ENA’s Monday-Tuesday drama ‘Scarecrow’ (directed by Park Jun-woo and written by Lee Ji-hyun) is making waves by hitting new viewership records thanks to its unpredictable plot. Amidst the excitement, Baek Hyun-jin is leaving a strong impression with his incredibly realistic performance.
Playing the role of Captain Kim Man-choon at Gangseong Police Station, Baek Hyun-jin adds a touch of warm humanity to the suspenseful thriller through his signature grounded acting.
Kim Man-choon is a seasoned veteran with years of field experience and a supportive boss who shuns authoritarianism. He heightens the tension with an urgent tone when facing a culprit’s provocation about killing five people. In a crisis where angry citizens throw eggs at the police, he steps forward to protect his subordinates, shouting, “I am the person in charge. I will definitely catch the culprit.” This convincingly portrays him as a responsible adult who doesn’t shy away from the weight of his position.
His role as a supporter also shines in his chemistry with the protagonist, Kang Tae-joo (Park Hae-soo). A scene where he bows to superiors to prevent Kang Tae-joo’s resignation from being accepted hints at his warm heart. Even as he leaves the police station due to a demotion following the incident, he offers calm advice instead of resentment, telling Kang Tae-joo, “You’re a good detective. But don’t try to do everything alone. Work with your colleagues.” This creates a heartwarming and strong bond between the two characters.
Baek Hyun-jin’s understated, life-like acting blends naturally with the drama’s 1980s setting, increasing the immersion of the character. Having played a key role with his unique acting style, all eyes are now on what his next move will be.
