Audiences Are Reportedly Critical Of "Agency" Actor Son Naeun's Acting Amid The Drama's Rise In Ratings

Audiences are reportedly critical of Son Naeun‘s acting in JTBC‘s hit drama Agency.

Poster for Agency (Lee Bo Young) | *JTBC*

On January 16, news outlet Chosun Ilbo released an article where it stated that Son Naeun’s acting was “lacking 20% to rival Lee Bo Young‘s charisma. Son Naeun will need to work harder.”

Agency tells the story of Go A In (played by Lee Bo Young) and follows her rise to become the first woman executive in a Venture Capital Group. Son Naeun plays Kang Han Na, the youngest daughter of the group’s president.

On the latest episode of Agency, audiences were introduced to Son Naeun’s capable character, Kang Han Na. In the episode, Kang Han Na is portrayed as someone who is able to turn the tide in the stalemate between Go A In and her rival Choi Chang Su. Kang Han Na would be an incredible ally for Go A In, who has no friends in the firm, while also serving as Choi Chang Su’s way into her father and the firm’s president’s inner circle.

According to the Chosun Ilbo article, audiences felt that Son Naeun’s on-screen presence was minimal in comparison to co-star Lee Bo Young, who audiences hailed for “carrying the drama on her back”.

The article also stated that audiences were critical of Son Naeun’s portrayal of her character, who isn’t just the bratty youngest daughter of a chaebol family but is a capable, smart, and savvy businesswoman in her own right.

There was criticism of her whiny voice as a one-dimensional portrayal of the character.

— Chosun Ilbo

In light of the criticism, it may be important to consider that in the drama, Son Naeun is going head-to-head with Lee Bo Young, one of Korea’s most revered actors, and therefore, comparisons to the actress are inevitable. With this being said, as the drama is still very young (Four episodes), there is still time for Son Naeun to improve and show the depth of her character through her acting.

Also, not all were critical of the actor. There were netizens on online communities who posted positive reviews for the actors, with some even going far as expressing they would like to see the actress receive more air time.

“She doesn’t have a lot of (screen time) yet but based on the story, her (screen time) will increase.
“Her character is good. I think she’ll play an important role (in the drama) in the future.”
“She doesn’t have a lot of (scenes) but is still impactful. Also, her (air time) will increase.”
“(The drama is) fun everytime she appears. I like her character, and it suits her well, LOL.”

Despite the criticism, Agency is already proving itself to be the next hit K-Drama. The drama has more than doubled its viewership rating in just one week and is embarking on the coveted 10% rating mark.