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[HanCinema's News] Han So-hee and Shim Eun-woo Shine as Supporting Cast in "The World of the Married"

One reason why the strong success of "The World of the Married" has been so unexpected is that the drama has relatively little star power. While Kim Hee-ae is the female lead the other cast members are not as well known. For many of them their role in "The World of the Married" is to date the most prominent of their careers. And yet the cast writ large shows remarkable chemistry and appeal, with Han So-hee and Shim Eun-woo being prime examples.

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Han So-hee has been the drama's most obvious breakout star. From modest beginnings on Instagram to appearances in advertisements, persons familiar with her prior work were not surprised by her flair for powerful visuals. The contrast is especially marked because in spite of Han So-hee's doll-like appearance and seemingly submissive role in the story she holds her own against Kim Hee-ae. The unusual past work of Han So-hee has no doubt been of great help to her career here.

Shim Eun-woo has been another scene stealer. She exudes a secretive air in her appearances as a bartender who both has her own secrets and keeps a careful eye on those of others. Her character's subplot as a victim of dating violence has also proven highly distinctive, as Shim Eun-woo portrays a character with agency and analytical powers, rather than a mere flat victim.

Lee Hak-joo also warrants mention as the abusive boyfriend, playing a man who can quickly and without notice suddenly turn vicious. Kim Hee-ae herself expressed surprise before "The World of the Married" started airing regarding Lee Hak-joo's transformation. In addition to being highly dramatic, Lee Hak-joo also conveys nuance over how an abusive partner maintains control of their victim.

The ensemble element of "The World of the Married" has been key to the drama's success, though it was not obvious in the early marketing due to the premise revolving around the titular married couple. In this way "The World of the Married" is comparable to "SKY Castle" from last year. "SKY Castle" was another socially relevant jTBC drama which quickly proved to be a powerful demonstration of the sum of its parts.

Written by William Schwartz

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"The World of the Married" is directed by Mo Wan-il, written by Joo Hyeon-I, and features Kim Hee-ae, Park Hae-joon, Han So-hee, Park Sun-young, Kim Young-min, Chae Gook-hee. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2020/03/27~Now airing, Fri, Sat 23:00 on jTBC.

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