"Did You Confirm They Are Dead?"... Joo Sang-wook's Chilling Madness Behind a Gentle Smile in 'General Manager Kim'

Actor Joo Sang-wook of 'General Manager Kim' has unleashed a chilling madness hidden behind a gentle face.

In episodes 3 and 4 of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'General Manager Kim' (written by Nam Dae-joong, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), which heated up the small screen this past weekend, Joo Sang-wook played Joo Gang-chan, a construction company chairman and former hired thug. He displayed an overwhelming charisma that controlled the atmosphere of the entire show.

Delivering a goosebump-inducing performance that makes it hard to believe this is his first villain role, he fueled the drama's successful run. 'General Manager Kim' solidified its position as the weekend ratings leader, reaching a nationwide average viewership rating of 21.6% and a peak of 25.1% in just four episodes (based on Nielsen Korea).

The tension in the episode began when Joo Gang-chan sensed a subtle psychological change in his daughter, Joo Hye-ri (played by Yoo Ji-an). With a sharp intuition, he began to suspect someone behind the scenes and ordered an investigation into the protagonist, General Manager Kim (played by So Ji-sub), signaling a breathtaking beginning.

In particular, his restrained emotional acting at the negotiation table with political and business power brokers was a highlight. With a smile, he coldly remarked, "If there is something money cannot solve, it is because there is not enough money. If it still does not work, just let me know who is being unreasonable." This line laid bare the cruel ambition of a man who has removed obstacles by any means necessary.

His demonic and relentless nature became even clearer in a brutal flashback scene. In the past, after subduing his rival Geum-i-ppal (played by Jo Bok-rae), Joo Gang-chan committed a horrific act of torture by pulling out all of his teeth. In a spine-chilling atmosphere, he muttered, "Do you know how I tamed a fierce dog? I made it so it would never bite its master again," showcasing a sociopathic side that breaks the opponent's very soul and sending shivers down the viewers' spines. It was a moment where Joo Sang-wook's clever acting, which maximized fear through a calm, low tone rather than loud outbursts, truly stood out.

The reaction from the audience after the broadcast was fervent. Viewers poured out comments about how they got goosebumps when Joo Sang-wook quietly asked his daughter, who had killed her friend, "Did you confirm they are dead?" and expressed deep immersion in the story of an all-time great villain hidden behind gentle eyes.

Attention is now focused on how the character, who hides ruthless madness beneath the exterior of a conglomerate chairman, will collide head-on with General Manager Kim, who is trying to save his daughter, and what kind of catastrophe this will bring.

Meanwhile, 'General Manager Kim,' which is creating a sensation on the small screen by surpassing 20% in viewership ratings, airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.

Reported by Kang Sun-ae

(SBS Entertainment News, Reporter Kang Sun-ae)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.