ENA’s upcoming drama “Namib” has offered a sneak peek of Lee Jin Woo’s character!
“Namib” depicts the meeting of former entertainment agency CEO Kang Soo Hyun (Go Hyun Jung) and longtime trainee Yoo Jin Woo (Ryeoun), who gets kicked out of his agency, as they each head toward their own goals.
Lee Jin Woo plays Shim Jin Woo, the only son of Kang Soo Hyun and Shim Joon Seok (Yoon Sang Hyun) who are deeply devoted to him. The character’s emotional coming-of-age journey is central to the story.
Shim Jin Woo is a student with hearing loss. He lost his hearing at a young age for an undisclosed reason. While he wears hearing aids, he relies on lip-reading to understand speech, meaning he always keeps his eyes on the speaker’s face. Overwhelmed by his parents’ overprotectiveness, he longs for independence and dreams of standing on his own.
The newly released photos show Shim Jin Woo’s daily life in a silent world. Whether at school or at home, he wears his hearing aids and observes those around him closely to communicate. His focused gaze reveals his determination. It’s unclear whether Shim Jin Woo will break free from his parents’ shadow and pursue his dreams, making his coming-of-age story one to follow.
Lee Jin Woo described his character as “someone who can’t hear but is determined to grow on his own.” He was drawn to Shim Jin Woo’s journey, saying, “I want to show that he isn’t defined by self-pity or past wounds. Instead, he stays positive, brave, and focused on moving forward.”
Lee Jin Woo added, “Shim Jin Woo struggles with his parents’ interference and pressure, which reminded me of my own rebellious teenage years. As he faces challenges, he finds the courage to grow and pursue his goals. I worked hard to make this journey feel believable.”
The actor, taking on his first serious role, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m honored to be part of such a great production like ‘Namib’ and to work with such amazing actors.”
He also thanked his co-stars Go Hyun Jung and Yoon Sang Hyun, with whom he shares a parent-child relationship in the series. “I have a lot to learn, but they offer valuable advice on my acting and even the small details on set. They help me fully immerse myself in the role and provide great support.” This has sparked even more interest in the story of Shim Jin Woo and his family.
“Namib” will premiere on December 23 at 10 p.m. KST.
While waiting, watch Lee Jin Woo and his group GHOST9 in “Peak Time” on Viki!
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