Actor Kim Soo Hyun: The New ‘Hot Icon’ of the Broadcasting World
Kim Soo Hyun has once again taken the entertainment industry by storm, emerging as the top ‘hot icon’ in the broadcasting world. After a three-year hiatus, he made his highly-anticipated return in tvN’s drama ‘Queen of Tears’. Within a short period of time, the drama garnered a double-digit viewership rating, signaling a remarkable upward trend.
‘Queen of Tears’ depicts the journey of Kim Soo Hyun, a lawyer from a rural village, and Kim Ji-won, a wealthy heir, as they navigate through the challenges of their marriage which faces a crisis three years in. This marked the first time that Kim Soo Hyun portrayed a married man on screen, showcasing his exceptional acting skills as he expressed tender paternal love by shedding tears over a miscarriage. Alongside his on-screen wife Kim Ji-won, their chemistry and portrayal of a real couple’s romance, filled with bickering and affection, captivated viewers.
The drama promptly captured the attention of audiences, maintaining a steady viewership in the 10% range and surpassing 13% on its fourth episode. Soon after its release, it even entered the ‘Global Top 10’ non-English TV shows on Netflix. What is more impressive is that even the variety shows on which Kim Soo Hyun appeared for promotional purposes generated significant buzz. For instance, the YouTube content ‘Salon de Lip2’, featuring Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji-won, and Park Sung-hoon as guests, garnered over 3.9 million views within just four days of its release on the 24th. This widespread popularity was further supported by their rankings as buzzworthy subjects in the TV·OTT category, according to the research company Good Data Corporation.
Interestingly, the intrigue surrounding Kim Soo Hyun does not end there. Dating rumors involving the actor have only heightened public interest. International media outlets, including Forbes in the USA and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, have shown great curiosity in Kim Soo Hyun’s comeback drama. In fact, Screen Rant, a pop culture media outlet in the US, went so far as to praise him for his role in “bringing life to a narrative where he fights for love amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges.” Moreover, dating rumors surfaced involving Kim Sae-ron, a junior actress who is 12 years younger than Kim Soo Hyun. Speculation arose when Kim Sae-ron posted and deleted a photo on social media which showed her cheek to cheek with Kim Soo Hyun. This controversy has further fueled the curiosity of fans and the public alike. However, Kim Sae-ron’s agency has categorically dismissed the dating rumors, stating that they are baseless and that the photo was taken when they were both under the same agency, with her intention for sharing it still unknown. The agency has also warned of legal action against any malicious slander.
The immense popularity and buzz surrounding Kim Soo Hyun and his comeback drama speak volumes about the impact and influence he holds in the entertainment industry. As one of the highest-paid actors in Korea, Kim Soo Hyun has undoubtedly cemented his position as a true powerhouse. His ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity has captivated audiences worldwide.
Analyzing the implications of Kim Soo Hyun’s success, we can draw connections to current trends and events in the entertainment industry. Through this drama, we witness the growing appetite of viewers for stories that depict realistic relationships and the challenges faced by married couples. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for more relatable and emotionally resonant content. Moreover, the involvement of Kim Soo Hyun in variety shows for promotional purposes showcases the effectiveness of utilizing various platforms and formats to engage with fans and generate buzz.
Looking ahead, it is evident that Kim Soo Hyun’s comeback drama opens up new possibilities and sets the stage for future trends in the industry. We can expect to see more emphasis on showcasing authentic and emotionally-rich narratives, exploring the complexities of relationships, and addressing societal issues through compelling storytelling. Additionally, the influence of Korean entertainment continues to expand globally, with international media outlets closely following and acknowledging the talents and achievements of Korean actors. This reinforces the significance and impact of Korean dramas on the global stage.
In conclusion, Kim Soo Hyun’s return to the entertainment industry with his captivating performance in ‘Queen of Tears’ has once again solidified his status as a prominent figure in the broadcasting world. His talent, versatility, and ability to connect with audiences have propelled him to new heights. As we witness the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, we eagerly anticipate the future trends and innovations that will be shaped by the continued success and influence of actors like Kim Soo Hyun.
