Jang Keun-suk to Star in New Drama "Hyupban"

"Asia's Prince" Jang Keun-suk is returning with a new drama. He will take on the lead role in "Hyupban", marking his comeback to television after about three years and signaling the start of his full-scale acting activities again.

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According to reports on the morning of the 10th, Jang Keun-suk will play the main character Ma Han-sang in the drama. "Hyupban" is a healing drama that tells the story of Ma Han-sang, a gangster with exceptional cooking skills. After rescuing a college student in danger, he ends up hiding in the student's house. Through warm home-cooked meals, the two gradually share comfort and encouragement with each other.

The drama is based on a popular novel of the same name from Japan, which was previously published as a book and adapted into a drama. Jang Keun-suk has often shown impressive cooking skills on variety programs, raising interest in how closely he will match the character.

The series will be directed by Lee Min-woo-II, known for works such as "Boys over Flowers", "God's Quiz Season 4", and "Not Others". As he has been praised for his character-focused and delicate directing style, expectations are high for the synergy between him and Jang Keun-suk.

"Hyupban" is also the first project Jang Keun-suk selected after joining VAST Entertainment to focus on his acting career. It will mark his first drama since "Decoy", which aired in 2023.

Jang Keun-suk debuted as a child actor and has steadily built a career both in Korea and overseas. He appeared in dramas such as "Hong Gil-dong, the Hero", "Beethoven Virus", "You're Beautiful", "Love Rain", and "The Royal Gambler". He has also shown a wide acting range through films including "Baby and I", "The Case of Itaewon Homicide", and "You Pet".

The drama "Hyupban" is scheduled to begin filming in the first half of 2026.