Sunghoon to play cold chaebol heir in new drama 'What a Boss Wants'

Actor Sunghoon is preparing to return to the small screen after a hiatus of 4 years and 8 months. Having once earned public affection through his clumsy and human charm on MBC's "Home Alone," he is now presenting a completely opposite side of himself. By transforming into the only son of a top 1% chaebol family and a cold-blooded CEO of an entertainment company, his move seems intended to rewrite his very image as an actor.

The first still cuts released by MBN's new drama "What a Boss Wants" on the 28th capture Sunghoon's strikingly different atmosphere. The character Sunghoon plays, Kwon Do Hyeok, is the CEO of Oh Yes Entertainment and the only son of a wealthy family. Not only does he possess outstanding looks and abilities, but he is also a character who prioritizes reason and logic over being swayed by emotions. He is described as being more like an AI than the AI he creates, being so flawless that he leaves no room for error, and he maintains a fastidious attitude toward music. He is so particular that he detests music with vocals and insists only on classical music.

In the released photos, Sunghoon condenses the personality of Kwon Do Hyeok through a neat suit and a cold gaze. Instead of exaggerated gestures, he reveals the cold aura unique to a person possessing power and capital through restrained expressions and posture. In another scene, he shows a completely different atmosphere with casual attire and a relaxed expression. As he must express not only a change in external style but also the character's fastidious and perfectionist tendencies, this role holds more significance for Sunghoon than a simple appearance in a romantic comedy.

The reason this comeback is drawing particular attention is that the trajectory of the image he has built as an actor is quite dramatic. While he has shown his presence in dramas by pulling off intense masculine characters, his unexpectedly clumsy and easygoing side was highlighted in variety shows. Especially during his time as a fixed member of "Home Alone," he established himself as a familiar star to the public as the charisma in his works contrasted with his quirky charm in reality. It was a case where the actor's authority and the variety entertainer's lived-in feel coexisted.

However, after leaving "Home Alone" in January 2022, his activities became more infrequent than before. Subsequently, during his appearance on "The Must-Try Restaurants," his behavior during the waiting process or while eating sparked controversy regarding manners. At the time, Sunghoon's side issued an apology, stating that his actions were excessive for the sake of entertainment. An image imprinted on the public takes on an independent life of its own, regardless of what the actor intends. This was also a case that revealed the old paradox of the entertainment industry, where the friendliness built through variety shows can sometimes clash with an actor's professional image.

While Sunghoon continued his activities through TikTok and personal channels afterward, his presence was limited compared to the past when he was active primarily in terrestrial and cable dramas. Now, he has chosen a character—a cold and perfectionist chaebol heir—that is quite far from his actual variety show image. Ultimately, this work is expected to be a stage to gauge how Sunghoon will be remembered by the public as an actor, beyond just a comeback project.

"What a Boss Wants" is based on the Naver web novel and webtoon of the same name by the writer Sikeukeu. Director Kang Sol of "Delivery Man" and "My Lovely Journey" has teamed up with writer Nam Ji Yeon of "Bitter Sweet Hell" and "So I Married the Anti-Fan." Gadin Media and Artist Studio are in charge of production. Attention is focused on whether Sunghoon, after a long hiatus, can stand before viewers not as the friendly Sunghoon from "Home Alone," but as the cold and perfect Kwon Do Hyeok. The drama will premiere on November 11 at 10:20 PM.