For fans of Disney’s 2021 masterpiece Encanto, a recent Korean drama offered a taste of familiar magic. The Atypical Family, which recently concluded its run on Netflix, took viewers on a journey with the Bok family, a village clan with fantastical abilities not unlike the Madrigals. However, this family’s magic faced a unique challenge – it was fading. Premiering on May 4, 2024, and concluding on June 9, 2024, the 12-episode series explored the themes of family bonds, loss of power, and the discovery of unexpected strength. Much like Mirabel Madrigal, the seemingly ordinary member of her family, the Bok family’s hope rested on Bok I-na, the only child without a known talent yet. Could she be the key to saving their magic? The series boasted a stellar cast led by Jang Ki-yong and Chun Woo-hee along with Claudia Kim, Goo Doo-shim, Oh Man-seok and Park So-i. Fresh off his mandatory military service, Jang captivated audiences once again with his portrayal of Bok Gwi-ju, the head of the Bok family.
Photo Credit: SLLEXCLUSIVE: Jang Ki-yong unpacks the role of time-travelling superhero in The Atypical Family; building dynamic with Chun Woo-hee & admiration for Park So-i: “The acting chemistry was good”
In the series, Gwi-ju’s struggles resonated with viewers – a father grappling with fading powers, a past tragedy that haunted him (the loss of his first wife), and a strained relationship with his daughter I-na (played by Park So-i). Enter Do Da-hae (played by Chun Woo-hee), a mysterious woman who disrupts the already complex family dynamic. Though Da-hae’s initial motives were unclear, a captivating romance blossomed between her and the disillusioned Gwi-ju. This relationship took a surprising turn when Gwi-ju discovered the ability to travel through time.
Produced by SLL Production Company, The Atypical Family ventured beyond a typical superhero narrative. It explored a multitude of themes within its short run, including family dynamics, overcoming bullying, coping with grief, and battling addiction. While juggling these themes, the series excelled in its visual presentation. The special effects and set design were impressive, creating a believable world for these unique superheroes to inhabit.
But the heart of the show resided in its characters. Jang Ki-yong delivered a nuanced performance, capturing Gwi-ju’s despair and eventual determination with remarkable depth. The undeniable chemistry between Jang and Chun made their love story a highlight of the series. While the ending left viewers with a bittersweet feeling, it was a testament to the show’s ability to evoke a range of emotions.
Following episode four of the series, Bollywood Hungama had the opportunity to speak with Jang Ki-yong about his experience of returning to dramas, the challenges of portraying Gwi-ju, and the unique aspects of being part of an ensemble K-drama.
The series title, The Atypical Family, suggests a departure from the traditional family unit. Why was this the script that caught your attention as the first project post-enlistment? How do you think the show redefines the concept of family? What do you think makes the Bok family special, despite their flaws and lost powers?
There were many new and fresh elements. It was my first time playing a father, and I wondered if the audience would like the change in my hairstyle. The show had the charm of being unpredictable. I was also excited to work with director Jo Hyun-tack, writer Ju Hwa-mi, creator Kang Eun-kyung, and a good production crew.
Gwi-ju is a character who is depressed and seems lethargic and indifferent to everything, but I think he is trying harder than anyone else to regain his happiness. Maybe, the reason why he is always with his family pretending not to want is that they are the ones who support him to reach happiness again.
Your character, Bok Gwi-ju, has a complex past and a time travel ability that seems to be changing. Can you tell us more about your approach to portraying this unique character and the challenges you faced?
For Gwi-ju, the current misery and past happiness are such contrasting emotions that it was not easy to express the change in emotion that actually had to be played out at one point. I tried to show the contrast even in small details besides the apparent atmosphere and expression.
The Bok family dynamic is fascinating, with everyone struggling with lost powers and personal demons. How did you collaborate with the cast to create this dysfunctional yet endearing family unit?
The Atypical Family has strong characterization and narratives of characters. I listened to their stories and focused on the relationship between Gwi-ju and the people around him.
The drama explores themes of loss, grief, and the desire to change the past. How do you think Gwi-ju’s journey through time travel reflects on these themes? Were there any special preparations you had to make to play a character with a time travel ability?
