By Jae-Ha Kim
Kocowa.com
September 27, 2019
Ever since Ji Chang-Wook’s discharge from South Korea’s mandatory military duty on April 27, 2019, fans have been biting their fingernails waiting for his comeback. They won’t have to wait much longer, because the popular actor’s latest series, “Melting Me Softly,” will premiere on South Korean television on September 28.
Co-starring Won Jin-Ah and Yoon Se-Ah, the highly-anticipated K-Drama centers on a man and a woman who took part in an experiment two decades ago. They were both frozen and were supposed to wake up within 24 hours. Instead, they were “asleep” for 20 years. Until they can figure out an proper cure, their key to survival is keeping their core body temperature above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
We know that Ji is a great actor, but what is it about him that makes him so irresistible?
HE’S FUNNY
He has the looks to melt anyone’s heart. Whether he’s playing a warrior, bad boy or night courier, his visuals are mesmerizing. But he pokes fun of his handsomeness, which just makes him even more attractive to his fans.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ofS6ag5bz/
HE’S KIND
A Vietnamese fan shared a story about getting to meet Ji after a stage performance. In her excitement, the student accidentally dropped her purse into the gift bag she gave to the actor. Two days later, she received a call from the police. They had her wallet. Most celebrities would’ve had their staff deal with a lost and found item. But Ji had turned it in to police along with a handwritten note thanking the fan for coming to watch him perform and for the gifts she gave him.
HE LOVES HIS COUNTRY … AND HIS MOM!
He didn’t share much on social media during his time in the Army, but when he did, it was to show off his beautiful mother. The two share a close friendship and he has always said she has been the best role model and parent anyone could ask for.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiZF-nMBkTN/
HE’S A SUPERB ACTOR
Plenty of actors are handsome. And a good many of them are also talented. But Ji also has the It factor that draws viewers in, even when he’s playing a not-so-nice role. Some of his most famous roles?
“Suspicious Partner“: This was his gift to fans prior to entering the military. He portrays an attorney who mentors (and then falls in love with) his underling (wonderfully played be Nam Ji-Hyun), who is accused of killing her ex-boyfriend.
“Healer“: This series made Ji an international star. He played a skillful night courier, who would do just about anything (except murder) for money. He discovers the secret to his childhood when he is hired to find out more information about a tabloid journalist (portrayed by Park Min-Young), who he feels drawn to.
“Five Fingers“: I loved to hate his character in this soapy K-Drama revolving around a rich family, arson, love, an illegitimate child and chaebols fighting each other. Ji plays the youngest son who assumes he’ll be the heir to the family’s business, only to find that his father favored his adopted brother (played by Ju Ji-Hoon of “Kingdom” fame).
“Warrior Baek Dong Soo“: This swashbuckling series stars Ji in the titular role as a charismatic swordsman and folk hero who helps shield Joseon from the evils of politicians who are willing to forsake their country for profit. Bonus: Getting to see the actor rock a man bun and long hair.
Be sure to follow @GoAwayWithJae, where I tweet about all things Korean.🇰🇷
NOTE: This article ran originally on September 27, 2019 here. KOCOWA re-ran it on August 11, 2022 here.
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