The return of Seo Dong-jae, the beloved character from Stranger, has sparked excitement among fans.
After a four-year hiatus, Lee Jun Hyuk is stepping back into the role of Seo Dong-jae, much to the delight of fans. His return is already generating significant buzz, as viewers have eagerly awaited the next chapter in the life of this complex and captivating character.
During the production conference, director Park Gun-ho shared his thoughts on the series, expressing his admiration for Lee Jun Hyuk portrayal of Dong-jae.
“Lee Jun Hyuk is Dong-jae himself,” Park said, emphasizing how deeply the actor has embodied the role. He went on to explain that the series maintains the essence of Stranger, continuing from its conclusion but shifting the focus to Seo Dong-jae’s perspective.
Park encouraged viewers to follow Dong-jae’s journey from a human perspective, suggesting they will experience fresh insights into his character through the various incidents he faces. He also hinted at an intriguing dynamic between Dong-jae and the new character urging fans to pay attention to their on-screen chemistry.
Seo Dong-jae first captured audiences in Stranger as a prosecutor with a sharp mind, seasoned instincts, and a keen sense of survival. Despite his abilities, Dong-jae carries the burden of his past as a “sponsored prosecutor,” a label that has haunted him throughout his career. He is known for his opportunistic tendencies, often navigating moral grey areas to save himself from various crises.
Over time, Dong-jae has earned many affectionate and ironic nicknames. His character’s moral ambiguity and sharp wit made him both admired and criticized, cementing his status as one of the most memorable characters in Korean drama.
During the conference, Lee Jun Hyuk described the series with a clever metaphor, comparing Stranger to fine dining and his latest series to a light dessert. He explained that while the previous series was intense and serious, Dongjae, The Good or the Bastard offers a lighter tone, but still maintains the depth of his character. He also shared how much he enjoyed portraying the multi-dimensional aspects of Dong-jae and appreciated the overwhelming viewer reaction to the role.
According to Lee, Dong-jae is a character that has grown and evolved with the audience’s input, leading to a richer portrayal over time. He humorously added that the variety of nicknames Dong-jae has received made him feel like the character was expanding and hoped that even more would arise as the series continues.
A significant new addition to the series is Nam Wan-seong, played by Park Sung-woong, the CEO of Hong Construction. Nam Wan-seong plays a pivotal role in stirring up Dong-jae’s life by resurrecting the mistakes of his past. The tension between Dong-jae and Wan-seong is expected to deliver an entertaining “mud fight” as the two characters clash.
Park Sung Woong added a humorous twist during the press conference, predicting that Dongjae, The Good or The Bastard would have a “brunch feel” following the heavier seasons of Stranger. He even joked about a possible spin-off for his character, proposing the title “Bad or Worse Completed Man,” which drew laughter from the audience.
Dongjae, The Good or The Bastard is directed by Park Gun-ho with creators Lee Soo-yeon and writers Hwang Ha-jeong and Kim Sang-won. It is produced by Studio Dragon, Ace Factory, and High Ground, and serves as a spin-off of Stranger.
The series follows Seo Dong-jae as he fights to overcome his notorious past as a sponsored prosecutor and strives to establish himself anew, hoping to finally gain recognition in the present. The story promises an exciting mix of drama, intrigue, and character growth as Dong-jae navigates the complexities of his personal and professional life.
Dongjae, The Good or The Bastard will make its debut on October 10th, with new episodes released twice a week.
