It’s so rare for one great dramatic actor to be also equally great or even believable at comedy! Typically they are over-dramatic or even unlivable sometime! Exceptions are some well-experienced seasoned actors such as Meryl Streep or Robert DeNiro (Korean actors come to my mind are Lee Moon-Sik, Lee Byung-hun, Cho Seung-woo, Yoo Jae-myung). Natural comic timing is not something that’s easily teachable/ or earned by academic lessons.
We see A LOT OF over-dramatic acting in Korean Dramas, especially in rom-com genre, for example all characters in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim were over-the-top (not necessarily in a bad way, or maybe over dramatic is a k-drama charm!)! Whether this acting style is more of a cultural norm or director’s preference or simply not-very-good acting, I’m not quite sure. I just learned one thing: it’s really easy to go over the top specially with comedy, and the most crucial elements that helps with keeping the wacky humor in balance is a GOOD DIRECTOR. Sometimes rookie actors who have zero acting experience are less over-dramatic (they might not even know how to act dramatic and just controlled by the director), hence they’re easier to watch.
After about 15 years of watching K-dramas, I’m used to watching over-the-top acting that sometime I’m not noticing it so much (unless I’m watching it with someone new to k-drama land). I also saw so many evolution and k-dramas certainly moved toward more subtle acting (one examples is Forest of Secret/Stranger), but I have not seen so much progress in rom-com department acting yet.

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    But perhaps for South Koreans, actors from your part of the world are under-acting? 😀 Kidding. I enjoy the Korean drama version of acting, even overacting, because very often the character calls for it. Everything is exaggerated, but it gets the point across.

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    When I watched Stranger, I thought to myself, if required/asked/directed to, many Korean actors can act. It was a revelation to be sure.

    Your comment about rookie actors got me thinking about Lee Jun Ho in Chief Kim. He was brilliant there imo.

    Lastly, you comment about comedic timing can’t be taught and this post in general reminded me that I’ve been meaning to post a few of the Hollywood Reporter’s Roundtable. I think it provides for some good conversation/discussion.

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    One great dramatic actor to be equally great in comedy? Sounds like Shin Sung Rok to me. Hehe. Especially after his first romcom lead in Perfume as Yi Do.

    He can be dramatic, emotional, wacky, funny and all sorts of emotions in between without overdoing or overacting. His musical background might have a hand in polishing his acting chops. He is still underated though.

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      He’s very good, I loved his acting range in The Last Empress

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        Yes. He was amazing in TLE and he manages to expand his range in Perfume. I never thought he can show as much emotion as he did in the series. A delightful surprise.

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    You need to watch Seo In Guk!

    Haha, I know why and who you’re actually taking about. I’m enjoying his role despite what others say. Even his partner praised him for delivering some unexpected reactions. He’s too young to be perfect in everything. Have to leave room for improvement. Yet, humbly accept some criticism.

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      Actually I watched most of SIG’s drama and I think he’s quite subtle actor and haven’t seen hin overact… I liked his comedic moments in Shopping King Louis (though the drama got boring on the 2nd half)… however I always wonder why Korean are not so fond of him (or maybe it’s only my impression)!! Is it because he doesn’t over-act??!!
      I was not criticizing any specific actor rather saying over-actings (or over-the-top comedic moments) are more of directing style/ Korean style rather than bad acting skills…

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        Koreans were fond of SIG and do acknowledge his acting skills. He’s just plagued by military issues.

        I know. Sometimes directors want the over the top acting because they want a certain impression. Normally you can tell by the visual tone of the drama itself. The more vivid the screen is, the more expressive they want the actors.

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    Nokdu Flower. An incredible lesson in non over-acting, both comedically and dramatically. It is simply perfect.

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