(SBS)

New SBS drama “Yong-pal” dived straight into the life of the male lead played by tested-and-proven actor Joo Won from the first episode having aired Wednesday.

Joo Won had previously mentioned at a press conference for the drama that he felt the need to transform and evolve as an actor.

He has indeed morphed out of his perennially boyish characters as he acts the resident doctor in “Yong-pal” who spends his after-work hours tending to injured gang members in order to support his younger sister, suffering from an incurable illness.

Kim Tae-hyun, the young doctor leading a dual life played by Joo Won, has many faces -- calculating, risk-taking, warm-hearted -- making him an inscrutable person, but well-balanced and very real.

Joo Won’s seasoned acting brings the character to life and is earning the actor much praise from critics.

“Yong-pal” will air its second episode Thursday night at 10 p.m.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

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