Park Ji-hoon Syndrome, Weak Hero Popularity

Actor Park Ji-hoon's film 'The King and the Man' is surpassing 8 million viewers, creating a 'King Danjong Oppa syndrome.' As a result, his previous dramas, 'At a Distance, Spring Is Green' and 'Weak Hero,' are regaining attention and seeing a resurgence in popularity.

'The King and the Man' is set in Cheongnyongpo in 1457 and tells the story of village chief Uhm Heung-do (Yoo Hae-jin), who claims the exile site, and the young former king Lee Hong-wi (Park Ji-hoon), who was driven from the throne. Park Ji-hoon is leading the film's success with his delicate portrayal of King Danjong Lee Hong-wi's tragic life.

Notably, director Jang Hang-jun of 'The King and the Man' revealed that he cast Park Ji-hoon as King Danjong after seeing his performance. The director, after watching Park Ji-hoon in 'Weak Hero,' actively proposed the casting, saying, "You must be King Danjong."

The character Yeon Si-eun from 'Weak Hero,' which made Park Ji-hoon the actor he is today, could only have been created because of 'At a Distance, Spring Is Green.' The director and creators of the 'Weak Hero' series connected Park Ji-hoon to the role of Yeon Si-eun based on a recommendation from the production company after they saw 'At a Distance, Spring Is Green.'

The directors explained their casting decision, stating that Park Ji-hoon has the power to make even "somewhat strange characters not look like the same person" and that "his emitted energy was immense, and we felt he would be perfect for Yeon Si-eun's face."