Actors Over 40 Who Never Cease to Amaze: final part - 6

Actors Over 40 Who Never Cease to Amaze

The last part; 6

This is the last part of the male edition. They’ll be a special edition next time, which will be followed by the female edition. Excited?!

Jo Jae Yun

Age: 40

Though he hasn’t done any over-40 works, since he’s barely 40, Jo Jae Yun is one actor I’ll keep anticipating as long as I’m a drama fan.

With his sense of humor and vivid expressions, JJY always leaves a deep impression.

I have only watched him in 3 things; two in which he captured my heart. He was the only fun element in Gu Family Book. Watching his gangster, and confused image, always tumbling about and getting bullied by the semi-gumiho, but growing loyal to him was the best thing ever. I would just beam whenever he was on screen.

Then I watched him in the awesome –well, for me- Liar Game and liked every thing he did. Even when he betrayed the team I didn’t believe it was a selfish move –we found out later that it wasn't-. His affection and concern for Nam Da Jeong and his friendship with Ha Woo Jin were so human and touching.

I haven’t finished Blood yet but his role there was a disappointment. He didn’t have the space to actually act. I like him all the same.

One more thing, we were born on the same day!

Yoo Dong Geun

Age: 58

*bows*

Now this is what I call an immortal talent. This genius still lands lead roles; and not just any roles. And he ALWAYS outperforms all.

As you guys know, Athena; Goddess of War for me, is a turning point. So if my first drama for this actor was Athena; what kind of regard would I hold for him?

In Athena; and when he was 53, he played Kwon Yong Gwon who leads NIS to trace and destroy the secret organization Athena. Those who watched the drama would understand me perfectly. Those who didn’t, well, eventually would watch it and would understand me then.

In the first episode he got tortured by Cha Seung Won to leak information. The stubborn middle-aged man lost in pain, but smirking at the cold-blooded Son Hyuk is a picture I can never erase of my mind –no wonder I hated CSW’s guts at the beginning-. As he lead NIS and stands firmly against all opposition, YDG presented the perfect leader image; the most brilliant, composed, shrewd and considerate leader. And he completely won over my heart.

I know that there are so many contradicted opinions on Gu Family Book. But, I believe that almost everyone would agree that Yoon Dong Geun as Lee Soon Shin was no joke. I haven’t watched The Immortal Lee Soon Shin yet, and one of the reasons is that I cannot imagine anyone else playing the role. The confidence and sense of security his voice and each word he utters give! And that genius sparkling in his eyes! Wow!

Then came the wonderful What Happens to My Family. Though I haven’t watched many family dramas, this was one of the best I watched –even removing Glorious Day from the number one on my Family Dramas list-. I still have 8 episodes left and I’m scared to finish it, but I saw enough. I’m always on the children's side, and I always blame the parents. Well I know I’m so subjective. But, in this one drama I couldn’t but side with Cha Soon Bong throughout. The caring, kind, loving and sacrificing father had to deal with all the indifference and neglect of his children. And till the end he only thought of their good even if he used methods every body else agreed were ‘’wrong’’. If I only could have….. fill in the blank.

I can see Yoo Dong Geun 20 years from now still playing main roles and impressing. I’m so thankful there’s such a talent in the drama world.

Sung Dong Il

Age: 47

Awwwieeee how I love this man! I mean, how can he be so adorable! There’s something about him that is so cute! So irresistible! That sense of humor, his small eyes and his vivid gestures. He brings each character he plays to life and catches the entire spotlight.

My only pre-40 work by him was 200 Pounds Beauty where he worked at a recording company. I remember how he stared at Kim Ah Joong after the plastic surgery. His stare was epic.

I watched his 3 works at 43; Chuno, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and Fugitive: Plan B. And in the three, he was so good I remember everything he said or did. He received an award on his role as Cheon Ji Ho in Chuno. The vulgar and jealous, Cheon Ji Ho was so adorable it was crazy. I was amazed at how good he was, but didn’t like the character much –he annoyed Jang Hyuk!- but then as his friends started dying and he started changing, I fell for him. And how I cried when he died. Oh my god!

As for My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, he was the best thing about the drama. The fantasy world Ban Doo Hong lived in with all the hilarious clothes and the French songs in the background, were too good to be true. His search for 'real action' made the drama for me. I wouldn’t have liked it the same, if it was not for him.

In Fugitive, and though he gave MY Rain hell, I liked him. Nakamura was too shrewd, too deceptive and too self-conceited there was no way I would not like him. His sarcastic remarks and smirks would leave me in stitches. He completely impressed.

Then I watched him in Reply: 1997. Honestly, I hated his character. I hate this type of father, always quarreling and giving their teenage daughters hard times. But, I cannot deny that he made a good job out of the role.

