The low ratings earned by Jang Geun Suk's most recent drama "Pretty Man" caused much netizen chatter about his career choices.
He's a talented actor and he can be charming in the right role but he hasn't had much luck at picking roles lately.
When he played the arrogant Anjell bandleader in "You're Beautiful" ratings averaged 9.2 percent in Korea and the drama also experienced international success. It was wildly popular in Japan and ensured the popularity of his subsequent dramas shown there.
However, after that his Korean ratings sank. "Mary Stayed Out All Night," in which he co-starred with Moon Geun Young, only averaged 6 percent.
"Love Rain" with co-star Yoona earned an average of 5 percent and "Pretty Man" also averaged 5 percent with the last episode only achieving a disappointing 3.8 percent.
The actor remains very popular in Japan but his dramas are not doing well in Korea.
Jang Geun Suk claimed that "Love Rain" was a bad experience because the drama only had a few episodes written before they began filming. But even though ratings suffered in Korea, the same drama was popular in Japan, even being released in a movie version.
"I know I'm not well received in Korea," Jang Geun Suk once said of his music, which also tops Japanese charts. "It'll get worse if I go around dancing so I'm just going to focus quietly on my acting."
But that game plan also went astray. What should he do next? Netizens had a few suggestions, which seem to focus on two areas for improvement. To regain success in Korea, he needs to improve his public image and choose better roles.
"He has been doing and saying things that seem arrogant, self-centered and disrespectful," said one netizen. "For someone who has been in the industry so long he should realize a respectful image is important."
In Japan, the actor's statements are praised for being honest and truthful. But according to netizens, what the actor says makes it seem like that he doesn't care and that does not go down well in Korea.
For example, when he spoke about how his career was hurt by the failure of "Love Rain," he was criticized for not accepting some of the blame.
"He shouldn't be talking bad about the drama but thinking that maybe the problem is with himself and he is the one who picks the wrong dramas and doesn't give his all on his roles," wrote a netizen.
Another netizen says he should not limit himself to one genre.
"Most actors worry about being stuck to one image and try to vary the types of dramas they pick but I guess Jang Geun Suk likes the pretty boy act."
Maybe fans think he is the arrogant character he so often portrays and playing a nice guy could help.
To sum it up, what fan advice could Jang Geun Suk use to revive his drama career?
- Try to improve your public image if you want to be popular in Korea. Be more respectful.
- Choose your dramas carefully. Switch it up a bit by trying different roles.
- You're not going to be pretty forever and even if you were, it might be time to leave the pretty roles behind.
Or he could focus on Japan where everyone loves him.
