Kang Hyung-seok Shines as the Warmhearted Romantic in ‘Please Take Care of My Drink’

South Korean actor Kang Hyung-seok is winning hearts and ratings alike with his heartfelt portrayal in tvN’s latest hit Monday-Tuesday drama, Please Take Care of My Drink. In episodes 3 and 4, aired on June 19 and 20, Kang’s character, Bong Sun-wook, stepped up as a charming and steadfast romantic lead opposite Jo Yoon-hee’s Han Hyun-joo.

The episodes highlighted the actor’s wide emotional range as he seamlessly transitioned from light-hearted comedic moments to heartfelt romantic gestures. Decked out in training gear and entirely immersed in his role as a taekwondo studio master, Kang radiated both athletic intensity and boy-next-door charm. His performance reached new peaks during a scene where he elegantly demonstrated taekwondo forms while dressed in a traditional dobok, captivating viewers with his physical prowess and screen presence.

But it wasn’t just about flexing muscles. Kang’s character also leaned into a gentle, sincere courtship with Hyun-joo, accompanying her home after classes and offering her support through her personal struggles—including her ongoing battle with abstaining from alcohol. With unwavering affection, Sun-wook lit up the screen as the man who brings warmth and stability to Hyun-joo’s chaotic world.

One standout moment came when Sun-wook obsessively scoured second-hand apps to secure tickets for a concert date, going as far as engaging in a hilarious comment war with his brother-in-law Lee Young-woong (played by Park Kang-seob). Kang’s passionate effort to get those tickets—and his genuine joy upon succeeding—offered a blend of humor, dedication, and emotional depth.

The final twist added further emotion to the character arc. Just as Sun-wook was about to ask Hyun-joo on a date, he realized she was still weighed down by guilt from her recent divorce—leading him to temporarily step back. The bittersweet moment showcased Kang’s ability to portray vulnerability with subtlety, enhancing the narrative’s relatability and resonance.

Kang Hyung-seok’s pitch-perfect performance continues to gain praise for its multifaceted emotion and refined delivery. His portrayal of a “pure-hearted man in unrequited love” is winning both viewer empathy and critical nods. As the drama develops, audiences eagerly anticipate what the devoted Bong Sun-wook will do next.

Please Take Care of My Drink airs every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 p.m. KST on tvN.