#1. Dong-man used to ramble on to hide his feelings of worthlessness among his successful friends. When his brother Jin-man (Park Hae-joon) asked, “What do you want? To debut? Success? What is it?” Dong-man’s honest answer wasn’t about grand dreams, but a simple wish to live a stable life, leaving a heavy emotional impact. Koo Kyo-hwan mentioned he even shed tears while reading the script, and this scene perfectly captured the anxiety many of us carry in our hearts, making the character’s inner turmoil even more vivid.
#2. Dong-man’s confident declaration to those who constantly looked down on him provided a thrilling sense of catharsis. Koo Kyo-hwan delivered the long, monologue-like lines with his own unique rhythm and intensity. With his excellent delivery, determined gaze, and confident tone, he created a powerful moment. While the character could have been seen as unlikeable, this scene shifted viewers’ perspectives, leading them to naturally root for his future.
#3. This part revealed that Dong-man’s binge eating and sharp words—used to soothe the hunger in his heart while being treated as a nuisance by the ‘8-person group’—were actually defenses to avoid getting hurt. While he had to be prickly around those who mistreated him, he showed his purest and most sincere side to Eun-ah (Go Youn-jung), who truly saw him for who he is. This contrast with his bitter reality of having to change himself based on others’ attitudes resonated with many.
#4. This line perfectly captures Dong-man’s lovability and sensibility. While people usually return side-dish containers with something inside, his romantic gesture of putting fallen leaves in the container for Eun-ah made the character more multi-dimensional. Even while fighting his feelings of worthlessness, Dong-man’s desire to maintain his purity and kindness through small, warm moments brought smiles to viewers’ faces.
#5. He talks about ‘tranquility,’ his favorite word in the show, but the fact that he’s imagining a peace he’s never experienced brings a quiet sadness. His specific yet humble metaphor, “Like a million times the feeling of peeling tangerines under a blanket in winter while reading comic books,” vividly painted the emotion of ‘tranquility’ and captured the desperation of a character who has always struggled with anxiety. It was a lingering moment that makes everyone hope Dong-man finally finds his own peace.
Koo Kyo-hwan continues to deliver deep emotions through his vivid acting and delivery that make the solid script shine even more. Meanwhile, in episode 8, Dong-man’s debut was finally confirmed through Hye-jin (Kang Mal-geum), sending anticipation to an all-time high over whether he will achieve his dream.
