'Department Head Kim' Choi Tae-hoon, a happy scream: "The highest rating of 27.1% — is this reality?" [Q&A]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Choi Tae-hoon solidified his 'Trust and Watch Daehoon' (Mitbo-dae) track record through 'Department Head Kim'.

According to ratings survey company Nielsen Korea on the 26th, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Department Head Kim' (script by Nam Dae-jung, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun, planned by Studio S, produced by Studio S and Fantagio), which concluded on the 25th, recorded a national rating of 23.0% and a peak instantaneous rating of 27.1%. It not only secured first place in its time slot across all channels for 10 consecutive episodes but also shattered its own highest instantaneous rating, putting a conclusive period to an overwhelming box office phenomenon.

On that day, Sung Han-soo (played by Choi Tae-hoon) found himself in an extreme situation where he had to confront his friend Department Head Kim (played by So Ji-sub) due to the schemes of Ju Kang-chan (played by Joo Sang-wook), who took his son hostage.

In response, Choi Tae-hoon densely portrayed a complex character torn between hesitation at being unable to deliver a fatal blow to his friend and the desperation to save his son, heightening the tension. The fierce battle of three friends who had to do everything possible to save their children left viewers breathless, delivering overwhelming immersion.

Choi Tae-hoon led an eye-catching fast-paced development with fluid movements befitting a former taekwondo national team member and dazzling taekwondo action. In particular, Sung Han-soo's signature aerial kick that knocked down Manager Nam (played by Lee Dong-ha) was the decisive blow that capped off the finale of the three-person action, completing the pinnacle of exhilarating action and delivering a powerful thrill to living rooms. After all events concluded and returning to ordinary daily life, Sung Han-soo shared unchanging friendship with Department Head Kim and Park Jin-cheol (played by Yoon Kyung-ho), eliciting warm smiles. Sung Han-soo's unique witty everyday humor and comfortable rhythm left a warm laugh and pleasant aftertaste until the final moment.

Choi Tae-hoon's pacing, which took responsibility for the reassuring presence of 'our side' from beginning to end, shone until the very last. Portraying Sung Han-soo as an adult one could rely on by depicting him with different nuances — a loyal friend more passionate than anyone else, a gentle uncle to Min-ji, and a principled father correcting his mistakes for his son — Choi Tae-hoon added vitality to the drama through cheerful everyday bromance while also enhancing viewing pleasure with thrilling action and paternal love in diverse performances.

Meanwhile, Choi Tae-hoon has confirmed his appearance in ENA's new drama 'Love That Makes You Shiver'. As a 'Red-Blushing Adult Romance' that even makes dried-up romance cells shiver, intense interest and expectations are gathering for Choi Tae-hoon's new romance comedy that viewers can trust and watch.

◆ The following is a Q&A with Choi Tae-hoon.

Q. 'Department Head Kim' recorded the highest rating for mini-series in 2026 and concluded to much love. I am curious about your impressions after finishing the drama.

A. I really can't tell if this is reality or not. It feels like just someone else's story that I've only seen on TV. Someone must be constantly rolling a surprise camera.

Q. Sung Han-soo was a character with diverse aspects as a friend, uncle, and father. What part did you focus on most while portraying Sung Han-soo?

A. Fusion. The fusion of the three friends. I focused on how this fused one would dedicate itself for a single goal.

Q. 'Department Head Kim' went beyond a simple action drama to cover 'the passionate world of uncles.' Scenes where they risk their lives to protect their daughters or friends moved viewers' hearts. I am curious about how you empathized and resonated with the emotions of 'paternal love' and 'loyalty' possessed by the character Sung Han-soo.

A. I think those two emotions are not so much feelings to empathize with, but rather, 'if one were to receive a child, or if one were to meet a friend, wouldn't such feelings naturally well up?' I was able to happily complete my homework by meeting actors who naturally evoke such feelings.

Q. The bromance chemistry of the 'Uncle Trio' — Department Head Kim, Sung Han-soo, and Park Jin-cheol — stood out. I am curious about the actual on-set chemistry. How was your rapport with actors So Ji-sub and Yoon Kyung-ho?

A. Above all, there was a mutual respect, and I think the composition was excellent. It was the very essence of mutual benefit. Helping and filling each other up... like 'Wood and Fire,' 'Fire and Earth,' 'Earth and Metal,' 'Water and Wood.'

Q. Sung Han-soo's taekwondo uniform was one of the items symbolizing his character. He wore the taekwondo uniform for almost every episode. Was there a first impression when you first put on the costume, and did anything change as filming progressed? I am curious about what meaning the taekwondo uniform conveyed to you.

A. It had no stretch and wouldn't expand, so at first it was uncomfortable and difficult to wear the dobok. Just like our lives, we found a way; once we found it, it became comfortable; once comfortable, it became good; once good, it became precious. The only thing not good about it is its attitude toward temperature. It gets colder when it's cold and hotter when it's hot. It's a very fiery item. And what I was grateful for is that it made me shine brightly.

Q. Sung Han-soo was a character who oscillated between playful humor and heavy sincerity. How did you balance the equilibrium between laughter and seriousness?

A. I consistently maintained a serious attitude. There are almost no scenes where he smiles broadly. I am simply grateful to the viewers who gave generous laugh scores to the serious Sung Han-soo.

Q. In Choi Tae-hoon's filmography, what page will 'Department Head Kim' and 'Sung Han-soo' leave?

A. A page filled with illustrations like a comic book. It seems it will remain as a page from a comic where impossible things become possible... and where unicorn-like characters appear.

Q. Future activity plans and final remarks.

A. Fortunately, I believe I will be able to visit you in various genres and with many different professions in the future. Once it opens, I would be truly grateful if you could simply enjoy it with a broad heart. Please take good care of your health during this gloomy weather, and I will greet you again next time with a healthy and smiling appearance. Words that are insufficient even after saying them a hundred times: once more, thank you everyone.

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*This content was translated by AI.