Male actors take to prime time

Actor Lee Jong-suk, left, plays a genius North Korean defector doctor in the new drama “Dr. Stranger” that airs on SBS. His co-star, Park Hae-jin, right, will star as the rival genius South Korean doctor in the medical/spy drama. / Yonhap

By Kim Ji-soo

The “boys” are back; at least on the small screen.

The networks and cable television have slowly restarted weekly prime-time dramas where male actors take center stage. It’s a change from the first quarter of 2014, where actresses such as Jun Ji-hyun in “My Love From the Star” and Ha Ji-won of “Empress Ki”reigned in the 10 p.m. prime time drama slot.

These dramas were extremely popular, with both averaging in near the 30-percent ratings. In the case of “My Love From the Star,” the heroine Jun Ji-hyun nearly sold out everything she wore on the show, both in clothes and makeup, not only in Korea but most of Asia.

So as the second quarter of the year begins, males are taking center stage, as they portray a diverse array of professionals — including doctors, lawyers, policemen and even a fraudster.

Singer/actor Lee Seung-gi, center in the front row, will star in the new upcoming police drama “You’re Surrounded” along with Cha Seung-won, lef in the front row. This is Lee’s first drama sincegoing public about his relationship with Girls’ Generation member Yoona.

On SBS, actor Lee Jong-suk, 24, is back with a drama, “Dr. Stranger.” Slotted for prime time on Mondays and Tuesdays, the actor plays a North Korean defector working at a general hospital in South Korea. The drama also features actor Park Hae-jin as a South Korean doctor and a rival to Lee. Both Lee and Park are popular hallyu stars whose previous dramas include “I Can Hear Your Voice” (2013) for Lee and “My Love From the Star”(2014) for Park.

On KBS, Kang Ji-hwan appears in “Big Man,” where he plays a “good-for-nothing” orphan who survives a premeditated “hunt” for his heart by a tycoon’s family. Appearing with Kang is co-star Choi Daniel, who is likely to attract more female viewers to the screen.

On MBC, the trio of actors Lee Bum-soo, K-pop group JYJ member Kim Jae-joong and singer Lim Siwan of ZE:A star in the new drama “Triangle.”

The battle of the male actors continues in the Wednesday and Thursday drama slots.

Singer/actor Kim Jae-joong, right, stars along with veteran actor Lee Bum-soo, center, and singer/actor Lim Siwan of ZE: A in the new drama about three lost brothers who reunite in 20 years.

On MBC, solid veteran actor Kim Myung-min plays a cold-hearted lawyer for “A New Leaf.” Kim also has solid co-star Kim Sang-joong.

On SBS, singer/actor Lee Seung-gi returns with “You’re Surrounded” as a rookie police officer under the supervision of a senior office portrayed by actor Cha Seung-won. On KBS, Kim Gang-woo is currently starring as a prosecutor out for revenge for his family in the “Golden Cross.”

But the new dramas are all posting single-digit ratings in the range of 8 percent as of May 5, according to Nielsen Korea. The “Triangle” posted 9.6 percent, with “Dr. Stranger” following at 9.4 percent. “Big Man” posted 8.2 percent.