Best known for building his popularity through SBS’s Running Man, Lee Kwang Soo has drawn attention for completely shedding his longtime variety show image and showcasing a darker side as an actor in his latest project. After joining Running Man as a fixed cast member in 2010, he left the show in 2021 to focus more heavily on acting. The actor has also been publicly dating actress Lee Sun Bin since 2018.
In Episodes 5 and 6 of Gold Land, released on May 13, Lee Kwang Soo appeared as “Director Park,” an organization executive desperately trying to recover missing gold bars. The character heightened tension throughout the story as he relentlessly tracked down accomplices connected to the hidden treasure.
Director Park visited Lee Do Kyung, played by Lee Hyun Wook, and suspected Cha Yoo Jin, portrayed by Lee Seol, of being involved. Even after hearing that she was “someone unrelated,” he coldly threatened to kill those around her. After eventually learning the location of the gold bars from Yoo Jin, Director Park confirmed the treasure with a near-insane look in his eyes before brutally murdering her, shocking viewers.
The story continued with intense confrontations at a mine involving Kim Hee Joo, played by Park Bo Young, and Woo Gi, portrayed by Kim Sung Cheol. Although Director Park barely escaped after a violent struggle with Woo Gi, he failed to capture Hee Joo and exploded with rage, further increasing the drama’s tension.
Lee Kwang Soo reportedly portrayed Director Park’s growing anger through subtle facial expressions and changes in breathing, bringing the character’s madness to life in a detailed and convincing way. In particular, viewers reacted strongly to the greed-filled look in his eyes the moment he held the gold bars, saying it maximized the character’s cruel nature.
Many viewers have praised Lee Kwang Soo for successfully transforming his image through a role completely different from his previous works.
Gold Land, starring Lee Kwang Soo, Park Bo Young, Kim Sung Cheol, Lee Hyun Wook, Kim Hee Won, and Moon Jeong Hee, will release Episodes 7 and 8 on May 20.
Sources: Nate
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