The Blurred Line Of Acting Idols & Their On-Screen Image

Tags
k-drama
k-pop
Boys over Flowers
Kim Hyun Joong

The recent allegations of domestic abuse involving SS501’s Kim Hyun Joong present an interesting situation that has developed in K-Pop and K-Drama. This is not an article illustrating the various aspects of the news surrounding the allegations, but one which considers how the image Kim Hyun Joong cultivated in "Boys Over Flowers" has affected the way in which fans have reacted to the news.

Starting from his role as the white knight Yoon Ji Hoo in “Boys Over Flowers,” Kim Hyun Joong established himself as a stalwart and dreamy K-Drama hero. For many female viewers, Yoon Ji Hoo represented the ideal man, who was patient, empathetic, and ready to come to the rescue as the virtual firefighter in the life of the poor schoolgirl Geum Jan Di (Gu Hye Sun).

Kim Hyun Joong became a Hallyu star, largely due to the global popularity of "Boys Over Flowers."

“Boys Over Flowers” is one of the leading K-Drama programs for international audiences, receiving broadcast time in over twenty countries outside of South Korea. In 2010, “Boys Over Flowers” made its way to Hulu, one of the leading streaming services in the United States. The drama, which was broadcast in South America and The Middle East, remains a benchmark for many first-time viewers of Korean drama.

With its pervasive popularity, it is not surprising that many fans established Kim Hyun Joong and Yoon Ji Hoo as being synonymous.

“You’re Beautiful” which also premiered on Korean television in 2009, has similar appeal to international fans. The drama is responsible for launching its stars Jang Geun Suk, Park Shin Hye, Jung Yong Hwa, and Lee Hong Ki to instantaneous stardom. Even in 2014, CNBLUE’s Jung Yong Hwa and Park Shin Hye remain a popular virtual couple for fans.

The blurred lines that arise with K-Pop idols becomes most apparent when K-Drama castings are announced. Recently, there was a mixed reaction from K-Drama fans regarding the casting of f(x) member Krystal Jung opposite Hallyu star Rain for the drama, "She's So Lovable."

While Krystal held a supporting role in "The Heirs," she was not the female lead. Although fans enjoyed watching Krystal act opposite CNBLUE's Kang Min Hyuk, there has been a lukewarm response regarding her casting opposite Rain. As a more mature idol who is in a serious relationship with actress Kim Tae Hee, Rain is not representative of a believable romantic lead opposite Krystal.

 "She's So Lovable" is a drama set in an entertainment agency, with the plot revolving around the ascension of fictitious idols. INFINITE's L and Hoya are also included in the main cast.

There are numerous examples of fan pairings which have turned out to be actual couples, in both K-Drama and American programming. One of the most perplexing relationships for American teen drama fans recently occurred when “Gossip Girl” star Leighton Meester married Adam Brody of “The O.C.” While both actors starred in Josh Schwartz productions, they remain Blair Waldorf and Seth Cohen in the minds of viewers.

While not a relationship pairing, the current situation with Kim Hyun Joong has created similar disillusion in fans. The site Netizenbuzz is currently one of the best barometers of fan feedback regarding the situation, where the comments range from defense of the idol to harsh criticism.

Kim Hyun Joong may have launched his K-Drama career as Geum Jan Di's firefighter, but recently he started to cultivate a harder image. He followed up his comeback album "Unbreakable" with the image as a hardnosed boxer in the historical drama "Inspiring Generation."

The acting idol underwent a complete image makeover to establish that he was tougher and more mature than his previous schoolboy roles. This newly developed image is now being explored by his critics, as allegations continue to be released by Korean media. Until the allegations against Kim Hyun Joong have been substantiated, iit may be wise to remember that he is a singer, and an actor, and not Yoon Ji Hoo.

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