Currently Watching: Bubblegum
It's been a long time since Jang Hyuk has been in a romantic comedy. Not everyone is familiar with him in romantic comedies. His performance in the Korean remake of the Taiwanese drama Fated to Love You may be outside of what people are familiar seeing him perform. For anyone who doesn't know much about him, for the skeptics and for any fans that may have doubt about his ability to successfully pull off a romantic comedy, I want to give you some hope and reassurance.
I discovered Jang Hyuk this past winter and have been addicted to watching his movies and dramas ever since. I hope this Stalker's Guide will perhaps broaden your opinion of his abilities as an actor.
I've highlighted some of my favorite Jang Hyuk projects and broken up his movies and dramas into categories to make it easier for you to find Jang Hyuk in a specific genre, that you may enjoy.
Romantic Comedies
Fated To Love You - July 2014 (Drama)
Character: Lee Gun
It's really exciting for me to watch the reunion of these two actors, Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara. I loved their chemistry in Successful Story of a Bright Girl. I really love how he has stepped outside of his comfort zone in this role and made the character his own rather than try to copy Ethan Ruan. I've been anticipating this drama for quite some time and look forward to seeing how his character develops.
Successful Story of a Bright Girl
Character: Kitae
As I mentioned above, Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara first acted together is this drama. It's cute, and he really pulls off that "jerk chaebol" type of character, before the whole concept was even really popular back in 2002.
Windstruck
Character: Ko Myung-Woo
Okay, not really a Rom Com. It's starts out really funny, but then becomes very emotional. It's a rare opportunity to see Jang Hyuk be super sweet and as well as romantic. The movie is charming. Jeon Ji Hyeon and Jang Hyuk have great chemistry. We don't usually ever see Hyukie as a doormat either. The movie is extremely emotional, but has some very quirky moments as well.
Melodrama/Romance Dramas
Thank You
Character: Dr. Min
Thank You was the first drama I watched Jang Hyuk in and fell in love with. I was blown away by his manliness, bluntness and caring nature. He can come across as very "rough" but really he has a good heart. This drama is so beautiful. The subject matter may sound intense (a little girl diagnosed with HIV/AIDS), but it's laced with heartfelt humor and love.
Robber
Character: Oh Joon
Robber, in my opinion is an extremely underrated drama. It's honestly one of my favorite romantic melodramas. What's great about Jang Hyuk's character in Robber is his transformation. It's like seeing two very different characters, yet the transition occurs in a way that is believable and acceptable. I also thought he was quite funny in this drama. His character is, frankly, kind of weird, but still charming (and infuriating). In this drama, Jang Hyuk plays a conman that tries to swindle money out of women. He's like a "jerk chaebol", but 100 times worse.
Tazza
Character: Go-ni
Tazza is a funny and very melodramatic drama. It brings you along Go-ni's journey of revenge as he becomes more and more skilled at Go-Stop (Korean card game). I loved the OST and the super intense card games. The relationships are often complicated. Watching Go-ni hit rock bottom, then try to climb his way back up is just thrilling.
Sageuk (Historical) Dramas
Jang Hyuk really shines in historical dramas. Two of my favorite performances of his are Sageuk.
Chuno / The Slave Hunters
Character: Daegil
Chuno is a drama that revived my inner acting instinct. My most favorite Jang Hyuk character is, with no doubt, Daegil from Chuno. Daegil stole my heart, reminded me the beauty of love and caused my heart to bleed out in agony with him. I cannot yet re-watch this drama, as just thinking about it still effects me emotionally in such a deep way. If I look at Daegil, or listen to the OST, the memories of the drama come rushing back and my eyes begin to well up with tears. If it was up to me, everyone should give this drama a try. The acting is Oscar worthy. Seriously, someone please give this man an Oscar.
Oh, and how can I not mention Jang Hyuk's mad martial arts skills in this drama? He has super cool action scenes. His character breathes through every movement. I highly recommend this drama.
Tree With Deep Roots
Character: Ddolbock
I love Ddolbock. He's had a hard life, but never loses his spunk and stubborn nature. He's beautiful in and out and highly intelligent. The drama will appeal to the intellectually minded. It also has a great twist.
Jang Hyuk and Psychological
Searching for the Elephant
Character: Hyun-Woo
This movie is out there, so I can't expect everyone to like it; but it was right down my alley. I love psycho-weird stuff. Hyun-Woo is a schizophrenic with addiction issues. Getting into Hyun-Woo’s head was frightening. His reality is dark, lonely and very scary. But his heart is so beautiful. He’s a lost soul searching for purpose in life; looking for happiness and peace. This is probably my second favorite Jang Hyuk character. Flawless acting. Bravo! I imagine playing this character would have been quite challenging.
Jang Hyuk Steamy Romance
If you want a little bit of sexy in your movie, I would suggest watching Innocent Thing (Thorn) and Five Senses of Eros. Searching for the Elephant also had some very provocative scenes.
Innocent Thing / Thorn
Character: Junki
The movie can be a bit all over the place, but Jang Hyuk's character is mesmerizing (if not more than a little wrong). Junki is bored with life. He is a gym teacher at an all-girls school. He is married and his wife is pregnant. He feels trapped and unchallenged. One of the students confesses to him, which arouses his curiosity. He tries to resist her at first. We get to watch him struggle with temptation. There are some very sensual scenes that seem a little too real... To be honest, the bedroom scenes felt so real, I felt like I was invading the actors privacy by watching. Although I don't condone the behaviour of any of the characters really, Junki was more than just a man attracted to a younger woman.
Acting Strengths
What really drew me into Jang Hyuk as an actor, is his incredible acting range. I feel he’s also up to any challenge, and is not satisfied sticking only to one particular genre. He appears to be an individual that likes a challenge and really respects the art of acting. He not only plays a part, he becomes the character he is portraying. Here are some examples of where he excels:
- Action
- Pain
- Turmoil
- Empathy
- Addiction
- Ability to cry in different ways
- Expression through movement
Fun Facts
By reading blogs, speaking with fans, and watching some of his other appearances, I have learned a few interesting facts about Jang Hyuk. Let me share a few:
- He was once known as the rapper TJ
- He likes to sing “Creep by Radiohead” when he’s out with his friends
- He’s not much of a drinker
- Enjoys Recycling
- He can cook a fierce hot dog
- He’s skilled in Jeet Kune Do and Taekwondo.
Upcoming
- The Age of Innocence (2014) - Movie
A Few Other Works
I hope you enjoyed this stalker's guide. I'd love to here your thoughts.
If there is an actor or an actress that is worthy of a Stalker's Guide in your opinion, and you have watched enough dramas of his/hers to prove it, please contact Elisabetta about it.
