K-Drama's favourite villain Im Sung-jae opens up about his role in 'Seocho-dong'

Time of India

21 hours ago

Im Sung-jae
built his career delivering some of
K-drama
's most chilling antagonists - the ones you either fear or can't take your eyes off. But tvN's recently concluded weekend drama 'Seocho-dong', which aired from June to August 2025, rewrote that script.
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Across 12 episodes, viewers saw him step into the shoes of
Ha Sang-gi
- an associate lawyer stationed in Seoul's bustling legal hub. Initially painted as selfish and money-obsessed, the character gradually revealed layers of hardship, including a childhood marked by poverty.
This role struck a chord with audiences, particularly because it allowed Im Sung-jae to showcase warmth without losing his signature charisma.
It was a welcome departure for his fans - and, as the actor has openly admitted, a relief for his parents, who for once didn't have to watch their son commit fictional murders on screen.
The character who was...
Unlike many of his past portrayals requiring him to transform into someone brimming with malice, Ha Sang-gi didn't feel like a stretch. As Im Sung-jae has stated in various comments, a large part of Sang-gi's demeanour mirrors his own - calm, occasionally aloof, but ultimately kind-hearted.
One standout moment came in a rainy-day sequence in which Sang-gi cries under a roof's eaves. Rather than delivering a perfectly composed "K-drama sob," Im instinctively pouted, "like a hippo" (his words), adding a touch of authenticity that resonated with viewers.
Another emotional high point was when Sang-gi dismantled the "rich kid" misconception by sharing his humble beginnings. Instead of melodrama, the scene delivered steady, quiet heartbreak, supported by four different narration takes - with the final chosen one delivering just the right balance of control and vulnerability.
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A first-ever romance... and a first-ever bed scene
If anyone expected 'Seocho-dong' to remain all about law cases and personal struggles, the final episode had a surprise. Sang-gi's dynamic with fellow character Kim Ryu-jin (played by
Kim Ji-hyun
) briefly turned romantic, culminating in what was Im's first on-screen intimate scene.
While he admitted to pre-shoot jitters, the scene went smoothly thanks to his co-star's guidance. Though the romance was left unresolved - a typical K-drama cliffhanger style - it sparked fan conversations, and some even began imagining what a Sung-jae-led
romantic comedy
could look like.
The fact is, South Korean rom-coms have a loyal audience not just at home but across Asia, including in India, where titles like 'Crash Landing on You' and 'My Love from the Star' have cult-like followings on OTT platforms. If Im does take on a lighthearted rom-com, it could significantly expand his fan base beyond Korea.
What this change means for his career
'Seocho-dong' wasn't just a casting change for Im - it was image rehabilitation. While no next project has been officially announced, this performance suggests that he's open to more diverse roles.
Whether that means returning to intense thrillers, staying in slice-of-life dramas, or testing waters in romantic comedy, one thing is clear: audiences now see more than just "the villain" in him.
For a man who spent years making viewers' hearts race in fear, Im Sung-jae is now making them race for entirely different reasons.