Jung Kyung Ho Is a Tango Gangster in New Film 'Boss'

Jung Kyung Ho becomes a dancing gangster in 'Boss'.
He trained for months until his toenails fell.
The actor really wants Hospital Playlist three.

Jung Kyung Ho, an actor renowned for his portrayals of Korea's most principled professionals in hits like "Hospital Playlist" and "Crash Course in Romance," is dramatically shedding his clean-cut image. For his latest project, he trades the surgeon's scalpel and lawyer's briefcase for full-body tattoos and a pair of elegant dance shoes. He stars in the new action comedy film Boss, a bold attempt to resurrect a genre that once dominated Korean cinema but has been largely dormant for over a decade. This role marks a significant and exciting departure for the actor, challenging both his physical limits and the "good energy" persona he's become known for.

Boss, directed by Ra Hee-chan, is a high-concept gangster. The film’s premise revolves around a power vacuum within a criminal organization, but with a comedic twist. Instead of a bloody battle for supremacy, three gangsters are desperately competing to avoid being chosen as the next boss, all while secretly pursuing their own mundane passions.

Jo Woo Jin plays Soon-tae, the top contender who secretly dreams of franchising his Chinese restaurant, Mimiru. Park Ji Hwan is Pan Ho, the only one who actually wants the job but is deemed utterly unfit. Jung Kyung Ho’s character, Kang Pyo, holds significant influence within the gang but has staked his real life on becoming a professional tango dancer. Throwing another wrench into the works is an undercover cop, played by Lee Kyu-hyung, who has been embedded within the organization for a decade, leading the situation into unpredictable chaos.

Jung Kyung Ho: The Tango King of Boss

Delving into the specifics of the role, Jung Kyung-ho reveals that the preparation was far more physically demanding than any line memorization. The character of Kang Pyo was initially conceived as a frustrated pianist, but the tight production schedule made learning the piano unfeasible. The director, who happened to be taking tango lessons himself, suggested the switch to dance. What followed was an intense, four-month tango boot camp that pushed Kyung Ho to his absolute limit. He dedicated himself so completely to the craft that he jokes about his physical sacrifices and the unexpected focus of his efforts.

"I did more dancing than script reading," Jung Kyung Ho admits with a deadpan tone, quoted from The Korean Herald.

"Not that I had many lines anyway. If people walk out saying 'that guy can really dance,' I'll be thrilled. Please, write that down. I did nothing but tango for months," he continued.

Despite the grueling training that saw his toenails fall off, Jung Kyung Ho expresses a deep satisfaction with the final product, even in the face of early reviews that criticize the film for not being laugh-out-loud funny. He offers a different perspective on the film's tone, suggesting its heart lies elsewhere.

"I actually liked that it wasn't too funny when I watched it. It felt more like a family drama. Soon-tae trying to protect his loved ones. That vintage feel, you know? Not huge laughs, but something families can watch together during the holidays," Jung Kyung Ho admitted.

For an actor whose strength is often described as projecting a "wholesome" and "good energy," playing a tango-obsessed mobster was a deliberate and welcome left turn after more than twenty years in the industry.

A Little Spoiler on Hospital Playlist 3

Even while deep in promotion for Boss, Jung Kyung Ho couldn't escape questions about the beloved medical drama that solidified his star status, Hospital Playlist. The demand for a third season remains incredibly high among fans, and it seems the feeling is mutual among the cast.

During the interview on September 29, 2025, Jung Kyung Ho opened up about his burning desire to reprise his role as the talented cardiothoracic surgeon, Kim Joon wan. He didn't just express a vague hope, he revealed he's been actively pursuing the possibility.

"I am calling director Shin Won Ho once a week. I really want to do it," Jung Kyung Ho revealed, showcasing his earnestness.

This persistent campaigning highlights just how much the actor and the project mean to him. Furthermore, he shared that the bonds forged during the show remain strong, with his Hospital Playlist co-stars showing up to support him in his latest cinematic venture.

"The members of Hospital Playlist gave me a lot of support," he said, acknowledging their presence and encouragement.

This mutual support system and Jung Kyung Ho's own weekly calls to the director provide a strong glimmer of hope for fans, suggesting that the wheels for a potential third season might indeed be in motion, driven by the cast's own passion.

Boss, starring Jung Kyung Ho, Jo Woo Jin, and Park Ji Hwan, opens in theaters this Friday.

Watch Boss trailer below:

Source: The Korean Herald, JoyNews244, IMDb