Jung Il-woo Reflects on 'Brilliant Days' Finale: A Journey of Emotion and Success

Actor Jung Il-woo, celebrated as the 'Weekend Drama Hero' through 'Brilliant Days,' shared heartfelt reflections as the series concluded.

In the KBS 2TV weekend drama 'Brilliant Days,' which ended on the 25th, Jung Il-woo portrayed Lee Ji-hyuk, a character praised for his complex portrayal of both coldness and warmth, as well as his compelling terminal illness storyline.

After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Lee Ji-hyuk distanced himself from Ji Eun-oh (played by Jung In-sun) to avoid burdening her, but they eventually confirmed their feelings for each other. As his condition worsened, Ji-hyuk maintained a calm demeanor, hiding his pain. A poignant scene where he handed his will to Park Sung-jae (played by Yoon Hyun-min) and revealed his desperate feelings moved viewers to tears. The tension peaked as Ji-hyuk fell into a coma.

In the final episode, Ji-hyuk received a heart transplant from his father, Lee Sang-chul (played by Chun Ho-jin), who had been in a car accident. Three years later, Ji-hyuk returned to a normal life, but a lingering sadness crossed his face whenever he thought of his father. In the closing moments, he expressed a mix of gratitude and guilt towards his father, leaving a profound impact on the audience. Ji-hyuk's determination to hold onto family and love resonated deeply, amplified by Jung Il-woo's sincere performance.

Through his agency, J1 International Company, Jung Il-woo expressed, "I am grateful to the viewers who loved the series for such a long time." He continued, "Thanks to the director, writer, all the staff on set, and my fellow actors, I was able to complete this journey safely."

He added, "Living as Lee Ji-hyuk every week taught me a lot as an actor and a person. Although it's hard to believe the series has ended, it will remain a cherished project. I am preparing to greet you with a new role soon, so please look forward to it."

'Brilliant Days' marked Jung Il-woo's return to Korean dramas, showcasing not only his solid acting skills but also his visual appeal. Throughout the 50-episode series, he maintained emotional depth and anchored the drama. His outstanding performance earned him the '2025 KBS Drama Awards' Best Actor in a Long Drama, solidifying his status as a leading actor in Korea.

Jung Il-woo completed a warm ending to a life filled with ups and downs. With 'Brilliant Days' achieving a peak viewership of 20%, he has added another iconic character to his repertoire, drawing attention to his diverse endeavors in 2026.

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