He captures the audience's emotions through his portrayal of a complex character.
His excellent performance adds to the drama's overall appeal.
[TV Daily reporter Choi Hana] In drama, the vitality of a character often rests on the actor. This is particularly true for Lee Jun-hyuk, whose portrayal of an antagonist has won him considerable affection from viewers. With the return of 'Stranger 2', his complex character continues to leave a strong impression. Following a season 1 that gained a dedicated fanbase, expectations are high for the new season that premiered on the night of the 15th. This new installment by tvN captures the unraveling of hidden truths by prosecutors Hwang Si-mok and Han Ye-jin. Opening with a drowning incident, familiar faces from season 1 returned, enticing the audience once again. Among them, Lee Jun-hyuk's character, Seo Dong-jae, stands out remarkably. Initially depicted as a flawed character plagued by insecurity from being a local university graduate, his actions, although contemptible, evoke empathy due to Lee Jun-hyuk's remarkable portrayal. Dubbed the 'human bat', his dubious actions stem from his instinct for survival, which adds emotional layers to his character. In his season 2 debut, he is shown still striving hard to find a path for himself, impressively depicting his ongoing struggles.
Lee Jun-hyuk's performance is a pivotal aspect that breathes life into the character of Seo Dong-jae. Having established himself as a notable antagonist, he transcends the typical image of a corrupt prosecutor to become a more rounded character. This transformation allows viewers to empathize with his struggles through a powerful portrayal. The emotional turmoil he presents, combined with his exceptional acting skills, offers a complexity that challenges the preconceived notions of villainy. Consequently, his character is not merely disliked but earns affectionate nicknames like 'our Dong-jae,' facilitating a connection between him and the audience. This resonance significantly contributes to Lee Jun-hyuk's transition from supporting roles to leading roles.
Seo Dong-jae's character, depicted as grappling to find his path amidst despair, serves as a symbolic reflection of struggles faced by many in contemporary society. Through this portrayal, Lee Jun-hyuk provides comfort through the fierce survival struggles typical of an antagonist. The complexities of Seo Dong-jae's situation allow the audience to experience anxiety alongside him, making this an essential element of the drama.
Through his acting, Lee Jun-hyuk crafts Seo Dong-jae into more than just a character; he illuminates the character's difficulties, thereby enriching the drama's overall depth. Alongside intricate relationships among various characters, his performance enhances the allure of 'Stranger 2,' leading viewers to become even more immersed in Seo Dong-jae's intricate charm. This will act as a significant element that heightens the prominence of the drama.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: tvN
