Get ready to see a side of Hwang In-youp you’ve never seen before! The rising global star is officially stepping into his first-ever villain role, marking a major turning point in his acting career.
A Career-First Transformation
According to an exclusive report by YTN Star today (Jan 8), Hwang In-youp is confirmed to make a special appearance in the upcoming JTBC drama, Human X Gumiho. While he has stolen hearts as the “charming second lead” in the past, he is set to pivot 180 degrees by playing the antagonist. His character is expected to ramp up the tension to its absolute peak, showcasing a chilling new “face” that fans haven’t witnessed in his previous filmography.
A Powerhouse Cast: Joining Jun Ji-hyun and Ji Chang-wook
The excitement doesn’t stop with Hwang’s transformation. Human X Gumiho is a fantasy rom-com following the fated encounter between a legendary nine-tailed fox (Gumiho) and a shaman.
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Jun Ji-hyun stars as the Gumiho.
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Ji Chang-wook takes on the role of the shaman.
The chemistry between this A-list trio is already the talk of the town. Fans are eager to see how Hwang In-youp’s villainous energy will clash with the iconic presence of Jun and Ji.
Behind the Scenes: The Rom-Com Dream Team
Expectations are sky-high thanks to the creative masterminds behind the project:
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Director Kim Jung-shik: Known for his hits No Gain No Love and Strong Girl Nam-soon.
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Writer Im Me-ari: The pen behind the beloved drama Beauty Inside.
With the “Masters of Romance” joining forces, the drama is already being hailed as a must-watch for 2026.
Hwang In-youp’s Non-Stop 2026
Following his standout performance as an idol-turned-top-star in last year’s Dear X, Hwang is booked and busy for the new year. In addition to Human X Gumiho, he is set to headline the Genie TV original series, Dreaming of You.
Since his 2018 acting debut, Hwang has consistently proven his range in hits like The Sound of Magic, Why Her?, and Family by Choice. His breakout role as Han Seo-jun in True Beauty (2020) catapulted him to global superstardom, leading to a historic 5-city fan meeting tour across South America last year—a first for any Korean actor.
