Seo Kang-Jun, disappointing ‘box office power’

Actor Seo Kang-joon's discharge from military service is about a month away. We are looking forward to seeing what kind of work he will return to, as he has shown solid acting skills in everything from romance to genres. At the same time, we are concerned about whether he will be able to solve the disappointing problem of 'box office success'.

Seo Kang-Jun will fulfill his military duty and return to his fans on May 22nd. Currently serving in the military as a driver, his current status was shared through soccer player Kim Young-kwang's SNS on the 19th. The photo posted by Kim Young-kwang shows Seo Kang-jun wearing a hat and smiling. He boasted a sharper jawline and a more dignified figure.

Fans expressed their joy at the news that came after a long time. As a result, interest focused on Seo Kang-jun's next activities.

Seo Kang-Jun minimized his gap time due to military service. Even after listing in the military, he showed two works. Seo Kang-jun enlisted in the military in November 2011. However, fans were able to see Seo Kang-Jun in December of the same year and in February 2022. This is because the movie 'Happy New Year' and the Disney+ original series ' Grid', which were filmed before enlistment, were released.

Seo Kang-Jun received favorable reviews from viewers through 'Grid'. 'Grid' is a mystery tracking thriller that uncovers the truth about the existence of 'ghosts' who saved mankind from crisis. Seo Kang-joon, who plays Kim Sae-ha, a management bureau employee who persistently chases ghosts, heightened immersion in the play with his delicate emotional acting. He easily handled genres that could be criticized as being heavy or excessive.

However, both works did not achieve the desired results. In particular, 'Happy New Year' attracted attention with a brilliant cast including Seo Kang-jun, Han Ji-min, Kang Ha-neul, Kim Young-kwang, and Lee Dong-wook, but the number of theater audiences was only about 230,000. Even considering the fact that it was released in the midst of COVID-19 and that it was released on OTT TV, the performance is considered disappointing considering the casting. Seo Kang-jun's acting in 'Grid' also became a hot topic, but the work itself was not a hit.

Seo Kang-Jun debuted in the 2013 web drama 'After School Good Fortune'. Afterwards, he gained recognition by appearing in minor and supporting roles in several dramas. Then, he became a popular character when he played the role of Baek In-ho, a prickly rebel, in the tvN drama 'Cheese in the Trap'.

Afterwards, he appeared as a lead actor in tvN's 'Entourage', KBS2's 'Are You Human Too', and JTBC's 'The Third Charm', showing off his passionate acting. Seo Kang-Jun has been running tirelessly, but he has not been able to capture the topicality or viewership ratings. Seo Kang-Jun's representative work to the public is still the 2016 work 'Cheese in the Trap'.

Seo Kang-Jun needs another shot. Seo Kang-Jun's acting skills have already been proven, as he worked his way up from minor roles to lead actor. Will he be able to become an actor who can show box office success after being discharged from the military?

There are many actors who met their 'life character' after serving in the military. Actor Lee Jun-ho returned to MBC's 'Red Sleeves' after completing his military service last year. Lee Jun-ho, who completed the role of Jeongjo Lee San, who is prickly but desperately in love with Deok-im, whose last name is Euibin, in his own style, caught two birds with one stone: viewership ratings and popularity. It remains to be seen whether Seo Kang-Jun will also get the chance to meet the 'character of his life'.

Ten Asia Reporter Kim Seo-yoon seogugu@tenasia.co.kr