2PM's Ok Taec Yeon Compares His Character's Challenges To Those Faced By His Friends

Ok Taec Yeon's new role in the upcoming drama "Assembly" prompted him to speak out about the challenges facing young adults in Korea today.

In "Assembly" he plays Kim Kyu Hwan, a student. The 26-year-old actor and 2PM member spoke about the similarities between his character's life and that of his twenty-something friends when he appeared at a July 9 press conference for the drama.

"I am acting as Kim Kyu Hwan, a student who has been preparing for the civil service exam for three years," said Ok. "My friends, like Kim Kyu Hwan, are either working, still studying or preparing for employment."

His character studies during the day but works as a chauffeur at night.

While the political drama focuses on the story of a working class man who gets elected to Korea's National Assembly, Ok said that few of his friends have the time to think about politics. They are too busy preparing for their entry into the workplace.

"Rather than be interested in politics, they′re more worried about their own paths," he said. "With high youth unemployment rates, I think they′re losing hope. I can′t help but think 20-somethings are passing through a long-winding tunnel."

Ok Taec Yeon's career is doing well and he currently doesn't have to worry about finding employment. Besides enjoying success with his band 2PM, he's picking up acting roles. He won praise for his recent role in the weekend drama "Wonderful Days." Before that he appeared in "Who Are You?" with So E Hyun, "Dream High" with Suzy Bae and Kim Soo Hyun, and "Cinderella's Sister" with Moon Geun Young.

He's only playing a supporting role in "Assembly."

Jung Jae Young, who last appeared in "Fatal Encounter," will play the leading role of the working class politician in this drama. He was a welder before being elected to office. His character has plenty of dreams about reforming the government but no practical experience in how to go about achieving his dreams. Song Yoon Ah, who last appeared in "Mama," will also play his more pragmatic assistant.

Kim Seo Hyung will play an assembly member, while Tae In Ho plays Jung Jae Young's secretary.

The drama follows "Masked Prosecutor" on July 15.