That’s always sad to hear. They mention a declining number of shows, but there seem to be so many dramas these days. Yes, a number of them are on OTT channels, but they still employ Korean actors. Could ageism also be a factor? Many of them are 40-ish, right? And so many actors say roles start drying up around then. Still, it’s too bad. I hope they get some good roles soon.
That is sad, they need more character based dramas like Miseang, On the verge of Insanity, Dear my friends or Our blues age is less of a factor and experienced actors excel in those roles.
I have no data to back this up but I have a feeling that there are actually more leading and secondary roles for actors in their 40s now than ever before… but many of those roles are going to more established actors, including Chungmuro actors.
I was talking to someone just recently about how Chungmuro had a hard time recovering from pandemic halts in production, much moreso than dramaland, and at the same time many film directors and actors took on dramas as the rise of both streaming and cable meant the possibility of creating longer-form projects with more freedom and less censorship than has been traditionally associated with television.
Personally, I think this is great for diversity of stories and acting quality in the drama industry, and I love seeing Chungmuro vets coming to the drama side (SONG KANG-HO is doing a drama soon, can you believe that?!?!) but it is sad for the actors and other talents it essentially pushes out.
It is indeed a very tough career choice. I once read a quote by a once famous actress that by the time one “learns” to act, the roles dry up. It is always a tough choice when the lead roles dry up and supporting roles are not forthcoming.
Ally
March 8, 2024 at 8:07 PM
I just read this and so sad that Kim Ji-seuk and Han Ye-seul are having difficulty finding work! I loved both of them in 20th Century girl boy, one of my favorite no angst Kdramas! So much so that I wrote a couple theme of the month posts about it. One with @javinne! https://www.allkpop.com/article/2024/03/cant-find-work-once-popular-actors-express-their-concern-and-anxiety-as-they-are-not-receiving-new-project-offers?fbclid=IwAR3oauA4XoMoI3ORPLUKVTCF6ix13oaqWu5QeAGzU4strBFWPxW7SvZxoI4_aem_AdIDK4xv_5rrObrDnEN9SZ0naM-2zr8pMNSgPWFzkrqQDyi7cQGvPJHfM5BVd2bzdV8
indyfan
March 8, 2024 at 9:17 PM
That’s always sad to hear. They mention a declining number of shows, but there seem to be so many dramas these days. Yes, a number of them are on OTT channels, but they still employ Korean actors. Could ageism also be a factor? Many of them are 40-ish, right? And so many actors say roles start drying up around then. Still, it’s too bad. I hope they get some good roles soon.
Ally
March 8, 2024 at 9:22 PM
Yes, I certainly think there’s some ageism. They’re too old to play romantic ML’s but not old enough to play their parents.
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
March 8, 2024 at 10:36 PM
That is sad, they need more character based dramas like Miseang, On the verge of Insanity, Dear my friends or Our blues age is less of a factor and experienced actors excel in those roles.
Kurama
March 8, 2024 at 10:53 PM
KBS/MBC/SBS don’t produce and don’t air a lot of dramas now. The week is so empty now, everything in on the week-end.
With the film actors getting love call by the big OTT like Netflix or Disney+, less famous actors don’t get a job…
diary
March 9, 2024 at 4:13 AM
I think it’s this exactly.
I have no data to back this up but I have a feeling that there are actually more leading and secondary roles for actors in their 40s now than ever before… but many of those roles are going to more established actors, including Chungmuro actors.
I was talking to someone just recently about how Chungmuro had a hard time recovering from pandemic halts in production, much moreso than dramaland, and at the same time many film directors and actors took on dramas as the rise of both streaming and cable meant the possibility of creating longer-form projects with more freedom and less censorship than has been traditionally associated with television.
Personally, I think this is great for diversity of stories and acting quality in the drama industry, and I love seeing Chungmuro vets coming to the drama side (SONG KANG-HO is doing a drama soon, can you believe that?!?!) but it is sad for the actors and other talents it essentially pushes out.
🌸 Cera (@Seeker) 🌸
March 9, 2024 at 4:05 AM
It is indeed a very tough career choice. I once read a quote by a once famous actress that by the time one “learns” to act, the roles dry up. It is always a tough choice when the lead roles dry up and supporting roles are not forthcoming.
loveblossom🌸
March 9, 2024 at 8:26 AM
Ugh that sucks. I liked that show and loved both of them in it!