1. A Significant Return

Kim Seon-ho appeared as Park Choong-seop, the boyfriend of Ae-soon's daughter Geum-myeong (played by IU), in Acts 3 and 4 of the hit Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ which recently released its final episodes. News of Kim Seon-ho's special appearance was reported back in 2023, but it garnered renewed attention when the Act 3 poster was revealed. This signaled that the sweet and poignant romance, previously weighted towards protagonists Ae-soon and Gwan-sik, was shifting to their daughter Geum-myeong and Choong-seop.

Regardless of differing opinions, it seems undeniable that Kim Seon-ho's forte is 'romance'. His performance in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ shone honestly amidst concerns surrounding his return to the genre, showcasing a presence far exceeding a typical special appearance. As the drama concluded its run, his portrayal of Park Choong-seop left a significant impression, marking an important step in his ongoing career journey.

2. Choong-seop's Debut: Reactions & Concerns

The spotlight fell intensely on Kim Seon-ho's appearance precisely because it was him. This special role in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ marked his first significant return to romance acting since being embroiled in a personal life controversy following the conclusion of ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ in 2021. His casting announcement sparked immediate and heated debate among netizens.

Opinions were sharply divided. Some argued that he had undergone a period of self-reflection and that rehashing past controversies was unnecessary. Others expressed concern, questioning whether it would still be difficult to become immersed in his romantic acting given the past issues. Pop culture critic Ha Jae-geun noted that Kim Seon-ho inevitably faced mixed reactions due to the prior image damage, but saw this appearance as a deliberate step to tackle romance acting head-on, starting small and moving forward.

Initial Public Debate Points

3. Portraying Choong-seop: Performance Analysis

When Act 3 was released and Kim Seon-ho finally appeared as Choong-seop, the dominant reaction was one of surprise. Playing a signboard painter at the Cannes Theater where Geum-myeong worked, his initial visual – long hair, shaggy beard, glasses – was a far cry from his usual image, prompting comments like "I didn't realize it was Kim Seon-ho." This 'nerd' visual set the stage for his characterization.

Kim Seon-ho portrayed Choong-seop, who shares a quiet conviction similar to the unwavering Gwan-sik, with a distinct gentleness different from Park Bo-gum's earlier portrayal. Grounded in shyness, Choong-seop's appeal was elevated by moments of desperation, such as unhesitatingly carrying Geum-myeong (who inhaled coal briquette fumes) down the moon village stairs. His simple yet heart-fluttering confession, comparing Geum-myeong's radiance to a Christmas tree, further charmed viewers. In Act 4, post-military discharge, a neater Choong-seop fully embraced devoted romance. Kim Seon-ho delivered heartwarming smiles, touching tears, and even endearing high-toned 'aegyo' (cutesy charm) when asking Gwan-sik (Park Hae-joon) for marriage permission, showcasing detailed and well-received acting nuances, like smiling through seasickness on a boat.

Key Performance Highlights as Choong-seop:

• Initial Visual Transformation: Surprising 'nerd' look with long hair and beard.
• Quiet Gentleness: Portrayed a different kind of steadfastness compared to Gwan-sik.
• Key Romantic Scenes: Carrying Geum-myeong, the "Christmas tree" confession.
• Post-Discharge Charm: Showcased devotion, heartwarming smiles, and touching tears.
• Detailed Acting: Memorable 'aegyo' towards Gwan-sik and nuanced expressions (e.g., seasickness smile).

4. Career Context: Post-Controversy Activities

‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ was not Kim Seon-ho's first project following the 2021 controversy. He had already returned to the public eye through other avenues, though perhaps with less widespread attention compared to this high-profile Netflix series featuring IU.

He maintained his connection to acting through stage work, performing in plays. He also ventured into different genres on screen, appearing in director Park Hoon-jung's film ‘The Childe’ and the Disney+ series ‘The Tyrant.’ In both these screen projects, Kim Seon-ho took on charismatic roles within noir-tinged worlds, even handling action sequences. While these roles showcased a different side of his acting abilities, they didn't generate the same level of public buzz or discussion as his return to romance, albeit in a special appearance, in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines.’ This context highlights why his role as Choong-seop felt like a more significant step in potentially regaining public favor, especially among fans of his romantic lead persona.

5. Critical & Public Reception

The reception to Kim Seon-ho's performance as Choong-seop, once the initial surprise wore off, was generally positive, particularly regarding his chemistry with IU and his nuanced portrayal. Pop culture critic Kim Heon-sik provided insightful commentary, noting that Kim Seon-ho's rise to stardom was largely fueled by his role in the romance drama ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha.’ Consequently, many fans strongly desire to see him in similar romantic lead roles.

Kim Heon-sik predicted that focusing on his strength in the romance genre, rather than thrillers like 'The Tyrant', coupled with demonstrating sincerity, would be key to his recovery. He also suggested that negative domestic public opinion might have less impact in the context of global OTT releases like ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ where international audiences play a significant role. This perspective aligns with the generally warm reception Choong-seop received, indicating that his forte in romance indeed resonates strongly with viewers.

Critic Kim Heon-sik's Analysis Highlights

6. Actor's Thoughts & Next Steps

Reflecting on his participation, Kim Seon-ho shared through his agency, Fantagio, "I joined the sparkling work ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ with a fluttering heart. It was an honor to become a person belonging to the flowing time and approaching seasons within the work." He added a personal resolution, "I will continue to live as a humble person with conviction, like Choong-seop." This statement conveys his gratitude for the opportunity and his intention to maintain a grounded attitude moving forward.

Looking ahead, Kim Seon-ho's next confirmed project is another romance, the Netflix series ‘Can This Love Be Translated?’, co-starring Go Youn-jung and written by the famed Hong sisters. Set for release this year, this drama is poised to be a significant test and opportunity for him to fully step back into a leading romantic role. Director Yoo Young-eun has already praised the chemistry between the leads, heightening anticipation for what promises to be a lovely romantic comedy. This project aligns perfectly with the critical advice to focus on his strongest genre.

Next Project: 'Can This Love Be Translated?'

• Platform: Netflix.
• Genre: Romance / Romantic Comedy.
• Co-Star: Go Youn-jung.
• Writers: Hong Sisters (known for hit rom-coms).
• Director: Yoo Young-eun.
• Release Target: 2025.
• Significance: Marks his return to a leading role in the romance genre.