Jang Geun Suk confirmed his role in the historical drama "Jackpot" and he sees the role as something of a rebirth.
Although he has acted since he was a child, it has been three years since he appeared in a drama. His last role was playing the prettiest man in the world in "Pretty Man."
While he hasn't acted much since then he currently serves as a mentor on the reality show "Produce 101 and he spent some of 2015 making music and touring. He's also been attending school.
"While attending a graduate school during the last two years, I had the time for some self examination," he said in an interview with the Korean media outlet TV Report. "I've refined my attitudes to and renewed my passion for acting."
Part of his long absence was due to carefully considering how he wanted to proceed.
"I've been careful at selecting my next work in the hopes of transforming my previous image," he said. "As a result I have this awesome opportunity through the role of Dae Gil."
In "Jackpot" he plays Dae Gil, a man who was born into a royal household but grew up in poverty. As a result he had to use his wits to survive and became a con artist and a card shark.
Through this new role Jang plans to approach his acting career with renewed determination.
"Please stay tuned for the rebirth of Jang Geun Suk," he said. "I will bring you my acting ability and sincerity. I will endeavor to launch the second act of my acting career through Dae Gil, an unfortunate prince and skillful hoodwinker."
The character's card sharking skills place him in direct conflict with his royal relative, Prince Yeongjo, who will later be King Yeongjo of Joseon.
Some members of the cast have yet to confirm their participation, but the leading actors will reportedly include Yeo Jin Goo as King Yeongjo and Lim Ji Yeon as Dam Seo, a woman who wants to murder the king. The drama is set to air when "Six Flying Dragons' ends.
The historical drama is reportedly inspired by the popular modern-day drama, "All In," which starred Song Hye Kyo and Lee Byung Hun, and focused on the world of casino gambling. In "Jackpot" the two princes will be rivals for love, power and the throne. A game of chance may decide some of these conflicts.
Jang Geun Suk has acted in historical dramas before, playing Ha Ji Won's first love in "Hwang Jin Yi" and revolutionary Lee Chang Hwi in "Hong Gil Dong." He is better known for his roles in such romantic comedies as "You're Beautiful," "Love Rain," and "Mary Stayed Out All Night."
