- By Srishti Pandey
- Thu, 09 Jan 2025 08:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Nam Joo Hyuk, one of the most versatile actors in South Korean entertainment, recently shared insights about his favourite character during an interview with Dazed Korea. While the actor has portrayed a variety of roles in his career, he revealed that Baek Yi Jin from Twenty-Five Twenty-One holds a special place in his heart.
Nam Joo Hyuk explained that the role of Baek Yi Jin required him to pour immense thought and effort into the portrayal, making it one of his most rewarding experiences. He also credited the love and appreciation he received from fans as a major reason for his connection to the character. The emotional depth and realism of Yi Jin’s journey struck a chord with audiences worldwide, solidifying the drama’s place as one of his most celebrated works.
PD-nim: “When I think of the drama 'Twenty Five Twenty One', there’s one iconic scene that personally comes to mind first ...”
— bubbi (@jjwohyuk) January 8, 2025
THE SCENE 😭😭😭 #NAMJOOHYUK #남주혁 pic.twitter.com/jMlKC52rSx
Among the scenes he filmed for Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Nam Joo Hyuk singled out the iconic break-up scene in the tunnel between Baek Yi Jin and Na Hee Do, played by Kim Tae Ri. Reflecting on the scene, he said, “At that time, many viewers wanted a happy ending, but I thought it felt more realistic that way. It showed the reality of the situation Yi Jin and Hee Do were in.” The raw emotions and heartbreak depicted in this moment left a lasting impression on viewers, making it one of the most talked-about scenes in the drama.
Among all the characters you've looked back on today, which one do you think is most similar to you?
— bubbi (@jjwohyuk) January 8, 2025
“I feel most similar to Lee Joonha and Baek Yijin. That’s why I think both characters made it to the final round.” — #NAMJOOHYUK#TheLightInYourEyes #TwentyFiveTwentyOne pic.twitter.com/Q24MTPVq7S
Interestingly, one of Nam Joo Hyuk’s most beloved roles—Jung Joon Hyung in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo—was notably absent from his list of top picks. The 2016–2017 coming-of-age sports drama, inspired by the life of Olympic gold medalist Jang Mi-ran, starred Nam Joo Hyuk alongside Lee Sung Kyung. Despite low viewership ratings during its original run, the series resonated deeply with younger audiences, earning a cult following and glowing reviews for its heartwarming story and chemistry between the leads.
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Some fans speculate that the omission of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo from his list could be related to his real-life relationship with co-star Lee Sung Kyung, which ended in 2017. The two, who had been close since their modelling days, publicly dated for a few months, and their on-screen chemistry was a significant highlight of the show. As Nam Joo Hyuk gears up for his next project, Donggung (East Palace), alongside Roh Yoon Seo, fans eagerly anticipate his return to the screen.