Taecyeon Brings Complex Charisma to ‘The Duke’s First Night’
South Korean actor and 2PM member Taecyeon is set to captivate viewers with his complex portrayal of the male lead This in the upcoming KBS 2TV (Korean Broadcasting System 2TV) drama, The Duke’s First Night. The drama, airing June 11, is based on a romantic web novel set in a fictional Joseon Dynasty, blending fantasy with intense emotional storytelling.
Taecyeon plays This, a seemingly perfect male character known for his cold rationality and exceptional martial arts skills. However, his stoic personality begins to unravel when he shares a night with Alternative Plan, played by Seo Hyun, whose soul is that of a modern-day female university student trapped in the narrative. This encounter triggers an emotional transformation in This, deviating from the novel’s original flow and revealing a more vulnerable and romantically driven side.
Recently released stills from the drama highlight This’s dual nature—his icy exterior in military costume against a night backdrop, and the spark of tender affection in his eyes as he gazes upon Alternative Plan. The contrast teases viewers with a character full of contradictions and emotional depth.
Taecyeon shared his thoughts on the role, saying, “I received the script while I was heavily into reading web novels. It felt like destiny.” He added, “Everyone’s probably imagined stepping into a web novel as the main character at least once—it was an exciting offer.” He described This as a character who appears noble on the surface, but has internal darkness and detaches himself emotionally due to past trauma. Yet, when he meets Alternative Plan, he begins to abandon his longtime behavioral code for love, which makes the character incredibly compelling.
Taecyeon also revealed that he worked closely with the director to ensure a consistent sense of gravitas for the character. “Instead of expressing emotions with words, I tried to rely on actions and eye contact to convey This’s inner world,” he explained.
The Duke’s First Night aims to present a new take on the conventional web novel adaptation, filled with both visual spectacle and deeply resonant emotional arcs. With Taecyeon’s intense preparation and dedication to the role, viewers are eagerly awaiting the first episode.
