One Actor, Two Roles in K-Dramas: IU, Park Bo-young & Yook Sung-jae Lead the Trend
In the ever-evolving world of Korean dramas, a new trend is captivating audiences and critics alike: the “one actor, two roles” formula. More than a gimmick, this dual-role challenge tests the limits of an actor’s emotional range and versatility. Recently, top stars like IU, Park Bo-young and Yook Sungjae have taken on such roles, delivering standout performances that blur the lines between character and actor.
Park Bo-young’s Dual Debut in Our Unwritten Seoul
tvN’s weekend drama Our Unwritten Seoul premiered to solid ratings, recording 5% viewership by its second episode. The show marked Park Bo-young’s first time playing two characters, and she didn’t disappoint. In the drama, Park portrays twin sisters Yoo Mi-ji and Yoo Mi-rae, who lead dramatically different lives.
Her performance is both subtle and expressive, seamlessly switching personas and moods between the twins. Park’s bold transformation, including a striking platinum blonde hairstyle, further highlighted her commitment to the roles. Critics praised her ability to elevate the drama’s emotional depth, calling it a testament to her maturity as an actress.
IU Shines in When Life Gives You Tangerines
Another standout dual-role performance comes from IU in the hit Netflix drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. IU plays both the youthful version of Ae-sun, a spirited woman in a politically tumultuous era, and her daughter Geum-myeong.
IU’s performance was hailed as career-defining. Her chemistry with Park Bo-gum, who played Ae-sun’s husband, was lauded, while her role as Geum-myeong earned her critical acclaim for its range and emotional gravity. The drama not only enjoyed immense popularity domestically but also sparked international interest and countless online parodies. IU was nominated for Best Actress in the Television category at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, reinforcing her status as one of the most versatile actors of her generation.
Yook Sung-jae’s Possessed Performance in The Haunted Palace
In SBS’s dark fantasy drama The Haunted Palace, Yook Sung-jae takes on one of his most challenging roles to date. He plays Yoon Gap, a government officer who becomes possessed by Kang Chul, a vengeful deity from Korea’s folklore. This duality requires Yook to embody both a stoic human and a wrathful spirit, shifting between the two personas with precision and intensity.
The drama opened with a 9.2% rating, quickly surpassing 10% by episode nine, continuing SBS’s streak of high-performing weekend shows. Yook, already known for fantasy dramas like Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and The Golden Spoon, has steadily broken the mold of “idol-turned-actor” stereotypes, and The Haunted Palace has further solidified his position as a serious actor.
Why Dual Roles Are Winning Viewers Over
The “one actor, two roles” structure isn’t just a narrative trick it’s an opportunity for actors to showcase their full range, often within a single episode. When done well, it leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the actor’s depth, timing, and adaptability. For viewers, it creates a richer, more layered viewing experience.
In a competitive drama landscape, the dual-role trend is proving to be a winning strategy. It demands more from actors but rewards them with greater recognition and audience engagement. With stars like IU, Park Bo-young and Yook Sung-jae setting the bar high, fans can expect even more dynamic character work in upcoming K-dramas.
