Actor Choo Young Woo is drawing attention for showing different sides of romance in ENA's ongoing drama Between Steps, where his character experiences everything from passionate love to painful insecurity and sweet affection.
Choo Young Woo plays Park Min Jae, a robotics doctoral student who is used to solving problems through logic and reason. However, his feelings for Im Yoo Jin, played by Kim So Hyun, challenge his normally calm and reserved personality.
As their relationship develops, Choo Young Woo portrays three contrasting emotions that bring different sides of his character to life.
One of the most noticeable changes is Park Min Jae's growing confidence in expressing his feelings. Although he initially tries to keep his distance from Im Yoo Jin, he gradually finds it harder to hide his affection.
In one emotional scene, he makes a passionate confession in the rain, declaring, "Even if I burn to death, I'll never throw it back up. I have to see this through to the end."
The moment shows a different side of Park Min Jae, who usually keeps his emotions under control. Choo Young Woo's intense delivery and expressions highlight the character's determination when it comes to love.
However, the drama also explores a more vulnerable side of his character.
Park Min Jae previously lost one of his legs due to illness, forcing him to give up his dream of becoming a swimmer. His past experiences continue to affect his confidence, especially as his feelings for Im Yoo Jin grow stronger.
Rather than expressing his insecurities through dramatic reactions, Choo Young Woo uses small changes in his facial expressions and gaze to show Park Min Jae's fear of being hurt again.
This creates a contrast between a man who wants to pursue love confidently and someone who still struggles with doubts about himself.
Alongside these emotional moments, Choo Young Woo also shows Park Min Jae's softer and more affectionate personality.
Although the character is inexperienced in romance, he gradually becomes more thoughtful and caring toward Im Yoo Jin.
His feelings often appear through small gestures, gentle words, and expressions that reveal affection even when he tries to hide it.
These subtle moments add a sweeter side to the relationship, balancing the more intense and painful emotions shown throughout the drama.
Through Park Min Jae, Choo Young Woo presents a character who can be passionate one moment, deeply insecure the next, and unexpectedly sweet when he feels comfortable expressing his love.
His changing emotions also highlight the romantic chemistry between him and Kim So Hyun, as their characters experience the complicated feelings that come with falling in love.
Meanwhile, Between Steps airs every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. KST on ENA and is also available through KT Genie TV and Disney+.
