Joo Sang-wook called 'the best bad guy' by merchants over 'Agent Kim Reactivated' role

Actor Joo Sang-wook received unexpected hospitality due to his intense villainous image in a recent drama. While he played the 'final villain' who provoked viewers' anger on screen, he showed a completely different side in reality as a devoted husband to his wife, Cha Ye-ryun.

On the 30th, a video titled 'Joo Sang-wook's First Surprise Birthday Meal! What is Cha Ye-ryun's reaction? (+ Rockfish Sashimi Cake, Sea Urchin Seaweed Soup, Sole Sashimi Salad)' was released on Cha Ye-ryun's YouTube channel 'Cha Jang-geum Cha Ye-ryun'.

In the video, Joo revealed himself going grocery shopping and attempting to cook to celebrate his wife's birthday.

He headed to the fish market, saying, "My wife has always done the cooking, but today I am going to prepare the birthday meal myself." Joo, who typically seems far from the kitchen, drew smiles from viewers as he stepped up for his wife.

During his shopping trip, Joo noted that he could personally feel the intense popularity of the recently concluded SBS drama 'Agent Kim Reactivated'.

"I posted on Instagram for the first time in a while, and it had 430,000 views," he said, adding, "'Agent Kim Reactivated' seems to be quite hot right now."

The reaction from merchants who recognized him at the fish market was particularly noteworthy. Upon spotting him shopping without a mask, the merchants expressed their excitement, asking, "Aren't you the handsome Chairman?" before jokingly expressing their feelings toward his character by calling him "truly the best bad person."

The comment served as a testament to how perfectly he embodied his role, to the point of drawing such strong reactions. Joo responded with laughter to the heated feedback regarding his villainous character, experiencing firsthand the impact of his performance.

After finishing his shopping, he completed the birthday feast for Cha using the ingredients he had selected. From the rockfish sashimi cake to the sea urchin seaweed soup and sole sashimi salad, the meal was so thoughtful that Cha expressed her gratitude, saying, "Oppa, you worked so hard. Thank you."

While he played a cold-blooded power player who incited viewer fury in the drama, off-camera, he proved to be a warm husband cooking for his family.

In 'Agent Kim Reactivated', Joo played the role of Joo Kang-chan, receiving praise as the final villain who drove the drama's tension. Joo married actress Cha Ye-ryun in 2017, and they have one daughter.