Besides righteous characters, anti-hero or villainous antagonists of K-dramas are also fan favorites.
There are many important factors to make a successful drama, including a well-written plot, an attractive cast, excellent character development and last but not least, the antagonists.
The Korean screen in 2021 has introduced us to some of the most memorable and impactful antagonists. Let’s take a look to see who they are.
1. Ok Taecyeon – Jang Joon Woo
At the age of 8, Park Joo Hyung (Song Joong Ki) joined a mafia and was adopted by Don Fabio – the head of the Cassano Family. He then changed his name to Vincenzo Cassano. As an adult, he became a lawyer, a consigliere for the gang, and Don Fabio‘s right-hand man.
After Fabio‘s death, Paolo – Fabio‘s biological son and new leader of the Cassano Family, intends to kill Vincenzo. Avoiding the accident, Vincenzo fled to Seoul and began to find 1.5 tons of gold that he helped a Chinese chaebol stashed in the basement of Geumga Plaza.
In Vincenzo, Jang Joon Woo played by Ok Taecyeon is the head of Babel corporation. His personality is the opposite of his flawlessly handsome looks. Behind Jang Joon Woo‘s sassy personality is a bone-chilling villain.
Jang Joon Woo is a cunning villain who never hesitates to hurt others and is only satisfied when he sees others suffer.
2. Yoo Ah In – Jung Jin Soo
Hellbound was one of the most popular Netflix original Korean series in 2021, topping the trending charts in several countries. The series stars Yoo Ah In, Kim Hyun Joo, Park Jung Min, Won Jin Ah, and Yang Ik June.
Hellbound created a lot of buzz with its unique and compelling storyline, as it tells the story set in a fantasy world where otherworldly creatures appear to punish and send people to hell.
Yoo Ah In plays Jung Jin Soo – the leader of the New Truth Society. By the second half of the drama, Jin Soo turns into a complacent cult leader who condemns people because “God is angry with mankind for their sins“. He believes he is not guilty, but the truth is, he is hiding a dark secret.
Jung Jin Soo is a perfect example of an anti-hero. The more deeply you look into the character, you’ll see that his original purpose is somewhat good.
3. Han So Hee – Yoon Ji Woo/Oh Hye Jin
What would you do if you lost your father to someone you trusted? For Yoon Ji Woo (played by Han So Hee), the only way to get justice is to get revenge. So, with absolute determination, she joined the police force as officer Oh Hye Jin to claim justice from those who caused trouble with her father.
Some think that despite being the main character, Yoon Ji Woo is also one of the villains of the drama. Not only has she infiltrated into a place of law enforcement, but she has also put herself in danger, ignoring her own beliefs and principles for revenge.
In your opinion, do you think she’s a villain?
4. Heo Sung Tae – Jang Deok Su
Hwang Dong Hyuk‘s Netflix blockbuster “Squid Game” has become the most watched drama on the platform. The drama even topped the global Netflix charts in Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and many others.
In addition to the top-notch acting of the main cast, Heo Sung Tae‘s acting is considered one of the most attractive in the drama. He managed to portray the character in “Squid Game” so well that many audiences say that they hated his character the most. Unlike other players who follow rules, wits, and even form alliances, Jang Deok Su is definitely the type of person that everyone hates. As long as he’s alive, nothing matters to him.
Which of the above antagonists is your pick? Check out the dramas above and find out the answer.
