In the Netflix series Sara’s artthe veteran actress takes on the role of Choi Chae Woo, the powerful president of the Samwol department store. Known for her cool judgment and strategic mind, Choi sees every relationship as a calculated transaction.
The plot that has sparked the most discussion centers on Sara Kim (played by Shin Hye Sun) and Sara’s boyfriend Kang Ji Hwan (played by Kim Jae Won).
Bae Jong Ok shares an intense bed scene with Kim Jae Won, who is 37 years younger than her. Rather than serving as simple shock value, the scene highlights the play’s deeper theme: the shifting balance between control, desire, and authority.
Within the narrative, Choi Chae Woo initially approaches Ji Hwan to monitor and manipulate him. However, as the relationship develops, the dynamic evolves into a psychological power play, reinforcing why Choi is described as “the person who holds the most in Korea.”
Bae’s performance stands out for its restraint. He dominates scenes not through explosive emotions, but through subtle expressions: controlled smiles, unwavering eye contact and composed dialogue. His confrontations with Moo Kyung (played by Lee Jun Hyuk) further showcase his mastery of tension, as he conducts every exchange without visible hesitation.
Born in 1964, Bae Jong Ok has built a career spanning decades, consistently taking on complex roles across genres. In Sara’s artadds another distinctive character to his filmography, one that combines ruthlessness, insecurity, calculation and ambition.
At 61, his bold performance defines the series, proving once again that in Korean drama, true authority lies not in age, but in artistry.
Sources: Nate Entertainment, MK
