Fan-Favorite TV Star’s New K-Drama Premieres—His Acting Skills Under Scrutiny

Following the premiering episode of ENA‘s new K-Drama, The Defects, popular Single’s Inferno star Dex (also known as Kim Jin Young) is facing some backlash for his acting skills.

Dex has taken on the role of Jung Hyun, a killer who “carries out his missions with ruthless persistence.” While his fans were thrilled to see him in a “villain” role, and his action scenes were received well…

…his overall portrayal of the character has come under scrutiny. A viral theqoo post saw hundreds of comments discussing Dex’s second-ever K-Drama lead role, with most calling out the utter awkwardness of his scenes and his lack of professionalism for being underprepared for the role.

• “He’s fine being around cameras on entertainment shows, LOL. What happened to him here? Who broke him?”
• “That’s some rigid acting… Dex even gets paid while practicing acting? Lucky him.”
• “So Dex is acting now?”
• “I was like, ‘Wow, people are literally nitpicking how he walks?’ But then I watched the video and was honestly shocked. Everything about him, including how he walks, was awkward from the start.”
• “Why is he even trying to act?”

• “Yeah… I saw the way he started walking and was like oh no.”
• “The character is supposed to be emotionless, so I don’t hate the acting itself, but the way he walks… Maybe he was too tense? It’s almost like he’s limping.”
• “Why is he acting, seriously—just stop.”
• “Huh? I honestly couldn’t tell he was bad. His walking was a bit awkward but his line delivery seemed average?”
• “I’m cracking up. LOL. I actually like Dex, but he should study acting a bit more before doing it.”
• “Maybe he was trying to walk like a gangster…? His eyes looked totally blank, it was hilarious. Lmao.”

• “Yikes. I couldn’t even finish watching… LOL. Maybe he was just that nervous? He was completely stiff.”
• “I saw someone say earlier that it’s not ‘bad acting’ but ‘non-acting,’ and I get what they meant now.”
• “Maybe because I wasn’t expecting anything, it wasn’t bad? His gaze was actually decent.”
• “I don’t think he’s terrible, but it just felt off… like it wasn’t the kind of acting meant for the screen?”
• “It was better than I thought.”

Meanwhile, rumors were that Dex is considering another K-Drama to star alongside Suzy.

Read his agency’s response here:

Is DEX Joining Suzy’s New K-Drama?— Agency Addresses Speculations