It was only a year ago when model and actor Ahn Jae-hyun made his acting debut in the hit TV drama “My Love from the Star.”

Now, the 27-year-old actor is poised to take his first-ever lead role in the TV drama “Blood,” produced by local TV channel KBS. In this vampire-themed medical drama, Ahn plays the unconventional role of Park Ji-sang, a vampire surgeon whose only dream is to become a human.

Actor Ahn Jae-hyun (left) and actress Ku Hye-sun pose during a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday. (OSEN)

The lead role came with “great pressure, but it also came as an excitement,” Ahn said on Wednesday at a press conference at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, where the drama is being filmed.

Ahn went on to describe his character as an “almost genius doctor” who is less emotional and insensitive towards others’ feelings.

“He was born with the vampire virus,” said Ahn. “So he didn’t have friends while growing up and his mother was the only one who loved him.”

But he added that his role was very interesting. “As a vampire, he has a strong desire for blood, but as a doctor performing a surgery, he has to practice some self-control.”

Costar Ji Jin-hee, who will play the villain, hospital director Lee Jae-wook, thinks that Ahn is perfect for the role. “He exudes charm through his character.”

Actress Ku Hye-sun joins the cast as Yoo Ri-ta, a surgeon and a niece of the hospital owner.

As her role requires her to be rude and spoiled, Ku noted that she tried hard to be mean these days: “I changed my vocalization pattern, pronunciation and the way I walk to fully capture and convey the character.”

The 20-episode series was created by director Ki Min-soo and screenwriter Park Jae-bum of the 2013 hit medical drama “Good Doctor.”

The Monday-Tuesday drama “Blood” will hit the airwaves on KBS 2TV at 10 p.m. on Feb. 16.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)