Unlike his roles in "Tomorrow with You" and "Chief Kim" where he played as a loving father, veteran actor Kim Won Hae transformed into a completely different person in "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon."
His character as Oh Dong Pyung is branded as the "crazy bitch" of Ahn Min Hyuk's (Park Hyung Sik) game company. After he was first introduced, the JTBC series has been receiving mixed response for their representation of the sexual minority character.
Recently, Korea's entertainment industry has transitioned to introducing gay characters in dramas. In fact, "Saimdang, Light's Diary" casted openly gay celebrity Hong Suk Chun to play as Lee Mong Ryong.
"Homosexuals are just one of many drama characters," the actor said as per Korea Times. "No longer do TV viewers see gays in ways as if they have never seen them before."
Hong Suk Chun insisted there are different types of gays unlike what the viewers commonly see on television wherein sexual minority characters are being treated as laughing stocks.
An insider from "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" said their move to introduce Kim Won Hae's gay character came after they saw how the audience reacted to this kind of idea.
"As viewers are ready to accept more diverse characters and are open-minded, more dramas tend to portray sexual minorities," a staff explained.
However, the romcom drama was not spared of criticisms for allegedly portraying sexual minority characters solely for skits. Despite receiving mixed response from the viewers, the "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" staff clarified their intention for having the gay character.
"The Oh [Dong Pyung] character has been one of the outcomes, while we strive to show diverse human relationships in the drama including bromances," it said.
Meanwhile, the upcoming episode of "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" will feature more of Park Bo Young and Park Hyung Sik's lovey-dovey moments. Soompi cited the onscreen couple will go on a picnic date in episode 14 which airs tonight at 11:00 p.m.
Still cuts from the latest episode were released ahead of the broadcast to tease the followers of the "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" couple. Who's excited for this?
