Korean actor Lomon, who shot to fame through his role as Lee Su-hyeok in the hit series All of Us Are Dead, is back on screens with Family Matters, a thrilling drama released just last quarter of 2024 and now streaming on Channel K, specially crafted for Indian viewers. Guided by the underlying theme of family, Lomon portrays Baek Ji-hoon, who, along with other characters, must navigate the perils of life under assumed identities.
At just 25 years old, Lomon’s career reflects years of hard work and evolution, with All of Us Are Dead marking a significant turning point. Reflecting on the changes, he expressed, "My acting has been one of challenges and growth. Especially after All of Us Are Dead, many opportunities opened up, allowing me to meet various characters and discover aspects of myself I didn’t know before." This introspective view showcases how each role not only enhances his professional skills but also allows for personal exploration.
Family Matters revolves around the lives of five individuals who fake their familial ties to protect themselves from various threats, making the narrative rich with tension and character dynamics. Each character, including Lomon’s Ji-hoon, harbors unique abilities, adding complexity to the intertwined relationships within the group. "The concept of family isn’t defined by blood... but can be created through sincerity and effort," Lomon shared, stressing the series’ message of found family.
This relationship-oriented narrative allows for emotional depth as characters experience growth amid crises. Lomon explained the evolution of trust and bonds: "At first, the characters are awkward and clumsy... but as they go through crises together, they gradually build trust and bonds." This sentiment resonates deeply throughout the show, enabling audiences to reflect on their notions of family.
What sets Baek Ji-hoon apart from Lomon's previous roles is his complexity. Described as a quick thinker and skilled hacker, Ji-hoon is characterized by inner conflicts and dedication to family, requiring Lomon to showcase nuanced emotions. "Whereas my earlier characters were more overt, Ji-hoon quietly dedicates himself to his family... making him require delicate expression." His preparation for the role involved extensive physical training and deep dives with the director and writer to truly embody Ji-hoon’s internal struggles.
The character's physical prowess is put to test as Lomon also trained for over four months to film action scenes, including one intense sequence on “Disco Pang Pang.” "It was challenging to maintain balance... thanks to the guidance from the martial arts team, I managed to finish the scene without any accidents," he recounted, emphasizing the dedication involved behind the scenes.
Lomon is excited about the K-drama and K-pop appeal growing in India and sees this series as another opportunity to engage fans worldwide. "Whenever I hear about the love for K-dramas and K-pop... I feel genuinely grateful and excited." Streamlined storytelling combined with the tension of action and family themes are what he believes will resonate with viewers who seek depth beyond mere entertainment.
He wraps up his message directly for his Indian fans, saying, "Family Matters is not just about intense action. It explores what family truly means and what it takes to care for and protect one another. I hope you’ll experience both excitement and warmth as you watch this drama." While aiming to deliver thrilling content, the series also encourages viewers to seek the warmth of familial connections, regardless of traditional definitions.
Overall, Lomon's role and the overarching narrative of Family Matters present an engaging portrayal of characters overcoming challenges together, fostering genuine relationships amid suspense. And with streaming now available on Channel K, audiences eagerly anticipate the emotional and action-packed narrative this K-drama delivers.