Kim Jun-han on His Reunion with Jang Na-ra in 'Good Partner': ;Feels Like a Past Life'

연합뉴스 / 2024-09-30 15:19:55

▲ This image, provided by Artist Companpy, shows Korean actor Kim Jun-han. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 30 (Yonhap) -- Actor Kim Jun-han recently reflected on his reunion with actress Jang Na-ra in the SBS drama "Good Partner," two decades after performing with her as a drummer in 2004.

In an interview held on the 27th to commemorate the end of the drama, Kim shared his disbelief at crossing paths with Jang again, this time as fellow actors. "It's surreal," he said, adding, "It feels like I'm living a second life."

In 2004, Kim played drums for Jang during her"I Am a Woman Too" album promotions, and the following year he debuted as the drummer for the band Izi, which became famous for their hit song "Emergency Room." As fate would have it, the two reunited years later, with Kim portraying a lawyer alongside Jang in Good Partner. Their past collaboration resurfaced online, amusing fans with the "past lives" of their characters.

▲ The lead cast for SBS' new legal series "Good Partner" post for photos at the show's media conference held in Seoul on July 10, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE)(Yonhap)

Kim recounted the moment he decided to focus on acting after struggling to juggle both music and acting. "I realized that I couldn’t give both music and acting the attention they deserved," he said, explaining his decision to leave music behind. "If my music career was like a past life, choosing acting was like being reborn."

Good Partner centers on divorce attorneys navigating complex cases at a large law firm. Kim's character, Jung Woo-jin, the son of the firm's head and a junior lawyer to Jang's character, was known for his calm demeanor and supportive role. While playing such a restrained character had its challenges, Kim was surprised by the audience's positive reception. "I worried Woo-jin might come off as dull or irrelevant," he admitted, but was heartened to see viewers reading between the lines and appreciating the subtleties of his performance.

▲ This image, provided by Artist Companpy, shows Korean actor Kim Jun-han. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Despite some critiques about the drama's pacing in its later episodes, Kim’s acting received widespread praise. The show achieved impressive viewership ratings, peaking at 17%.

In the drama, Woo-jin harbors unspoken feelings for Jang’s character, Cha Eun-kyung, but never reveals them, maintaining their relationship as close colleagues. Reflecting on this, Kim interpreted the ending as an "open conclusion," mirroring Jang's thoughts in her own interview.

"Woo-jin would likely remain by Eun-kyung’s side as a supportive colleague, though who knows what the future holds," he mused. "What’s certain is that they are 'good partners' who will continue to support each other."