Actor Choi Dae-hoon is making waves with his standout performance in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', sparking a "Hey, Hak!" craze.
'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is a Netflix series that unfolds the adventurous lives of Ae-soon (played by IU and Moon So-ri), a rebellious spirit born in Jeju, and Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum and Park Hae-joon), a steadfast character, across four seasons. Since its release, the series has topped charts both domestically and globally, resonating with audiences of all ages.
Choi Dae-hoon takes on the role of Sang-gil, also known as "Rude-gil," in the village of Dodong-ri. Known for his brash behavior and lack of manners, he is a character who lives by sheer force of will. His younger years were marked by a fierce gaze and a life surrounded by bribery rather than goodwill, and resentment rather than sincerity. As a father who put himself first, he often appeared immature and selfish.
However, as time passed, he too became a father who would humble himself for his children. Frequently exclaiming "Hey, Hak!" as if to uphold his own dignity, he evoked memories of fathers from the past, sparking the "Hey, Hak!" phenomenon. In his twilight years, his self-deprecating remark, "It was me, I was the fool," struck a chord. The character once thought to be a villain might just be the most familiar father figure to someone.
From his 30s to his 60s, Choi Dae-hoon fully embodied the character of Sang-gil over 30 years. In his youth, he lived with flair, and as a middle-aged man, he carried himself with confidence, broadening his shoulders and standing tall. As he aged, his belly grew, his steps slowed, and his eyes lost their sparkle, replaced by a knowing look. Despite his unlikable traits, Sang-gil became endearing, and Choi Dae-hoon's performance made audiences develop a fondness for him.
Even while shouting "Hey, Hak!" and nervously glancing around, his character left room for empathy. Choi Dae-hoon's attention to detail kept viewers engaged, making them wait patiently rather than harbor dislike. His portrayal of a parent living within the love of his children, and his excitement during a first-time bike ride with his wife, brought laughter and a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of our own fathers.
Choi Dae-hoon has previously showcased his range, from playing a psychopath in Disney+'s 'Unmasked' to portraying the everyday life of Sang-gil in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'. His performances in 'The Good Detective 2' and 'One Dollar Lawyer' were equally impressive. Even in special appearances in works like 'Captivating the King', and 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', he left a mark. His ability to captivate with his acting and bring new dimensions to each role has made him a trusted actor, with Sang-gil becoming one of his iconic characters.
Meanwhile, Choi Dae-hoon is currently filming his next project, the Netflix series 'The Wonder Fools.' Set in 1999, a time when doomsday theories were rampant, the series follows a group of neighborhood misfits who gain superpowers from an unexpected event and fight against villains threatening the peace of Haeseong City. Choi Dae-hoon will play the role of Son Kyung-hoon, the official troublemaker of Haeseong City.
[Photo= Netflix, Ace Factory]
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)