Acting is definitely not my thing, as I prefer to be behind the scenes for almost everything. But this topic is one I’ve thought about more than a few times while watching dramas: If I could act, would I choose to play a dramaland hero or villain? And my answer almost always remains the same: I’d play a villain!
Dramaland villains cover a broad spectrum ranging from the mildly bitchy second female leads to the devious chaebol chairmen, the second state councilors and their cronies in sageuks, and then the actual psychopathic characters. While I get the general appeal of good guys and heroes in stories because we all need someone to empathize with and root for, there’s something compelling about villains as well — especially when they’re well written and acted! It’s hard to forget a good villain, and sometimes, they even totally eclipse the heroes. Case in point: Mishil vs. Seondeok in Queen Seondeok, and Mo Hyun-min vs. Seo Min-young in Reborn Rich.
On a lighter note, I mostly play towards the “good” side in real life, so I think it’d be fun to experience life on the (fictional) other side. Plus, for more shallow reasons, villains almost always have the better wardrobe. And between a female lead dressed down in frumpy coats and the evil second female lead decked in designer goods, I know where my heart lies. Heh.
Let’s hear your thoughts, Beanies.
If you could, would you rather play a dramaland hero or a villain?