The Rise Of Sung Joon As The New Leading Man Of 'Noona Romance'

"Madam Antoine" is the latest "noona romance" or a K-Drama which pairs a younger leading man with an older actress, to hit the airwaves. 

Sung Joon delivers his magnetic persona to the jTBC romantic comedy.

His compelling gaze and nonchalant swagger are omnipresent in his portrayal of Choi Soo Hyun, a jaded but successful psychoanalyst.

The character harkens to his vengeful "Jekyll, Hyde and Me" psychiatrist, Yoon Tae Joo, but viewers are encouraged to watch the weekend drama through the potential reward of romance between Sung and Han Ye Seul, the heroine of the series.

"Madam Antoine" is not the first series to pair the 25-year-old model-turned-actor with an actress who is approaching her mid-thirties. 

While he is now recognized for the role of Choi Joon Gi, an opportunistic manager who falls in love with an heiress in "High Society," Sung made a notable impression on Korean drama audiences with his portrayal of Joo Wan, a young, hopeless romantic in tvN's "I Need Romance 3." 

His endearing interpretation of Wan, a successful radio host in his 20s who harbors a lifelong crush on Shin Joo Yeon (Kim So Yeon), a 33-year-old career woman served as a catalyst for his subsequent casting in "Discovery of Love."  

In "Madam Antoine," he abandons the enthusiasm of his "I Need Romance 3" character while embracing the disturbingly cool persona of Nam Ha Jin from "Discovery of Love."  

Sung is the leading man of the series, but his position as the younger "flower boy" who will undoubtedly conquer the skeptical heart of Han Ye Jin, is challenged by 2AM's Jinwoon (Marriage Not Dating) and Lee Joo Hyung (Tomorrow's Cantabile). 

"Madam Antoine" airs on jTBC on Fridays and Saturdays in the 8:30 p.m. KST time slot. 

What are your thoughts on the potential of Sung Joon as a rising lady man in "noona romance?" Comment below.