TVXQ member Yunho successfully made an acting transformation and perfectly adapted the role of a "Mokpo Gangster."
On July 16, Yunho appeared as the character Beol Gu in the newly released Disney+ drama 'Low Life' (written by Kang Yoon Sung and Ahn Seung Hwan, directed by Kang Yoon Sung), which unveiled episodes 1 to 3 on the same day.
'Low Life' is a drama set in 1977, portraying a tale of deception and ambition among diligent but unsophisticated locals who gather to claim a sunken treasure ship. It is based on a work by writer Yoon Tae Ho, known for sharply portraying societal structures through webtoons like 'Misaeng' and 'Inside Men.' The series is directed by Kang Yoon Sung, known for the film 'The Roundup' and the series 'Big Bet.' The lead roles are played by Ryu Seung Ryong, Yang Se Jong, Kim Eui Sung, and Lim Soo Jung, with Jung Yun Ho playing a pivotal role as Beol Gu.
Beol Gu is the notorious leader of a local gang, an impulsive man who relies more on his fists than his words and has lived recklessly without much thought. He joins the quest for the treasure, further expanding the web of relationships in Fine.
In the first episode, Beolgu appears alongside his gang members Pil Man (played by Noh Jung Hyun) and Do Hoon (played by Hong Jung In) with a delinquent attitude. He confronts Hee Dong (played by Yang Se Jong), who is investigating rumors about a treasure buried off the coast of Shinan, issuing a sly warning and building tension.
In later episodes, Beol Gu deliberately picks fights with Hee Dong’s group, showing off his strength by skillfully wielding a jackknife stolen from Jun Chul (played by Kim Sung Oh), creating high-stakes moments that immediately heighten viewers’ engagement.
Jung Yun Ho grabs attention with his retro look that vividly evokes the 1970s and impresses by perfectly delivering a thick regional dialect, captivating both the eyes and ears of viewers and boosting the show’s appeal.
Since debuting on stage with TVXQ, Jung began acting in 2004. He took on his first major acting role in the 2009 drama 'Heading to the Ground,' but his inexperience and lack of foundational acting skills led to mixed reviews. Nevertheless, he continued to build his acting career steadily through roles in 'Queen of Ambition,' 'The Night Watchman’s Journal,' 'Meloholic,' 'Race,' and the film 'Ode to My Father.'
In 'Low Life,' he takes on a completely new character, unlike any he’s played before. Despite the risk of feeling unfamiliar, his real-life background from Gwangju and use of a native accent allow him to naturally blend into the story.
Previously, Jung Yun Ho shared, “I wanted Beol Gu to be a multidimensional character who isn’t just rough but can appear differently depending on the situation. So I created a backstory for his family, which wasn’t detailed in the script, and took ongoing dialect lessons. I even visited Mokpo in person to hear advice from local elders, researching the role in various ways,” showing his dedication to the project.
'Low Life,' which showcases a new side of Jung Yun Ho as an actor, releases two episodes each week and will conclude with its 11th episode on August 13.
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