Ji Sung's gripping acting as drug-addict cop turns 'Connection' into thriller sensation

Ji Sung, playing a police officer in the drama "Connection," runs down a hospital corridor after drinking his own blood. Captured from SBS

Actor Ji Sung has captured audiences' attention with his gripping performance in the new SBS drama "Connection," which premiered on May 24.

The first episode ended with a haunting scene where Ji Sung's character, Jang Jae-kyung, a narcotics detective, is seen running through a hospital corridor with blood smeared on his teeth and gums. This chilling visual culminated in him collapsing and being rushed to the emergency room, only to later drink a vial of his own blood from the lab in a desperate attempt to hide his drug use.

Jae-kyung is a police lieutenant in the narcotics division who becomes addicted to drugs after being kidnapped by criminals he was investigating.

His struggle with addiction is poignantly depicted, especially in the scene where he gasps for breath, blood visible in his mouth, emphasizing his precarious situation. Ji Sung's idea to enhance his vampire-like appearance with prominent blood makeup added a layer of intensity to his portrayal.

Director Kim Moon-kyo of "Connection" praised Ji Sung's dedication and preparation for the role. "Ji Sung put a lot of thought and effort into showing Jae-kyung's desperation and determination to uncover the truth about the drug crimes he's entangled in," Kim said.

The actor's performance has been hailed as a standout, earning him the title of scene-stealer in the drama.

Drama critic Park Jin-kyu said, "Ji Sung brings a multidimensional aspect to his character, showcasing a contrast between the lifeless eyes of an addict and the sharp gaze of a detective on a mission."

Jang Jae-kyung, played by Ji Sung, apprehends a criminal after a physical confrontation in the drama 'Connection.' Courtesy of SBS

Attention to detail and collaborative spirit

Ji Sung himself revealed the physical toll of his performance, admitting, "There were moments on set when I was so deep into portraying the addiction that I almost collapsed due to hyperventilation."

Broadcast critic Kim Kyo-seok highlighted the tension-filled scenes where Jae-kyung faces off against his high school friends involved in a murder case and his colleagues who suspect his addiction. "These one-on-one confrontations are the highlight of the drama," Kim said.

"Connection" continues to garner positive reviews for its intense narrative and Ji's compelling performance, making it a must-watch for drama enthusiasts.

The tension in the thriller is not born from competition but from communication among actors.

According to a source from the production, before shooting a scene where Ji Sung's character Jae-kyung and his team member Chang-soo (played by Jung Jae-kwang) track an incident through security camera, Ji Sung suggested, "Look at me more brazenly, as if you're playing with me."

This was to heighten the pressure Chang-soo, aware of his senior's drug addiction, puts on Jae-kyung.

Tae-jin (Kwon Yul) and Jae-kyung (Ji Sung) engage in a tense standoff at a high school friend's funeral in the drama "Connection." Courtesy of SBS

This kind of teamwork has helped "Connection" garner word-of-mouth praise, with viewers appreciating the immersive police procedural.

The show is on the verge of surpassing a 10 percent viewership rating (9.1 percent as of the June 15 broadcast).

Celebrating his 25th debut anniversary this year, Ji Sung often moves directors to tears on set. Kim Jin-man, who directed Ji in the 2015 drama "Kill Me, Heal Me," recalled a particularly emotional scene where Ji Sung, crying and shouting "This is my fight," left him too choked up to call "cut."

The strength of his acting lies in his attention to detail. In "Kill Me, Heal Me," for instance, he portrayed the high school girl Yona by wearing a combination of a school uniform top and tracksuit bottoms, an outfit choice inspired by real-life high school students, as he learned from a friend.

Ji Sung's meticulous approach and collaborative spirit continue to earn him acclaim, making "Connection" a standout thriller drama this season.

Ji Sung, playing the high school girl Yona, attempts to kiss Park Seo-joon in the drama "Kill Me, Heal Me." Courtesy of MBC

Humble beginnings to acclaimed actor

Despite his current acclaim, Ji Sung's start in the acting world was far from glamorous. He began his career as a reenactment actor in the MBC crime show "Police Station People" (1993-99). Living alone in Seoul, he took on various jobs to support himself while pursuing acting, even sleeping on park benches when he had no place to stay.

The actor's big break came with the drama "KAIST" (1999), where his determination to audition caught the attention of writer Song Ji-na, who created a role specifically for him. This opportunity marked the end of his homeless days and the beginning of a successful acting career.

His dedication to his craft is evident to his peers, sometimes to the point of exasperation. Actor Kim Sung-kyun recalled how Ji Sung's relentless practice on the set of "The Great Battle" (2018) even led to admonishments from his manager.

His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated actor is a testament to his relentless passion and dedication, qualities that continue to endear him to audiences and colleagues alike.

Regarding his role as a narcotics detective in the drama "Connection," he said, "The drama doesn't necessarily offer a solution to the serious issue of drug addiction, but I hope that through Jae-kyung's journey, we can provide a sense of hope."

Ji Sung in a scene from the movie "Feng Shui" / Courtesy of Plus M Entertainment

Changing perspective after becoming dad

He opened up about the profound impact fatherhood has had on his sense of responsibility, both personally and professionally.

As he spends more time in front of the camera, his sense of duty as an actor has deepened. He reflected on his changing perspective since becoming a father, sharing an anecdote from the 2016 drama "Entertainer."

"While filming 'Entertainer,' I improvised a line: 'It's hard for you because the world and I, as an adult, are lacking.' This line stemmed from my new sense of responsibility as a father," he said. "Being a dad has made me realize that my work should not only focus on boosting viewership ratings but also on creating something meaningful."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.