Actor Um Ki-joon is drawing attention as he reveals a surprising on-stage persona that’s the total opposite of his reserved everyday self.
The April 8 broadcast of MBC variety show Radio Star features Kim Soo-ro, Um Ki-joon, Park Gun-hyung, and Kim Hyung-mook in a special titled "Men Living With Suro King."
On the show, Um Ki-joon recalls a previous appearance on Radio Star, where his habit of giving brief, one-word answers led Kim Gu-ra to call him out. Recounting how his deadpan personality unexpectedly cracked everyone up, he brings fresh laughter to the studio.
Usually soft-spoken, Um Ki-joon says he becomes a completely different person once he’s on stage. Depending on the role, he’s even performed in drag, showcasing a bold transformation that highlights his unexpected charms. Addressing the running joke that he’s “a different person before and after the paycheck clears,” he shares his candid thoughts, pointing to his intense focus on acting.
He also talks about his long-standing bond with Kim Soo-ro. Despite having very different personalities, the two have built deep trust over the years, adding a heartwarming touch.
Next, he opens up about taking on overseas work. Um Ki-joon reveals he appeared as a key gangster figure in a Japanese action film featuring Ma Dong-seok (Don Lee), delivering high-intensity action and sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the set.
He then dives into the unexpected reactions that followed the drama The Penthouse: War in Life. After playing the psychopath character Joo Dan-tae, the so-called “Dooly Song” he sang on-screen went viral, sparking a wave of anecdotes tied to the classic animated character Baby Dinosaur Dooly.
From his quiet daily life to his explosive on-stage energy—and untold behind-the-scenes stories across diverse projects—Um Ki-joon’s many sides will be unveiled at 10:30 p.m. this evening.