Ji Sung made his first appearance as former illegal gambling kingpin Park Hae Gang in JTBC’s new weekend drama Work in the apartmentpremiered on July 11.
The Apartment Job (2026)
" data-large-file="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026-534x801.jpg" alt="The Work in the Apartment (2026)" class="wp-image-944833" srcset="https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026-534x801.jpg 534w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026-780x1170.jpg 780w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026-400x600.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kbizoom.com/media/2026/07/13053304/ji-sung-the-apartment-job-2026.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 534px) 100vw, 534px"/>From a cozy ivory knit sweater to a sleek black tuxedo, Ji Sung effortlessly sported a wide range of styles throughout the episode. His sharp jawline, striking facial features, intense gaze and strikingly youthful appearance immediately stood out, giving him an undeniable screen presence from the moment he appeared.
His serious expressions and charismatic performance quickly drew viewers into the story. Even playing a rough and hardened character, Ji Sung maintained his characteristic gentle aura, prompting many fans to comment: “As expected, it’s Ji Sung.”
In the drama, Park Hae Gang loses everything due to the corruption and abuse of powerful people. Desperate to save his father figure, Park Yong Man (Jung Jin Young), must somehow raise 10 billion won. After exhausting all of his assets, he embarks on a dangerous new mission to uncover a hidden fortune within the massive 9,800-unit apartment complex known as the True Value State.
The episode ended with the joke, “You mean we can get a score of 10 billion won?” teasing the beginning of an even greater plan. Its fast-paced narrative and suspenseful plot have left viewers anxious for the next episode.
After the broadcast, online communities and social media were flooded with praise for Ji Sung’s appearance. Comments included, “I can’t believe he’s 50” “Only his face brings the drama,” “How does Ji Sung never age?” “I was fascinated by the opening scene,” “It’s still incredibly beautiful,” AND “I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen because of its images.”
The drama itself also got off to a good start. Episode 1 of Work in the apartment recorded a peak metropolitan rating of 6.3% and a national rating of 4.6%, making it the highest-rated non-terrestrial television drama in its premiere timeslot. It also surpassed the ratings of its predecessor, Born-again beginnersignaling a promising start.
Born in 1977, Ji Sung debuted in the 1999 drama series KAIST before establishing himself as one of South Korea’s leading actors through hit series, including Everything inside, New heart, Protect your head, Kill me, heal meAND Innocent defendant. He married actress Lee Bo Young in 2013 and the couple has a son and a daughter.
Sources: Nate
