Asia's prince Jang Geun-suk abandons 'pretty-boy' image

By Park Sae-jin Posted : March 24, 2016, 16:56 Updated : March 24, 2016, 16:56

[Photo by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@]



Asia's prince Jang Geun-suk said Thursday he would change his "pretty boy" image for his new role as a fallen prince at South Korea's new historical drama "Daebak".

After his three-year absence, Jang will make his comeback next month through "Daebak", which is also known as "The Royal Gambler". The new series premieres on SBS and DramaFever on March 28.

Jang, 28, told reporters that he has become "skeptical" about his image among fans at home and abroad who admire him as a pin-up or pretty boy. "As my age is near 30, I want to try a new look."

His popularity has been high across Asia since he starred in TV dramas such as "Beethoven Virus" in 2008, "Love Rain" in 2012, and "Pretty Man" in 2013.

But Jang was forced to stay away from South Korean dramas for nearly three years due to negative publicity stemming from a tax investigation into his finances, although he has been active in China and Japan.

In September 2014, he was questioned by tax authorities for underreporting income earned in China. He later paid about $10 million in fines.

In "Daebak," Jang acts as a fallen prince who carries on a middle-class life, gambling his way to stop the other prince (Yeo Jin-goo) from becoming the king.

The 24-series drama was pre-sold to Japan's KNTV for 3.6 million US dollars. It will premiere in Japan in early April.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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