Kim Hyun Joong: the Human Face of the Drama

As the drama rolls into their Shanghai leg of shooting there are a few ripples on the lake of public opinion. The talk was that Inspiring Generation is emphasizing too much on Kim Hyun Joong. This is in reference to posters specially the giant one which draped the side of the KBS building and other media blitz. If you were KBS which is relying on IG to be the year’s signature drama why will you not give it all the push it needs. And besides, without sounding apologist-KHJ is after all, the lead actor. Not to mention he photographs well and carries the production project’s dramatic flair to a high level. I hope he does the OST as well.

The IG is feared to be similar to Gaksital (Bridal Mask) drama. There were actor migration from Gaksital to IG. But I think the similarity ends with the periodization (the 30′s) and the nationalism fervor sub theme which is fairly common in KDramas.

KHJ is the human face of the drama.Long after the drama is over he is the one who is going to be remembered. He is the main protagonist-the main man involved in the conflict inherent in any drama. It is Shin Jung Tae’s story -his coming of age as he exemplified the youth of his generation faced by similar predicament during the 1930′s. SJT need his antagonists in the gangsters and villains as well as his mentors and friends to even the playing field. The usual love interests are there to provide the element of romance and another kind of conflict.

It is to the credit of Hyun Joong for taking up this drama where the others turned it down. This drama is not your ordinary, simple one produced by the studio. It entails overseas shooting during the formidable weather conditions of the winter months. Hyun joong had to go to action school to make his moves authentic in the fighting scenes and also to be more protective of his body.

In other words, if KBS and Drama production invested on IG, so with KHJ, after all it is his career. As some predicted IG could be his launching pad as an action man though perhaps not (yet) in the league of Hugh Jackman.

And so the human face of IG is now walking on the surface of earth called Shanghai, memorizing huge chunks of dialogue, the internalization of the character and to go with it the appropriate facial expressions. He carries with him the dark ambiance of the drama with scars and bruises and a manly scowl.

The heavy load of making the high rating rests on his shoulder (with a complimentary chicken at Jaksal if it makes 30% rating courtesy of who else. Sorry alcohol and HJ not included). While that is an expectation unfair for an individual to carry, the drama is one huge puzzle picture that even the tiniest part is important. At the end of the day every single member of the cast ought to deliver.

But knowing Kim Hyun Joong, he had long ago waved the flag. His mantra: to be the best in what he does.

It’s now less than a month before the drama airing. In the meantime, let’s not bite our nails stressing out. Instead, let us send our only one all our positive energy and vibes we can muster.

Don’t forget to have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.