‘Slave Hunters’ actor morphs into vengeful assassin for new role


After a not-so-successful attempt to continue his winning streak, actor Jang Hyuk is returning to the genre that gave his career a serious boost.

Over a year has passed since he won audiences over with his swashbuckling portrayal of a bounty hunter in KBS’ period piece, “The Slave Hunters.”

Now, just three months after starring in SBS’ “Midas” ― a slick corporate drama that struggled to maintain top viewer ratings ― the 34-year-old is going back to the historical romance with SBS’ “Old Tree” (Working Title).

Will he be able to score a repeat success? 

Jang Hyuk sat down with the cast of the upcoming drama in Seoul’s Gyeongbok Palace on Tuesday, where the drama was being filmed, to hash out the differences between his new role as Kang Chae-yoon and that of his last period piece.

At first glance, the differences between the two roles are clear.

Jang Hyuk’s latest character is a Joseon Dynasty slave-turned-detective, a departure from “The Slave Hunters,” where he played an aristocrat-turned-thug.

“In ‘The Slave Hunters’ my character, Dae-gil, was more-or-less a one-note fellow,” Jang Hyuk explained how his previous character was hopeless and deadened to the world from beginning to end.

“My new character is very proactive,” he added.

While the two characters may be polar opposites, what matters most is how well Jang Hyuk will pull his new role off.

Not only will his portrayal of Kang determine whether or not he can still wow viewers, his character will play a crucial role in fleshing out the thrill and drama of this historical tale onscreen.

Based on a two-part historical fiction of the same name, the drama ― slated to start in late September ― takes a close look at how Hangeul was invented.

Veteran actor Han Suk-kyu, whom many will remember from the classic blockbuster “Shiri,” is returning to the small screen after a 16-year hiatus to play King Sejong, the monarch credited with creating the national alphabet.

Actress Shin Se-gyeong is playing a court lady who helps out with the Hangeul project.

Jang Hyuk will portray Kang Chae-yoon, a slave who infiltrates the court under the guise of a detective. Tasked with investigating a series of murders linked to the Hangeul project, Kang uses his position as a foil for a darker purpose.

“Kang enters the palace in order to kill King Sejong,” Jang Hyuk explained. “He’s not interested in helping promote Hangeul through his investigations.”

Jang Hyuk’s role as an aspiring assassin promises to keep tensions running high throughout the whole series. Should Jang play his character with the panache and grit required to enthrall audiences, “Old Tree” might represent a new stepping stone for the actor.

Jang Hyuk also hinted at a potential romance between his character and Shin Se-gyeong’s heroine, So-ee.

“Insofar as this is a drama, then it will be somewhat melodramatic,” he said. “Our characters have past connections, so you could say that some emotions might be sparked by that.”

“Old Tree” is slated to air Wednesday and Thursday nights on SBS starting Sept. 28.

By Jean Oh (oh_jean@heraldcorp.com)