In this week’s Man Crush Monday, we bring you all you wish to know about your latest crush from the fluffy campus rom-com Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo!
As one of the freshest batch of model/actors, Nam Joo Hyuk is undoubtedly a rising star. It’s not just his boyish good looks (those sculpted cheekbones!) that have garnered attention. His roles in popular drama series like the recent Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo and 2016’s Cheese in the Trap have caught the eye of many.
EARLY YEARS
The Busan native made his debut as a model when he was 19, and soon scored his first K-drama role in the rom-com fantasy The Idle Mermaid a year later (2014).
BRANCHING INTO ACTING
Since then, he has gone on to star in many more dramas, such as School 2015, Cheese in the Trap, and the highly anticipated period fantasy romance Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, where he played a tender-hearted prince who prefers drawing to ruling.
In late 2016, he teamed up with fellow label-mate and model/actress Lee Sung Kyung for the campus romance Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, where he charmed the audience in his role as a romantic, playful varsity swimmer who falls for a weightlifting champion (played by Lee).
His chemistry with Lee was off the charts— natural but intense — and his marked improvement in acting earned him the Best New Actor award at the 36th MBC Drama Awards.
PERSONAL STYLE
An avid athlete (he was on the basketball and swimming teams in school), it’s no surprise that his off-duty style is sporty and casual, and he counts hoodies, sweatpants, tracksuit, jeans, and sneakers as his wardrobe staples.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR HIM
Having just turned 20 in February, Nam mentioned that he now wishes to depart from his wholesome boy-next-door image to reveal a more mature side that fans have not seen before.
This year, Nam is in talks of landing another lead role in an upcoming drama titled Bride of the Water God. He also recently held his first ever fan meeting in Seoul, “SOME DAY: 2017 Nam Joo Hyuk Private Stage” (where Lee Sung Kyung showed up among the audience!).
As the 1987-line of popular actors such as Lee Min Ho and Ji Chang Wook enlist for military service, a new generation of on-screen heartthrobs are poised to fill the gap. With his innocent charm, serious acting chops— and did we mention he’s GORGEOUS?! — Nam Joo Hyuk is one you’ll need to set your sights on!
Are you a fan of Nam Joo Hyuk? Who else do you want us to feature on Mancrush Monday?