For Gwi-ju, time slipping to save someone is not just about saving them, but about traveling back in time to regain himself in his original state and happiness.
Also, I felt he was trying to regain his happiness rather than giving up everything because he was helpless. Therefore, I expressed Gwi-ju’s depression in such a way that his current depressed state would seem like it was not his original state, and from time to time, the bright ‘original’ state of the past would appear.
Chun Woo-hee brings a captivating presence to Do Da-hae. From promotional content to press conference, it seems like you two build a very fun dynamic on set to create great synergy. There’s an intriguing dynamic between Gwi-ju and Da-hae, with moments of both tension and tenderness. How did your conversations with Chun Woo-hee shape your portrayal of this complex relationship? What was it like collaborating and building that dynamic with her to develop the initial distrust and then the evolving relationship?
We talked a lot while preparing for the scenes together and acted out the scenes while agreeing with each other’s thoughts. The acting chemistry was good, and I was grateful that she was a senior from whom I could learn a lot.
Bok Gwi-ju is grappling with grief and guilt, while Do Da-hae has her own internal struggles. How did you and Chub Woo-hee approach portraying the complexities of their emotional connection?
When Gwi-ju first saw Da-hae, he was confused and wary like ‘Who is this person?’ ‘What can she do for me?’ But after he accepted his fate with Da-hae, it became rather simple. The moment they accepted their destiny for each other’s salvation, I portrayed Gwi-ju in a way that he didn’t look back and went straight ahead, falling for Da-hae fast.
Go Doo-shim and Oh Man-seok bring immense experience to the table. Did they offer any advice or share acting techniques that you found particularly helpful?
First of all, I was honoured just to be in the same scene with the two seniors, but I was also grateful for their words of life wisdom. When they said, “The more successful you are, the humbler you should be,” and “I’m still nervous when I come to the set, but at times like this, I try to relax and constantly control my mind,” I thought, ‘Oh, big seniors are thinking about that too, even now.’ It was an opportunity for me as a junior to strengthen myself once more, thinking, ‘I have to work harder.’ It was nice to feel like, ‘I’m shooting in a good scene with good seniors,’ and ‘Even if it’s a ponderous scene, it feels brighter with seniors.’
The Bok siblings have a unique bond. Can you share an anecdote about working with Claudia Kim that highlights this sibling connection?
In fact, I heard many people say, “You two look alike,” and Claudia called me “Kiyong~” on set and treated me comfortably, so I was grateful that I could act in a relaxed way that treated her like my real sister.
You have been sharing heartwarming moments with child actress Park So-i on social media. However, on-screen, the dynamic between Gwi-ju and I-na is strained. Can you describe how was a sense of unspoken tension and a desire for reconciliation brought to life with her?
Jang: Unlike treating the other characters, Gwi-ju is a clumsy father for I-na, so I think there was a lot of communication through the eyes rather than words and behaviours. Whenever Gwi-ju saw I-na, he always looked at her with affection in his eyes.
Filming a fantasy drama surely has its unique moments. Can you share a behind-the-scenes story or a particularly memorable scene you filmed with any of your co-stars?
Unexpectedly, the moment that calmly moved my heart felt more special to me than shooting a fantasy scene. There is a memorable scene with Goh Doo-shim and Oh Man-seok where Gwi-ju watched them holding hands and dancing happily. At that time, I was worrying about each scene because emotional scenes were connected, but just watching them was very happy and healing. That’s why it’s my most memorable and favourite scene.
With so many unanswered questions, what can viewers expect as The Atypical Family progresses? Will there be more heartwarming moments or surprising twists? Do you think Gwi-ju and his family will ultimately find happiness, and perhaps even use their powers for good?
Gwi-ju is the kind of person who always wants to save someone. Stay tuned till the last moment to find out if he can use his power, and how his relationship with Da-hae and the Bok family’s story will change as a result.
ALSO READ: The Atypical Family Mid-Season Review: Jang Ki Yong and Chun Woo Hee starrer K-drama explores the story of a fractured family with fading superpowers
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