'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' Jin-gu: "Grateful for love beyond expectations, deeply resonating with viewers"

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Jin-gu shared his reflections on the conclusion of the drama 'New Employee Kang (Chairman)'.

In the final episode of the JTBC Saturday-Sunday drama 'New Employee Kang (Chairman)' (written by Hyun Jimin, directed by Ko Hye-jin), which concluded on the 5th, Jin-gu portrayed Kang Jae-sung, the eldest son of Choi Sung Group. He delivered a dense and compelling performance depicting the character's transformation from an ambitious figure consumed by power lust to one who acknowledges all his wrongdoings and takes responsibility.

Previously, Kang Jae-sung (played by Jin-gu), upon confirming that his father Kang Yong-ho (Chairman) (played by Son Hyun-joo), whom he had believed dead, was still alive, stood by his father alongside Min Seok-do, fervently hoping for his return to consciousness. Feeling the weight of responsibility as the eldest son while recalling his late father's warning not to trust his father-in-law Na Byung-mo or his wife Naeun-se, he regretted his choices. When confronted with the truth hidden behind his father's death, he delivered a deeply immersive performance through restrained tears.

Following Naeun-se's betrayal, which exposed Kang Jae-sung's own misdeeds and plunged Choi Sung Group into crisis, Jae-sung no longer turned a blind eye to reality. He took direct action to support his youngest brother, Bang Geul (played by Lee Ju-myung), helping to uncover Na Byung-mo's corruption. Ultimately, he brought about the downfall of the Na father-daughter duo, putting an end to long-entangled conflicts.

Most notably, the scene where he bowed deeply before his father, who had regained consciousness, and left a heartfelt letter marked the clearest moment of Jae-sung's transformation. In the latter part of the drama, during a police interrogation, he confessed to everything—from the hit-and-run incident involving Hwang Jun-hyun (played by Lee Joon-young) to his role in covering up crimes committed by Kang Gyeong (played by Jeon Hye-jin), and even his attempt to conceal the matter through a press conference—choosing to accept full responsibility.

Jin-gu stably portrayed a broad spectrum of emotions, from the endless desire for power and arrogance in the early episodes to the crumbling guilt and repentance in the latter half, culminating in his acceptance of responsibility. Through this, he fully realized the three-dimensional character of Kang Jae-sung.

Marking the drama's conclusion, Jin-gu expressed: "This work was a precious time that will remain deeply etched in my memory for a long while. Whenever I watched scenes filled with the efforts of the actors and staff who worked alongside me, I too, as a viewer, felt deeply moved and resonated with their dedication. Every moment we shared on set—laughing and worrying together—has become a joyful memory. I sincerely thank all the viewers who cherished this work and showered us with love beyond expectations. Moving forward, I will continue to present new works and show you my evolving self."

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*This content was translated by AI.