Choo Young-woo’s Acting Range Shines in Hit K-drama
As of 5:08 PM on July 9, 2025, actor Choo Young-woo ranks 18th in the Netizen Awards’ Best Actor category with 117 votes (0.9%). While top star Byun Woo-seok leads with a dominant 36.2% of the votes, Choo Young-woo’s compelling performance in tvN’s Monday-Tuesday K-drama The Tale of Gyeonwoo and Jiknyeo proves his impact goes beyond numbers.
A Chilling Dual Performance
In the drama, Choo takes on a challenging dual role—as both the kind-hearted Bae Gyeon-woo and the sinister ghost Bong-su. The recently unveiled character poster for Bong-su shows Choo with a piercing gaze, surrounded by ominous red tones, increasing anticipation for his dark transformation.
A shocking twist unfolded during the latest episode, when Bae Gyeon-woo, possessed by an evil spirit, dramatically altered the show’s tone. Choo’s icy line, “Hello, shaman. You should say hello too,” delivered to Park Seong-ah (played by Jo Yi-hyun), left viewers stunned.
The eerie confrontation helped boost the drama’s Episode 6 ratings to a peak of 5.1% in Seoul’s household viewership, making it the top program in its time slot, according to Nielsen Korea’s paid platform data.
Romantic Hero or Haunted Soul?
Choo is earning praise for immersing himself in both of his contrasting characters—transitioning from warmth to cold menace with skill and nuance. Far from being a typical romantic lead, he portrays the inner turmoil of a young man trapped between good and evil.
The production team remarked, “Bae Gyeon-woo’s struggle to avoid being consumed by the spirit, and Park Seong-ah’s efforts to save him, are about to take a riveting turn. Pay close attention to Choo Young-woo’s masterful performance as he juggles two personas.”
Is a Comeback in the Rankings Possible?
Despite a modest ranking in the ongoing Best Actor vote, Choo’s powerful transformation appears to be winning hearts. The upcoming Episode 7, airing on July 14, will reveal more of his evolving character arc. Will his gripping portrayal stir a surge in his popularity? Fans are waiting to see if his on-screen brilliance will be mirrored in the Netizen Award standings.
