Actor Joo Sang-wook is reaching a new peak in his acting career by showcasing overwhelming villainous performance through the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Kim Bujang'.
In the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Kim Bujang' (written by Nam Dae-joong, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun, produced by Studio S), Joo Sang-wook plays Joo Gang-chan, the chairman of Juhak Construction and an absolute powerhouse with a background as a hired thug. With only his cold, sunken gaze and restrained manner of speech, he delivers breathtaking tension. Let's examine the decisive moments of Joo Gang-chan that have sent viewers trembling in fear.
#1. Public Bath - Dominating from First Appearance with 'Torch Scars'
Joo Gang-chan's first appearance established the character's dangerousness within mere minutes. Before an important business deal, he meets with Congressman Shim (played by Kim Kyung-yong) in a bathhouse and calmly responds to a question about the burn scars covering his body: "I was ashamed to show my daughter, so I just burned myself with a torch." Joo Sang-wook left a striking first impression by portraying the madness of a man who scarred his own body with a calm expression and casual tone.
#2. School - The Most Terrifying Warning Delivered With a Smile
Upon hearing news of his daughter's accident, Joo Gang-chan visits the school and meets Kim Bujang (played by So Ji-seop) for the first time, a fellow parent from the same class. With a calm and affectionate smile, he seems to console the other party, but then turns to the principal and says, "If something like this happens again, then the school and all of you will cease to exist," delivering a weighty sense of pressure without raising his voice—showcasing his unique method of threat.
#3. Geum-i-bpal - Past Proves Joo Gang-chan's Cruel Nature
Joo Gang-chan's past reveals his cruel nature even more vividly. It is revealed that during his time as a hired thug, he mercilessly trampled on Geum-i-bpal (played by Jo Bok-rae) who had defied him and pulled out all of his teeth. His brutal tendency to completely subjugate others through control and fear was enough to shock viewers.
#4. "Have You Confirmed They're Dead?" Madness Under the Name of Love
Upon learning that his daughter Joo Hye-ri (played by Yoo Ji-an) had harmed Kim Min-ji (played by Seo Su-min), Joo Gang-chan reveals distorted paternal affection. He slaps his daughter's cheek while scolding her, but immediately embraces her and whispers tenderly, "Have you confirmed they're dead?"—digesting the duality of a sociopath with a chilling poker face and leaving a striking impact.
#5. "If Only That Student Disappeared From the World" The Quietest Terror of Threatening While Smiling
Quickly seeing through Kim Min-ji's pretense of memory loss, Joo Gang-chan approaches with an affectionate tone while whispering, "If only student Kim Min-ji would disappear from this world," creating breathtaking suspense. His brutal willingness to sacrifice others' lives to protect his daughter adds to the eerie atmosphere.
Regarding the remaining episodes, Joo Sang-wook stated, "You'll be able to see how cruel Joo Gang-chan can become to defeat Kim Bujang, and a different side from what you've seen so far," hinting at dopamine-inducing developments until the very end.
SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Kim Bujang' airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
