Cha Eun-Woo and Song Kang, two of South Korea’s most popular actors, known for their roles in hit dramas like My ID is Gangnam Beauty and Sweet Home, are facing criticism from Korean media regarding their acting skills. Despite their immense popularity, recent articles, particularly in My Daily, have brought their acting abilities into question.
Viewership Ratings and Acting Scrutiny
The criticism coincides with the low viewership ratings of their latest projects. Cha Eun-Woo’s A Good Day to Be a Dog and Song Kang’s My Demon have struggled to achieve high ratings, leading to scrutiny of their performances. Critics point out repetitive acting patterns, dry dialogue delivery, and limited emotional range in their expressions.
Transition from Idols to Seasoned Actors
Both actors, transitioning from their initial careers, have been in the industry long enough to no longer be considered rookies. Cha Eun-Woo, known for his idol background, and Song Kang, with several leading roles, are expected to display a depth of skill commensurate with their experience.
Netizens’ Mixed Reactions
Netizens have expressed mixed reactions to their performances. While some criticize their acting, others acknowledge their potential and strengths. Song Kang’s performance in My Demon and Cha Eunwoo’s Island have been noted for showing signs of improvement.
- “Song Kang suits the characters he plays, but he needs to work on his pronunciation.”
- “If Song Kang’s acting is good, then Cha Eunwoo’s is good too because they are similar.”
- “If they were idols, then the fans would like it, but for actors, it’s hard to avoid as the public has to endure it. If you lack as an actor, let’s try to practice more, please.”
- “Both of them are just… acting. They aren’t good at it.. but their faces are doing a good job.”
- “Song Kang’s acting in ‘My Demon’ seemed pretty good.”
- “Song Kang’s acting is fine. It doesn’t bother me… but Cha Eunwoo needs some work.”
- “They both seem to lack the skill to be the main lead. I guess there really are actors that are not meant for acting.”
- “Song Kang was ok in ‘Sweet Home 2’… I thought his facial expressions weren’t too bad.. maybe because he didn’t have many lines?”
- “I think it’s fine because they take on roles that don’t really require a lot of acting skills.”
Debate Over Role Selection
The debate extends to the roles chosen by the actors. Some argue that the roles might not demand an extensive acting range, potentially contributing to the criticism. However, this also suggests that both actors may have untapped potential in more challenging roles.
Expectations for Lead Actors
The article emphasizes that while their visual appeal is undeniable, acting should remain the primary focus for lead actors. High fees and main character status come with expectations of performance excellence, not just in visual appeal but in compelling acting as well.
Cha Eun-Woo and Song Kang’s recent criticism highlights the need for growth and introspection in their acting careers. Despite the challenges, there is hope and support among fans and netizens for their future performances.