And then comes his breathtaking role in one of the BEST dramas out there; It’s Ok, That's Love –making me want to re-watch it-. Like seriously, if he was my psychiatrist, I’d get treated. Jo Dong Min’s complicated relationship with his ex-wife, his bromance with Park Soo Kwang and his warm and caring friendship with Jang Jae Bum and Ji Hae Soo were not ordinary. He was everywhere included in all stories and strangely he fit in each perfectly and was never a nuisance.

And he is a supporting actor! Sighs!

Kim Tae Hoon

Age: 40

Obviously all that I watched is pre-40. He’s preparing for a new drama though so we’re having a post-40 one soon.

My first drama by him was the insane Innocent Man. Every one there was nuts, and so was Kim Tae Hoon. As Ahn Min Young, he did all the dirty work for the woman he loved, knowing she’d never be his. His solemn expressions and coldness were perfectly portrayed. And I fell for that image; completely.

So when I watched him in Operation Proposal I was surprised. What's with the good guy image?! It strangely suited him. Though the bad one suits him better. As Yoo Seung Ho’s father, no way he would be a bad guy. Doesn’t work.

Then came his brief appearance in Secret Door and he gave me the creeps in every scene. That scary and crazy spark of ambition in his eyes that would not let anyone block the way, was so real and so natural, I couldn’t separate the character from the actor. Kang Pil Jae was so real it was frightening. And that black disguise! Goosebumps.

He was the villain again in Bad Guys; the villain who believed he was saving the world. That look of complete satisfaction as he preached his twisted beliefs to his victims! That utter conviction and deep faith! He was a perfect psycho.

And now in Angry Mom, he’s playing another psycho, making use of kids and education. What a perfect choice for the mentally disturbed Do Jeong Woo. I wish I never run into such a guy.

What always amazes me is that we normally get tired of actors always playing villains, but how come I never get tired of Kim Tae Hoon?!

Ah, and you know whose brother he is, right?!

Son Chang Min

Age: 49

Now here comes another great talent. One day I’ll go back and watch his 1990s dramas where he played the lead. I hate how leads become supporting actors as they grow older. How unfair!

Thankfully, my first drama by him was Glorious Day. I wouldn’t have liked him this much if he played the bad guy. In Glorious Day, Nam Goong Young touched my heart many a time. Though he firstly appeared as an arrogant scumbag, he turned to be a lonely and caring bachelor. His love and care for the Seo Family, then his love for Han Song Jung and her daughters were so warm and so moving. I never saw a guy with such perseverance without being clingy or pushing the woman to the edge. He melted the frozen heart of Writer Han and my heart along, drawing one of the most beautiful love stories.

In Road Number One, he played Oh Jong Ki, the capable but overly-ambitious soldier. He keeps trying to get personal benefits of the war until he gets moved by Lee Jang Woo and becomes loyal to him. At the beginning I hated his guts. He was so annoying. But then I fell for him. I’m so boring, right?!

In 2014 and at 48 he played the conflicted and guilt-stricken Jeong Chang Ui who’s lived his life trying to keep a secret and make up for a kid he was partially responsible of ruining his life. It was epic watching the pain overshadowing his countenance and he trying to cover it with a smile. His role was so emotive.

I haven’t started Unkind Women yet but will soon. I’m so eager to see more of him.

Lee Won Jong

Age: 46

Though I watched some of his early works, when he was still in his thirties, I’ve always called him ahjussi. He has that ahjussi look, the ahjussi you want to run to and hug.

He’s everywhere but he’s never forgettable. Be it an honest, hardworking, loyal and kind role like in Bodyguard, Ja Myung Go and Secret Door. Or a hilarious one like in the ongoing dramaThe Girl Who Sees Scents. Even clumsy, foolish, but overly ambitious, and selfish, roles like in Warrior Baek Dong Soo and Iljimae, Lee Won Jung always has some memorable moments. He’s always welcomed and he always leaves his mark. My favourite for him is evidently Secret Door. He made me research the character.

Shin Ha Kyun

Age: 40

Love him! Well, just because.

I haven’t watched many by this awesome actor; not the most popular works that is. But I will one day, because I liked what I saw.

I watched him first as Jung Woo in Guns and Talks. As a part of the amazing film, Shin Ha Kyun didn’t disappoint as he played a contract killer falling in love. He was the most adorable thing ever.

In Murder, Take One, he gave that criminal aura, I was even provoked, much less the people around him. He perfectly acted the suspect no one believed. His eyes were ablaze all through, freaking the hell out of me.

Harvest Villa was a courageous choice of his. The drama was different in every aspect. He played the naïve and clumsy Bok Kyu getting played around and deceived for his inheritance. The pain he went through was written all over his face. He was pathetic and he exerted at it.

Mr. Back is still on hold and no matter how negative people’s reviews are I’ll finish it. the cast is just too good.

What is hiding for us after 40?!

The special edition will be about actors over 40 I want to know more. Anticipate!