It Is Now Heo Nam-joon’s Era, From “Wonderful New World” to “You Quiz on the Block”

It is now beginning to look like Heo Nam-joon’s era. After taking the lead role of Cha Se-gye in SBS’s Friday-Saturday drama “Wonderful New World,” actor Heo Nam-joon has quickly established himself as a leading male presence in romantic comedy. He is now set to show a different side of his appeal on tvN’s variety talk show “You Quiz on the Block.”

“Wonderful New World,” written by Kang Hyun-joo and directed by Han Tae-seop, is a high-tension romantic comedy built around two deeply combative characters. Shin Seo-ri, played by Lim Ji-yeon, is an unknown actor who becomes vicious after being possessed by the soul of a notorious villainess from the Joseon era. Cha Se-gye, played by Heo Nam-joon, is a harsh chaebol heir shaped by capitalism. Their relationship unfolds as a romance that feels as volatile as a war about to break out at any moment.

The drama opened with a nationwide rating of 4.1 percent, according to Nielsen Korea, and then climbed to 10.3 percent by its sixth episode, confirming its explosive popularity. In the integrated TV-OTT drama buzz rankings for the first week of June, the series also held the No. 1 spot for a second consecutive week. Its momentum has extended to the cast as well, with lead actors Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-joon ranking No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in the performer buzz category.

At the start of the drama, Cha Se-gye appeared as a cold-blooded man capable of sending a chill through women. But after being slapped by Shin Seo-ri and subjected to a “kkot-tajak” beating, his confidence was shaken. Heo Nam-joon left a strong impression by leaning into this reversal, showing a loose, disarming charm behind the character’s intimidating first impression.

When the drama first premiered, it looked as though it might become a one-person showcase for Lim Ji-yeon. As the story has progressed, however, Heo Nam-joon’s role has grown larger, putting him on more equal footing with her. He has been drawing attention by showing both forceful, masculine energy and a warmer romantic side, fully displaying the range of his appeal within the drama.

Heo Nam-joon had previously served as a scene-stealing presence in “Sweet Home” Seasons 2 and 3, “Your Honor,” and “A Hundred Memories.” With “Wonderful New World,” he has taken on his first lead role, and the part appears to fit him so naturally that it has helped position him as a rising actor of the moment.

He also recently drew attention on the YouTube channel “Ha Ji-young” with his frank and confident remark: “I do not think I am handsome, but I do think I have charm.” With that candid image now adding to the attention around him, expectations are growing over what kind of entertaining conversation he will have with Yoo Jae-suk on “You Quiz on the Block.” The episode is scheduled to air on the 24th.