A Stalker's Guide to Yook Sung Jae

by alli, August 6, 2015

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Yes, that's right. We think you are art, too!

With a wide smile, exuberance and expressive face, acting-dol Yook Sung Jae has sure proven that some idols can definitely act! I have a strange sort of affinity for this boy – no, it’s not because we’re the same age; no, it’s definitely not because I am a BTOB fan – but it very well might have something to do with the fact that I have stuck around to witness the rise of this fresh, young talent and anticipate much more! So, without further ado – let me introduce you to Yook Sung Jae!

Born To Beat (BTOB)

It’s impossible to talk about Sung Jae without talking about BTOB – heck, even he brings it up, always! Sung Jae is the maknae and a vocalist of 2012 debut idol group, BTOB. Standing considerably taller than the rest of his group at 180cm, he takes the group very dearly and often talks about them, like I mentioned before! Many of his first drama appearances were with BTOB. While BTOB have not had many drama-style music videos, their latest comeback titled It’s Okay, features a cute plot. Sung Jae plays the role of a music college freshman who cannot seem to write any music, so he heads on a cross-country journey by foot for inspiration.

And after all, I can’t not show you this!

Special Appearances

He has also appeared on many variety shows such as Happy Together, Dream Team, etc. and has been the MC for various shows. BTOB have made several special appearances in dramas; Sung Jae plays himself in When A Man's in Love (2013) and The Heirs (2013). While providing momentary gratification for BTOB’s fans, they didn’t do much to promote Sung Jae as an actor. I have not included any videos for these as the cuts can be found on video-hosting websites. However, yes, while being negligible, it probably gave Sung Jae exposure with the filming fraternity - which would prove to be monumental later on!

Monstar (2013)

The reason why this gets its own section, despite it being yet another feature with (4/7) of BTOB is… *drumroll* he’s got a real role! A real role, with speaking parts and a name! Playing the dorky and caring Arnold, member of Seol Chan (labelmate Yong Jun Hyung) and his idol group Men in Black, could probably be counted as Sung Jae’s first acting role. Admitted, his role wasn’t much, apart from being Seolchan’s other (fanfiction-based) half and Eun Ha’s (Kim Min Young) bias post-Seol Chan but it was refreshing to see him, nonetheless.

Reply 1994 (2013)

Yet another minor role, and a hit and miss, this drama served to cement Sung Jae as a high school student - a role he will play more often. Most of the feedback he received was related to 'looking like Seo In Guk' and being BTOB's Sung Jae but we cannot miss the start of the 'cute high school senior' role that Sung Jae will go on to perfect.

Plus Nine Boys (2014)

Ah, this is when Yook Sung Jae finally steps into the spotlight! With his role as the naïve and temperamental 19 year old whose academic life depended on a judo scholarship, Kang Min Gu was refreshing to say the least. The highlight of the entire drama, in my opinion, was his bittersweet romance. No spoilers here but the ending sure made me feel very retrospective! Park Cho Rong acts as the perfect foil to him too! Sung Jae is a treat to watch, as he portrays vanity, shyness, exuberance, annoyance and anticipation without any cringe, whatsoever!

Who Are You: School 2015 (2015)

Everyone’s favourite bad boy, Gong Tae Kwang has stolen the hearts of many fans this summer! I could write an entire essay on his role in this drama, but I’ll refrain from doing that! I would like to point out, instead, on Sung Jae’s acting in this drama. While receiving much praise for breaking the stereotype that idols cannot act, Sung Jae not only portrays a character with complex emotions well, but also pulls at the heartstrings of the audience! I still don’t believe how Lee/Go Eun Bi (Kim So Hyun) doesn’t fall for him, because I sure did! His acting definitely leaves an impression, especially the fight scene in the classroom which is shown below. There is a touch of zany and crazy to Gong Tae Kwang, which Sung Jae brings forward all too well. I fully believe him when he says that he is 120% similar to Gong Tae Kwang!

Where else can I see Sung Jae?

No fear - Sung Jae is here, there - everywhere! Currently, he has just finished promoting for BTOB's comeback and is currently taking part in We Got Married as well! So not only can you see him and his on-screen wife, Joy of Red Velvet, but if you would like to hear his glorious voice as well, then video hosting sites are your best friend! With BTOB, he is also currently doing advertising for Elite and their school uniforms (along with the cutie Kim So Hyun) as well as LG's new Uplus phone (which comes with a hilarious advertisement)!

Well, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to Yook Sung Jae! I'm looking forward to seeing what else this boy has to offer to the world of Hallyu - and I hope you keep an eye out for him, too!

Thank you for reading this!