Actor You Need to Know: Jang Ki-yong

Jang Ki-yong’s transition from the runway to the realm of acting has only seamlessly translated to his on-screen charm and portrayals courtesy of his inherent physical attributes that made him a successful model, starting at 20 through 2012’s Seoul Fashion Week. Jang’s magnetism, attributed to his handsome, sharp features and towering stature, surely contributes to the attraction and plausibility of the characters he embodies. It, as we know, is rooted in the interaction between physical capital and an actor’s craft—providing a solid basis for honing how they act to accurately put across characters, their moods, and attitudes by way of appearance—that’s integral to Jang Ki-yong’s image in my eyes.

I also feel Jang has been able to build this on-screen image wholly harmonious with his desired public identity, appealing to us through his smooth blend of performance and personality. So as a model-turned-actor, he exploits his physicality to give off that amazing, engaging presence in his roles, leaving an impression. His sleek and enigmatic technique, along with his looks, has made him a coveted Korean actor who enjoys popularity around the world, either as an archetypal lead character or any other for that matter.

Working his way up through modeling and multiple acting roles in various dramas, shows, and initiatives, Jang secured his first starring role in the romance melodrama thriller Come and Hug Me (2018), playing a freshman detective destined to unite with his childhood friend. In an incredible story of love, awe, suspense, and attachments, this one thoroughly examines society and humanity, where Jang’s outstanding work and synergy with co-star Jin Ki-joo won him rave reviews, securing the Best New Actor in Television award at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards.

He seems to ace the dual roles of a hero and a villain, given the transformative power of his acting. He instills reality in even the most complex roles with those never-failing expressions and gestures of his. Their brilliance rests in how they can humanize a very complex and gray character, like Kim Soo-hyun (Jang) in the thriller series Kill It (2019). If you haven’t seen the drama, let me tell you that Jang is perfect as Kim, a devoted animal lover, and excellent vet, but a very dangerous guy hiding his true self from the world. His reliability, expertise, and, perhaps most importantly, his secrecy make him the sought-after specialist killer hired far and wide. And it’s fantastic how Jang nails Kim’s enigma, his elusiveness, and his obscurity.

With Kill It, the actor began to star in more popular projects like Search: WWW (2019), his film debut in the crime action Bad Guys (2019), his mystery melodrama Born Again (2020), and his romantic comedy movie Sweet & Sour (2021), which established his mainstream success. Whether in heated romantic moments, riveting action sequences, or interesting investigation scenes, Jang’s performing fluidity is noteworthy; it certainly goes beyond his physical being and has to do with cognitive flexibility and other revelations that his talent may provide. That specifically reminds me of what he did in the fantasy romcom My Roommate Is a Gumiho (202-2022) alongside Lee Hye-ri and the romance drama Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021) with Song Hye-kyo.

Jang Ki-yong also falls under that breed of K-drama heroes who are unusually adept at pulling off romantic scenes with their seductive smiles, subtle actions, and deep glances. His most recent fantasy romance drama, The Atypical Family (2024), is a gorgeous case in point. We encounter Jang’s Bok Gwi-ju, who could slip through time back to happy memories. He’s from a family of superpowered humans who, as the strain of their surroundings gets to them, start to lose their abilities. But then, a mysterious woman, Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee), alters things and gives them a shot to start over. 

The romance between Gwi-ju and Da-hae is a major plot point in the narrative. Amidst familial tensions, tragedies, and time travel, they grow to love each other more and more, notwithstanding her initial plan to wed him solely to inherit his riches. As well-written and well-executed as it is, I think the romance K-drama is an exception where Jang excels and expands, artfully integrating his charisma, emotions, and inventiveness into moments to remember.