Actor Song Ji-ho shares his thoughts as the drama 'Beloved Thief' comes to an end.
In the series, Song Ji-ho played the role of Hong Dae-il, the brother of Hong Eun-jo (played by Nam Ji-hyun), known for his comedic portrayal as the 'clumsy gentleman' who repeatedly fails his exams. His character added vibrancy to the show, especially in scenes where he mistakenly scolds Grand Prince Lee Yeol (played by Moon Sang-min) as a thief, or humorously praises his own appearance as having the 'loyal Jindo dog look,' providing viewers with plenty of laughs and proving his status as a scene-stealer.
Song Ji-ho's performance went beyond mere comedy, as he delivered a heartfelt portrayal of family love, adding depth to the drama. His emotional breakdown in the 'heart-wrenching funeral song' scene following the death of his father, Hong Min-jik (played by Kim Seok-hoon), moved audiences to tears. His character's growth from a naive brother to a reliable son determined to protect his family was depicted with nuance, earning him praise for his acting.
As the series concludes, Song Ji-ho expressed, "Meeting and experiencing the journey with the character Hong Dae-il was a great gift to me." He added, "Thanks to the director, writer, fellow actors, and the viewers who cherished 'Beloved Thief' until the end, I was able to complete this journey happily."
Song Ji-ho has consistently left a strong impression through various projects. Previously, he gained popularity in the tvN drama 'Run Away with Seon-jae' last year, playing the brother of Kim Hye-yoon's character. He has also been loved for his unique roles in hit dramas such as 'Doctor Cha Jung-sook,' 'No Goo Pil-soo,' and 'Secret Forest.' With 'Beloved Thief,' he once again demonstrated his wide acting range, solidifying his reputation as a reliable actor.
Meanwhile, Song Ji-ho is set to return to the screen with new projects in the future.
Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr