Kim Hyun Joong Toughens Up For A More Manly Look

Kim Hyun Joong is looking tough and macho as street fighter Shin Jung Tae in the newest stills for his upcoming drama "Age of Feeling."

In real life he's the same guy he always was. He still has a great sense of humor, likes to read mangas and plays soccer, but his image as an idol and actor has undergone some serious readjustment.

The 28-year-old actor is no longer sending out the flower boy vibes that he exuded in his first acting role, as the sensitive Yoon Ji Hoo in "Boys Over Flowers." That character had long locks of hair and frequently disappeared to play romantic music on the violin. He was the heart and soul of the unlikable but attractive F4.

Then he tried a less appealing role. He went from being the world's best boyfriend in "Boys Over Flower" to being the worst in "Playful Kiss." He played Baek Seung Jo, the boy pursued and caught by the determined Oh Ha Ni. He was rarely nice to her and yet she followed him everywhere. His character was less likeable but he still capitalized on his flower boy good looks in the high school drama, which was not a ratings success.

His transformation for the music video for his 2013 song "Unbreakable" showed a completely different image. No longer trading on his pretty boy appeal, he surprised fans with a new look, short hair, tattoos and a more muscular image. It was different from what fans had seen either in his drama appearances and his performances with the band SS501.

When asked about the change, he said. "I am 28 years old now so I probably shouldn't be called an idol anymore. I want show my maturity, whether I do so through my personality or music."

Both the record and his new image were well received by fans.

Since then his on-stage and on-camera style has included black leather jackets and dark gangster-chic suits and shirts. He still wears foundation, even when he's not performing as he claims he has terrible skin but gone are the days of the pretty boy haircuts.

That make-up foundation will be covered with fake wounds in "Age of Feeling." He plays a street fighter who gets involved with freedom fighters in 1930s Shanghai.

"I am looking forward to showing a more manly side of myself," he said, promising fans plenty of action scenes in the drama.

His character Shin Jung Tae, will not only be scarred on the outside by wounds endured during street fights, but he suffers from emotional scars.  
"Shin Jung Tae has endured plenty of personal pain," said Kim Hyun Joong.

And it has only made him tougher.