Critics have been hard on the new vampire medical drama "Blood." Actors Gu Hye Sun and Ahn Jae Hyun have both received negative feedback on their acting skills.
Gu Hye Sun was the first to be criticized after the release of the "Blood" teaser trailer. Netizens said that her acting seemed oddly subdued when the actress was previously known for her animated expressions and enthusiasm.
In "Blood" Gu Hye Sun plays Yoo Ri Ta, an abrasive and aggressive doctor who specializes in blood cancers. That seems fitting. Her "Boys Over Flowers" character Geum Jan Di became a doctor at the end of that big drama hit. So, it's not as if viewers could not visualize Gu Hye Sun playing a doctor.
During a press conference for the drama, the actress talked about altering her acting style in preparation for the role. She said she was working on changing her tone and mannerisms.
"I've changed my vocalization and am paying a lot of attention to my pronunciation," she said. "I've also received a lot of pointers about my walking style, so I'm trying to correct that, and I'm also trying not to blink so much."
Fans were not happy with the results of her efforts, some finding that her portrayal of Ri Ta was awkward and others urging her to step up her game.
As the series progressed, Ahn Jae Hyun's acting also came under fire. It was the first leading role for the rookie actor, who previously played Jun Ji Hyun's younger brother in "You Who Came From The Stars" and Lee Seung Gi's police team mate in "You're All Surrounded."
The model-turned-actor was criticized as seeming uncomfortable carrying the weight of his leading role. The role of vampire doctor Dr. Park Ji Sang was one that Ahn took at the last minute because a few other k-drama actors dropped out. Ahn Jae Hyun's ascent to fame was also sudden, having come from a small supporting role to a leading role in only a year's time.
By way of contrast, Choi Woo Sik, who had two supporting roles in the last year in "Fated to Love You" and "Pride and Prejudice" does not seem uncomfortable carrying his first leading role in the new drama "Fool's Love."
Not all actors can make the transition so quickly.
Do you think the acting in "Blood" deserves all the negative criticism? And if so, do you think the blame lies with the actors, the script or the direction? Can this drama be saved?
