Kim Eun-woo debuts as Do Hyung-gu in the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Scarecrow,' elevating the tension with his rough and edgy presence. Despite limited screen time, he leaves a strong mark, signaling the arrival of a character that cannot be overlooked in future episodes.
In the first two episodes, the narrative follows Kang Tae-joo (played by Park Hae-soo) as he revisits the unsolved serial murder case in Gangseong. After being demoted to Gangseong from Seoul, Kang Tae-joo quickly identifies commonalities in scattered crime scene photos, suspecting a serial killer. He also questions the possibility of coerced confession from suspect Lee Sung-jin (played by Park Sang-hoon).
Amidst this storyline, Do Hyung-gu, alongside Jang Myung-do (played by Jeon Jae-hong), creates a tense atmosphere while handling Lee Sung-jin. His brutal actions during a protest crackdown, where he mercilessly assaults a student, further capture attention. His overt violence and intimidation from the start effectively establish Do Hyung-gu's character.
Particularly, Do Hyung-gu's confrontations with Kang Tae-joo highlight his nature. Whether questioning Lee Sung-jin's confession or displaying excessive violence during protests, Do Hyung-gu's aggressive and dangerous demeanor shifts the tension on screen. He appears more as a violent enforcer than a law-abiding detective.
In scenes with Cha Si-young (played by Lee Hee-jun), another facet of his character emerges. While he aggressively challenges Kang Tae-joo, he becomes subdued and hesitant in front of Cha Si-young, revealing a typical bully's demeanor—strong against the weak, weak against the strong. This further accentuates Do Hyung-gu's vile and insecure nature.
Kim Eun-woo portrays Do Hyung-gu not as a one-dimensional villain but as a character with both raw energy and unsettling intimidation. Even in brief appearances, his eyes, demeanor, and actions vividly convey the character's dangerous essence. His convincing portrayal of a character who is harsh to the weak and submissive to the strong makes Do Hyung-gu more than just a rough detective; he embodies the era's violence and power dynamics.
Meanwhile, the ENA Monday-Tuesday drama 'Scarecrow' airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM and is available on KT Genie TV and TVING.
By Yeji Ryu, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr