At a recent wedding for Koyote member Kim Jong-min, a surprising figure became the center of attention among a sea of top celebrities. Actor Ahn Jae-wook was greeted with enthusiastic applause, especially from older guests who bypassed other stars to shake his hand, hailing him as “The Chairman.” This vivid scene closely mirrors the immense public affection he has garnered since making his weekend television return after nine years.

Ahn’s renewed popularity is not mere speculation. According to a survey by Gallup Korea, the program topped the 'Koreans' Favorite TV Broadcasts' list for two consecutive months in June and July. The KBS2 drama “Doksuri Five Brothers,” starring Ahn Jae-wook, achieved a peak viewership rating of 23.4%, signaling a triumphant revival of KBS’s once-flagging weekend drama lineup. How did this veteran, once hailed as the original heartthrob of the 90s, once again ascend to the highly regarded title of “National Chairman” after a nearly decade-long hiatus?

A Recipe for Success: Smart Choices and Cultural Insight

The secret to his successful comeback lies foremost in his savvy project selection. In an era where dramas increasingly rely on sensational tales of revenge, chaebols, and murder, “Doksuri Five Brothers” took a more straightforward—and, in retrospect, risky—approach. As creative director Lee Jeong-mi and critic Kim Seong-su observed, the drama cleverly interwove modern themes like “the independent journey of middle-aged women” and the concept of a “chosen family” within a comforting, family-friendly weekend drama structure. Ahn Jae-wook saw and embraced this vision, and his intuition paid off handsomely.

The Power of Experience: Making Maturity His Co-Star

Ahn’s compelling middle-aged romance gripped viewers precisely because he wielded his personal “experience” as a key performance asset. “Emotionally, I’ve grown broader,” he remarked during an interview, highlighting how his approach to romantic roles has moved beyond youthful infatuation to embody greater depth and stability.

He especially shone by choosing, in his words, “to be the one who watches,” allowing his co-star Uhm Ji-won’s character, Ma Kwang-suk, to take center stage. Rather than seeking to outshine others, Ahn elevated the overall production by prioritizing on-screen harmony—a mark of wisdom that only three decades of craft can yield. His steady performance, paired with Uhm’s boundless energy, resulted in an exceptional on-screen chemistry.

“A Good Example Speaks Louder Than Words”: Dignified Leadership on Set

Returning to set after nine years, Ahn demonstrated what it means to be a veteran actor. “I feel a great sense of responsibility. I try to show rather than tell,” he said, emphasizing actions over authority as he anchored the filming environment with understated leadership.

His character off-screen also reflects a broad concern for both peers and the broader industry. Asked about the end-of-year acting awards, he shifted the focus from personal accolades to expressing hope that more dramas would succeed, fostering healthy competition and market revitalization for his colleagues. His remarks exude not only star power but also peer solidarity and a sense of responsibility.

Ahn Jae-wook’s Arts of Reinvention and Enduring Star Quality

Ahn Jae-wook’s triumphant return is more than a personal victory. It represents the resurgence of KBS’s primetime slot for weekend dramas. With an astute eye for projects, performances rich in maturity and depth, and a genuine camaraderie toward fellow artists and the industry, Ahn continues to demonstrate why he remains an irreplaceable star. His journey serves as a prime example for the first generation of Hallyu stars on how to accept the passage of time gracefully, opening a successful “second act” without losing stature or relevance.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=MHN DB, KBS, Jable Entertainment