up yet another successful drama with SBS’s ‘Gwigung’. Known for his versatile acting skills, Yook portrayed the challenging double role of Yoon Gab, a bookkeeper possessed by the dragon king Kang Chel. His performance skillfully balanced comedic flair with deep emotional resonance, earning widespread acclaim.
Plot Synopsis
‘Gwigung’ follows Yeo-ri, a shaman defying her fate, and Kang Chel, trapped in Yoon Gab’s body. The duo’s journey against the vengeful Balcheogwi spirits unfolds into an enthralling fantasy-romance comedy. The drama dominated viewership ratings, sustaining the top spot during its time slot and grabbing the highest ratings among weekly miniseries according to Nielsen Korea.
International Success
Not just a domestic hit, ‘Gwigung’ caught fire globally, topping charts in 89 countries, including the US, UK, and France. Following his success in previous fantasies like ‘Goblin’, ‘Golden Spoon’, and ‘Mystic Pop-up Bar’, Yook’s unique brand of acting flourished, reinforcing his reputation as the ‘Possession Specialist Actor’.
In a candid Q&A, Yook shared his reflections post-drama:
Q: What are your thoughts with ‘Gwigung’ coming to an end?
A: I feel a mix of sadness and gratitude. ‘Gwigung’ was a significant project for me, boosting my confidence in acting. I’m sincerely thankful to everyone who supported the drama.
Q: What aspects of the dual roles were challenging?
A: Portraying two distinct characters without special effects was daunting. However, facing each scene as a mission allowed me to push my limits. Experimenting with different expressions, dialects, and subtleties in performance became intensely satisfying.
Q: Did you anticipate ‘Gwigung’s’ success?
A: The overwhelming response from the first episode was unexpected but exhilarating. While I see areas for personal improvement, I’m grateful for the support.
Future Prospects
Engaging with genres in ‘Gwigung’ has dissolved my fear of diversification. Now, a simple rural youth’s story or a human drama excites me just as much. Collaborating with actors like Kim Ji-yeon and Kim Ji-hoon enhanced our on-screen chemistry, making each scene memorable.
Anticipation builds for Yook Sungjae’s solo ventures. His whimsical concept photos for the mini-album ‘All About Blue’ thrilled fans, with 18 tracks available across streaming platforms on the 19th. Solo concerts, ‘THE BLUE JOURNEY’, will follow, treating fans in spectacular fashion.
For more insight into Yook Sungjae’s journey in ‘Gwigung’, stay tuned!
