[NEWS] "Thanks for supporting and loving Cheon Jun-hwa" Jung Gunjoo, shared thoughts on the ending of 'Check In Hanyang'

Actor Jung Gunjoo shared his thoughts on the ending of 'Check In Hanyang.'

On the 9th, Channel A's weekend drama 'Check In Hanyang’ (written by Park Hyunjin, directed by Myung Hyunwoo, produced by Channel A, WIMAD, Artist Studio, Story Networks, and co-invested by PONY CANYON) concluded to high praise. The final episode achieved a viewership rating of 4.2% nationwide and 4.0% in the Seoul metropolitan area (Nielsen Korea, based on paid households), marking its highest rating.

On this day, Jun-hwa (played by Jung Gunjoo) learns of all the wrongdoings committed by his father, Cheon Bang-ju (played by Kim Uiseong). Though confused at first, he soon accepts the truth saying, "After all, like father, like son. Who says I can't be like my father?" In his quest to win Deok-su's (Hong Jae-on/Kim Jieun) heart, Jun-hwa attempts to strike Lee Eun (played by Bae Inhyuk) with a sword. However, as his heart wavers at Lee Eun's genuine desire to protect Deok-su, he chooses to side with his friends. Jun-hwa guarantees to the guildmaster of Uiju (played by Go Dushim) that Deok-su is the only daughter of the true owner of Yongcheonru, Hong Min-sik. He also confesses that there is proof in the ledger that his father took over Yongcheonru. Furthermore, Jun-hwa apologizes on behalf of his father for his wrongdoings and takes action to prevent Cheon Bang-ju's scheme.

On the day of the crown prince appointment, Deok-su appeared in the form of a woman and revealed that Cheon Bang-ju had murdered her father. Lee Eun, in turn, accused Cheon Bang-ju and his own father Lee Hyun-wi (played by Han Jaeseok) of murdering the former king. Jun-hwa appeared in front of Cheon Bang-ju facing the royal swordsmen and said "Apologize and beg for forgiveness," as he tried to make things right. Jun-hwa laid down the sword that had been given to him by Cheon Bang-ju and declared, "I will not live like you," severing ties with the past.

However, when Jun-hwa saw that Cheon Bang-ju's residence was on fire, he rushed back and cried out in agony as he wasn't able to save his father from the flames. Although Jun-hwa had severed all past wrongs, he could not sever the bond of blood, which added a layer of sorrow to his situation. A year later, the Haona quartet returned to Namhae Inn and set up a guesthouse together. The ending of building their friendship brought a sense of warmth.

Jung Gunjoo captivated viewers with his portrayal of a character that swings between extremes. In the early episodes, he perfectly embodied the cheerful yet sly Jun-hwa, and in the latter half, he powerfully portrayed the cold and dark side of his character, driven by misguided love. His performance significantly altered the atmosphere of the drama. In the end, he redeemed Jun-hwa's past mistakes, leaving viewers with a deep emotional impact. He skillfully expressed a range of emotions, from laughter to sadness and fear, showcasing his character's transformation and growth.

Through his agency Saram Entertainment, Jung Gunjoo shared his thoughts on finishing the project. He said, "Another project has come to an end. As always, it's inevitable to feel a mix of regret, pride, and a sense of emptiness." He continued, "If viewers were able to experience the freshness of youth and the wide range of emotions that come with love and friendship through 'Check In Hanyang', I couldn’t ask for anything more. Thank you for cherishing and loving the innocent, naive, but pure and honest Cheon Jun-hwa."

Meanwhile, Jung Gunjoo is set to appear in the upcoming TVING original series "Way Back Love".

[Photo = Saram Entertainment, Captured from the broadcast]