IU's Video For 'Friday' Explains What Is Wrong With 'Pretty Man' Chemistry

The colorful and upbeat personality of IU shines in the music video for the song Friday. Friday, a single off of Modern Times-Epilogue features IU with History's Jang Yi Jeong. The two vocalists exhibit a comfortable familiarity which comes across through the vocals in the song,. Model Jang Ki Yong portrays the object of IU's affection in the music video and is absolutely adorable. The relationship dynamic portrayed in the music video appears natural and carries strong emotional integrity. By comparison, the relationship between IU's Kim Bo Tang and Jang Geun Suk's Dokgo Ma Te in the drama Pretty Man appears off kilter, as well as forced.

Friday emphasizes the excitement of relationships, especially those at their newest level, in which one bubbles with anticipation at the idea of seeing the object of their affection. While it is natural for audiences to cheer for the second male lead to win the heart of the female lead, it is rare that the sentiment remains even after ten episodes. As episode nine led Kim Bo Tang to choose to spend Christmas Eve with Lee Jang Woo's David Choi over Dokgo Ma Te, audiences could not help but wonder why the relationship that is intended to be the main focal point should even exist.

With her girl-next-door looks and vivacious personality, IU outshines the role of Kim Bo Tang. Although, she portrayed the mousy Kim Pil Suk in 2011's Dream High, her role in Pretty Man is crafted in a different fashion. The interesting aspect of IU's chemistry with Jang Ki Yong is the sheer believability of it. The male model also played opposite IU in her video for The Red Shoes. What is hindering Pretty Man from capturing the hearts of audiences in Korea and beyond is not IU or Lee Jang Woo, but Jang Geun Suk.

Jang Geun Suk is a solid actor however he has continued to lead dramas that have struggled in ratings since You're Beautiful. Prior to Pretty Man, he acted as the male lead opposite Girls Generation's Yoona in Love Rain. While Yoona is currently flourishing in her current drama Prime Minister and I in which she acts opposite an actor twenty years her elder, there was little chemistry between Yoona and Jang Geun Suk for Love Rain.

If Jang Geun Suk continues to be typecast in same roles, the actresses opposite of him will continue to suffer. IU remains a highlight of Pretty Man, which remains salvageable. It is disconcerting, however to enjoy watching the songstress and actress in her music video more than seeing her star in her current drama. Perhaps, in the future she should act opposite Jang Ki Yong or Jang Yi Jeong.

Tags
IU
Modern Times Epilogue
Friday
Pretty Man
jang geun suk
Join the Discussion

Latest Photo Gallery

Real Time Analytics