Kim Kyu-won successfully establishes himself with a successful debut in the drama 'Apartment'

The Twist of 'Gyukatsu': Born as the Tearful Giant 'Keundungi'

Comedian Kim Kyu-won has proven his potential as a serious actor. In episodes 1 and 2 of the JTBC weekend drama 'Apartment,' which aired on July 11 and 12, Kim Kyu-won made a powerful impression playing 'Keundungi,' the youngest member and subordinate of former gang boss Park Hae-kang (played by Ji Sung).

In the drama, Keundungi is a character with a massive physique as large as a door, but his true personality is a twist—he is purer and more prone to tears than anyone else. Kim Kyu-won delicately portrayed the aspect of a youngest member who admires the rough life of a gang while possessing a deep, caring heart. In particular, the scene where he chooses loyalty by staying by Park Hae-kang's side until the end even amidst the crisis of the organization collapsing served as a key element that heightened the drama's immersion. He delivered a lifelike performance, translating a timid and naive personality that contrasts with his burly appearance.

'Apartment' is a work that follows the process of former boss Park Hae-kang, who enters the election for the chairperson of the residents' representative meeting to seize hidden slush funds within the apartment, as he uncovers corruption alongside the residents. The drama airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM on JTBC.

From SNL 'Gyukatsu' to Blue Dragon Series Awards Nominee: An Unstoppable Journey

Kim Kyu-won's current challenge in serious drama holds more meaning than a simple transformation. Since his debut on tvN's 'Comedy Big League' in 2023, he has increased his recognition by establishing himself as a core crew member of the Coupang Play 'SNL Korea' series.

The 'Gyukatsu' character presented in the 'Smile Clinic' segment drew an explosive response through parodies of famous figures such as Baek Jong-won, Bang Si-hyuk, and Kim Jung-eun. On his personal YouTube channel, he also gained recognition for his original character planning skills by introducing his British alter ego, 'Charlotte.'

These activities led to award ceremonies. Kim Kyu-won has been named a nominee for the Best New Actor award at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards, which will be held at Incheon Paradise City on the 31st.

Character Depth Completed by Comedy Expertise

Based on the acting expertise he built on comedy stages, Kim Kyu-won naturally pulled off the role of Keundungi in 'Apartment.' He balanced the heavy presence stemming from his large physique with the comedic charm created by his timid personality. He completed the character's individuality by sincerely portraying his loyal appearance in staying by Park Hae-kang's side even in times of crisis.

Meanwhile, by playing a member of a fake family in this work, Kim Kyu-won broke away from his existing comedian image and expanded his spectrum as an actor.

Park Hae-kang and Keundungi, Organization Members United by Loyalty

In the drama 'Apartment,' Ji Sung plays the role of Park Hae-kang, a former gang boss who enters the election for the chairperson of the residents' representative meeting to uncover corruption in the apartment.

Keundungi, played by Kim Kyu-won, is the youngest member under Park Hae-kang, a loyal figure who stays by Park Hae-kang's side until the end even amidst the crisis of the organization collapsing.

From Comedy Big League Debut to SNL Korea Core Crew

Kim Kyu-won debuted on tvN's 'Comedy Big League' in 2023. Since then, he has established himself as a core crew member of the Coupang Play 'SNL Korea' reboot series.

The 'Gyukatsu' character from the 'Smile Clinic' segment gained popularity by parodying famous figures such as Baek Jong-won, Bang Si-hyuk, and Kim Jung-eun. On his personal YouTube channel, he introduced his British alter ego 'Charlotte.'

Expertise Built on Comedy Stages Leads to Serious Drama

Kim Kyu-won debuted on tvN's 'Comedy Big League' in 2023. Since then, he has built recognition by acting as a core crew member of the Coupang Play 'SNL Korea' series.

The 'Gyukatsu' character from the 'Smile Clinic' segment received a great response by parodying famous figures such as Baek Jong-won, Bang Si-hyuk, and Kim Jung-eun. On his personal YouTube channel, he proved his character planning skills by introducing his British alter ego 'Charlotte.'