In the MBC drama ‘Fifty Percent’ aired on the 22nd, Kim Byung-ok made an appearance as Hwang Hwa-san, the formidable leader of the Hwasan-pa gang.
The plot thickens as National Security Director Kwon Soon-bok (played by Ahn Nae-sang) and NIS Anti-Communism Team Leader Jo Seong-won (played by Kim Sang-ho) discover that NIS Deputy Director Han Kyung-wook (played by Kim Sang-kyung) has been trading drugs with a North Korean officer. At the same time, North Korean special agent Heuk-jin-ju (played by Kim Jae-hwa) attempted to sell secret North Korean intelligence, including the drug deal, to the Japanese intelligence agency for a high price. Upon discovering this, Kwon Soon-bok tracked down the passenger ship where the file exchange was set to happen and deployed black agent Jung Ho-myeong (played by Shin Ha-kyun).
However, Han Kyung-wook was one step ahead and knew everything. While Ri Cheol-jin (played by Jung Suk-yong), the head of North Korea’s special forces and Han’s ally, offered to send agent Bong Je-soon (played by Oh Jung-se), Han decided to be more cautious. He sought out Hwang Hwa-san, the leader of Hwasan-pa, a former associate, to recruit someone else for the job.
To establish dominance, Han Kyung-wook stormed Hwasan-pa with his men and assaulted the gang members before meeting Hwang Hwa-san face-to-face. Even in this tense situation, Hwang remained unfazed, calmly asking, “You probably didn’t come here just to settle some old scores, so what is your business?” Kim Byung-ok’s intense chemistry and power struggle with Han Kyung-wook completely gripped the viewers.
Kim Byung-ok also showcased his seasoned acting skills. Under an irresistible request from Han Kyung-wook, Hwang Hwa-san decided to let his loyal right-hand man, Kang Beom-ryong (played by Heo Sung-tae), join the operation. However, to avoid being played, he ordered Kang Beom-ryong to secure the file containing the North Korean intelligence first, warning, “Han Kyung-wook is the type of guy who will find our organization’s weakness and stab us in the back again. Secure the item no matter what.”
Adding to the drama, Kim Byung-ok infused the character of Hwang Hwa-san with his signature comedic touch. Unfortunately, Kang Beom-ryong’s mission failed, and Hwang Hwa-san ended up imprisoned due to Han Kyung-wook’s schemes. Even behind bars, Hwang didn’t give up on the item and asked Kang, “Any news yet?” to which a regretful Kang replied, “I’m sorry. It’s my fault… but I’m searching everywhere, so there will be good news soon.”
In a hilarious twist, Hwang suddenly produced a Bible and encouraged Kang by saying, “The Lord said, ‘To him who knocks, the door shall be opened.’ Keep knocking until it opens, and don’t give up!” This unexpected moment of encouragement left viewers laughing.
‘Fifty Percent’ airs every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM.
