In the last year a few idols known for their flower boy good looks have presented a tougher, edgier image. The best example may be Kim Hyun Joong, who cut off his feathery locks and muscled up for his album Breakthrough and his role as a streetfighter in "Inspiring Generation."
Before him, Lee Jun Ki, who first became famous for his pretty looks as an effeminate clown in "The King and the Clown," revved up his motorcycle and tough guy persona for his role in the action thriller "Two Weeks."
Now JYJ's Kim Jaejoong is taking his turn. The latest stills of his new drama "Triangle" show him with a very macho look, short hair, leather jacket and motorcycle. In that drama he will play Jang Dong Chul, one of three brothers who get separated when they are young.
Despite having the same parents, the three brothers follow very different paths in life. The oldest, played by Lee Bum Soo, is a detective like his father was. Kim Jaejoong plays the second brother, the one who turns out to be a gangster. He used his fists to rise up in the ranks and become the boss of a mid-sized crime gang. The third brother, played by Im Siwan, is a chaebol, having been raised by a rich family.
Kim Jaejoong, who has been called "the prettiest man in Asia," as a gangster? This should be interesting. Kim Hyun Joong has proven it's possible. He did a great job of shedding his former flower boy image and looking battered but unbeatable.
So far, Kim Jaejoong's roles have not tended toward the macho. In "Protect The Boss," he had his moments of plotting and scheming but he actually seemed like a nicer preferable second lead boyfriend over his onscreen cousin Ji Sung. In the film "Jackal is Coing," he's a Hallyu star that gets kidnapped.
"Time Slip Dr. Jin" was his most tough-guy role yet as he was a military officer.
And yet whatever he acts in, he comes across as vulnerable, sweet and charming.
He admits that some parts of acting still make him nervous. He doesn't like to look at his face onscreen. He worries.
But at least he is not afraid to test the boundaries and try different types of roles.
A representative from Taewon Entertainmen, the company producing "Triangle," says the actor has really immersed himself in the role.
"He showed Young Chul's character really well in the first scene where he rides a motorcycle."
What do you think of his new look? Will you tune in to watch this drama?
