Rising Star Heo Nam-jun: From 'Your Honor' to Leading Roles and Beyond

‘You Know What?’ Reporter Lee So-jung from TenAsia captures intriguing issues in the broadcasting world to stimulate the public's dopamine.

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Heo Nam-jun, who left a strong impression as the eldest son of Kim Myung-min in the Genie TV original drama 'Your Honor,' has reached a turning point in his career in just half a year. He completed a brutal and violent character with his unique flair, transforming a simple villain into a 'sexy' and distinctive weapon. His acting skills and unique charm have caught the industry's attention.

Debuting in the 2019 film 'Like the First Cup,' Heo Nam-jun, born in 1993, marks his seventh year as an actor. He began his career as a 30-something actor last year, appearing in several notable works such as 'Snowdrop,' 'Wedding Battle,' and 'Sweet Home Season 3.' However, his roles in these projects were limited, leaving little impact.

'Your Honor' is different. In this drama, he captivated viewers with a character filled with cold nature and explosive anger. Although not the main protagonist, he played a pivotal role in the storyline. His line, "If a wild dog bites and kills a person, it's justice to scour the entire mountain to eradicate the pack," became a hot topic on social media. His detailed acting, utilizing unique facial expressions and subtle muscle movements, earned him praise as a promising new talent.

Following his most impactful performance since his debut, Heo Nam-jun showcased a new side in his next project. He played Ji Sang-woo, a psychiatrist, in 'The Call You Made,' starring Yoo Yeon-seok and Chae Soo-bin, a highly anticipated MBC drama last year. In contrast to his brutal character in 'Your Honor,' he portrayed a gentle and warm character.

Heo Nam-jun's busy schedule continued. The tvN drama 'Ask the Stars,' with a production cost of 50 billion won, was released two years after filming. Although its success was limited, he filled his filmography with diverse genres and styles, including 'Your Honor,' 'The Call You Made,' and 'Ask the Stars.'

Earlier this year, Heo Nam-jun announced his first lead role in JTBC's 'A Hundred Memories.' This retro youth melodrama depicts a poignant first love involving Yeong-rae, a bus conductor in the 1980s, her friend Jong-hee, and Jae-pil, a man fatefully intertwined with the two women. The cast includes Kim Da-mi and Shin Ye-eun, adding to the high-profile lineup.

Heo Nam-jun is also expanding his presence in variety shows and photo shoots. He recently appeared in the web variety show 'Hong Seok-cheon's Jewel Box Season 3,' showcasing a different side from his on-screen image. He will also appear as Kim Do-hoon's friend in the ENA variety show 'Our Village's Puppy.' He is gaining recognition for his visuals, receiving love calls from famous fashion magazines.

At the end of 'Your Honor' last September, Heo Nam-jun stated, "I believe that minimizing emotional fluctuations and not being swayed by momentary attention or interest is the key to a long-lasting acting career." He added, "I want to focus on the sincerity of acting rather than the popularity of the work and continue to work steadily."

A graduate of Sungkyunkwan University's College of Arts, Heo Nam-jun entered in 2013. Initially preparing to be a singer, he shifted his career path to acting. His classmates include Krystal and Kang Ji-young, but he humbly remarked, "Even though we are classmates, they probably don't know of my existence."

Since 'Your Honor' first aired in August last year, Heo Nam-jun has expanded his activities across dramas, variety shows, and photo shoots in just half a year. With a fortunate year, he is establishing himself as a 'trending actor.'

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr