The Rising Star: Han Hyun-jun in TVING’s ‘Running Mate’
Discover the New Face in High School Political Drama
The Untold Story of ‘Running Mate’
‘Running Mate’, set to premiere on TVING on the 19th, is an upcoming youthful high-teen political drama about Sehun Noh (played by Hyun-soo Yoon), a student who becomes the laughingstock of the school due to an unfortunate incident. With a twist of fate, he is nominated as the vice-presidential candidate in the student body election, taking viewers through a journey filled with schemes and determination to win.
Co-written by the Academy Award-winning scriptwriter Jin-won Han, who collaborated with director Bong Joon-ho on ‘Parasite’, this drama marks Han’s directorial debut, making it highly anticipated in the entertainment world.
Han Hyun-jun: The Scene-Stealer
In ‘Running Mate’, Han Hyun-jun takes on the role of Gi-jae Kim, a notorious troublemaker who causes upheavals. Although he appears boastful and mocks Sehun, beneath the bravado lies a simple and charming foolishness. His character is a typical ‘strong-against-the-weak, weak-against-the-strong’ persona. Han Hyun-jun’s portrayal of Kim promises to bring humor and depth to the character, comparable to a ‘mischievous seven-year-old’.
#### Breaking Through into the Industry
Han made his debut with TVN’s drama project ’XX+YY’ in 2022, impressively beating a 500:1 odds to star in the web drama ‘Class is in Session’. Since then, he has sharpened his acting skills across multiple independent films and web series.
His upcoming role in SBS’s 2024 drama ‘Connection’, where he plays Hyeon-woo Min, a quick-delivery worker living with his grandmother, is already drawing attention. Co-starring with seasoned actors like Ji Sung and Mido Jeon, Han’s unflinching performance is carving a niche for him in the acting scene.
Expanding Horizons
Last year, Han Hyun-jun received recognition at the 9th Ulju Mountain Film Festival non-competitive ‘Human’ section for his portrayal of a homeless man, Mi-nam Gong, in ‘Suyeong Bakery’. Despite his character’s rugged appearance contrasting with his handsome looks, his nuanced performance etched a strong impression on audiences.
Awaiting a New Era in School Drama
Unique and ever-evolving in his craft, Han Hyun-jun is set to bring a refreshing change to ‘Running Mate’, piquing the curiosity of his fans and critics alike. With all episodes to be released on TVING, anticipate a compelling series that promises to set a new standard for teen political dramas.
For more details, visit TVING’s official website.
