[Article] Kim Hyun Joong: From Flower Boy To Beastly Boxer

Credit:  www.kpopstarz.com

Newly released images of Kim Hyun Joong show how far the idol has come from his former flower boy image to become Shin Jung Tae for Inspiring Generation. Kim Hyun Joong displays heart stopping masculinity with hard cut muscles that attest to a grueling workout regimen. Gone are his flowing locks that were seen in Boys Over Flowers and Playful Kiss, with a natural short cut complimenting the more mature look. Scars and blood help to add to Kim Hyun Joong's allure, as he has clearly moved beyond portraying emotionally placid characters such as Boys Over Flowers Yoon Ji Hoo.

Drama audiences fell in love with Kim Hyun Joong's portrayal of the sweetly tempered Yoon Ji Hoo in the 2009 dramaBoys Over Flowers. Yoon Ji Hoo fiercely protected Goo Hye Sun's Geum Jan Di from the perils of life at Shinhwa High School. In true Korean drama fashion, Kim Hyun Joong became a victim of second lead syndrome and relinquished Geun Jan Di to Lee Min Ho's Goo Jun Pyo. With the worldwide success of KBS2's Boys Over Flowers, the image of Kim Hyun Joong as an innocent flower boy became embellished in audiences minds and hearts.

In 2010, Kim Hyun Joong followed the success of Boys Over Flowers with his portrayal of the intellectually brilliant, but emotionally stunted Baek Seung Jo in Playful Kiss. Baek Seung Jo added more allure to Kim Hyun Joong's flower boy image. By comparison, Baek Seung Jo was not necessarily a character who all viewers supported, due to his lack of emotion towards Jung So Min's Oh Ha Ni. However, Baek Seung Jo was able to recognize his emotions and win Oh Ha Ni's hand.

Hints of Kim Hyun Joong's current physical appearance were seen during his 2013 comeback concept for Unbreakable. Musically and physically, Kim Hyun Joong's style resembled that of groups like 2PM and BEAST. Audiences were shocked to see his boyish charms replaced, but embraced his comeback. It is clear from the photos released for Inspiring Generation that Kim Hyun Joong has worked even harder to obtain a more manly appearance.  With an emphasis on strong athleticism and martial arts, Kim Hyun Joong proves that he is more than just a pretty face in Inspiring Generation.

Kim Hyun Joong will make his return to KBS2 on January 15^th with Inspiring Generation. The drama will be in the time slot the Wednesday-Thursday 21:55 time slot which t was previously occupied by Pretty Man. The time slot will placeInspiring Generation against the ratings juggernaut that is currently My Love From The Stars. It will be fascinating to see Kim Hyun Joong portray a role that requires emotional complexity mixed with displays of anger and aggression.