Ji Sung, Say Goodbye to JTBC Drama 'The Apartment Job'

Actor Ji Sung has shared his closing thoughts on the JTBC drama "The Apartment Job" as the series wraps its run. His message arrived alongside a note of support for JTBC, the network now working through a serious financial crunch.

"The Apartment Job" follows Park Hae-gang (played by Ji Sung), a former boss of the Oasis gang who runs for head of the residents' association to get his hands on hidden money inside the building. Along the way, he ends up joining the tenants to root out corruption. The show opened strong with a 4.6% rating and crossed 6% by its fourth episode. From episode five, ratings slipped, then settled in the 4% to 5% range. It has since been the lowest-rated weekend mini-series in its time slot.

Ji Sung, whose character shifts from chasing the building's long-term repair fund to protecting it for the residents, opened with a thank-you note. "I want to sincerely thank the viewers who stayed with us to the end," he said.

He then talked about what the role taught him. "As I got closer to Park Hae-gang, I started paying real attention to the ordinary things I usually pass by every day. The stairs, the neighbors whose faces I only half-remember, the hallways I walk through without a thought. I only realized how precious those ordinary things really are when I imagined losing them, and I felt the same thing while acting it out." He added, "It might sound like an obvious story. But maybe the most important things in life have always looked ordinary and lived right next to us."

Ji Sung thanked writer Kim Yoon-young, director Cho Yong-won, the production team, and his fellow actors. He also spoke directly about JTBC's situation.

On June 12, JTBC declared default after failing to repay a 20.6 billion won securitized loan. The network and other JoongAng Group affiliates then filed for corporate rehabilitation. JTBC applied for an Autonomous Restructuring Support (ARS) program, and the Seoul Bankruptcy Court accepted the application. The case is on hold through the 30th.

"I feel especially grateful to the JTBC staff who gave their best during such a difficult time in so many ways," Ji Sung said. "I truly hope the love 'The Apartment Job' has received can also become a small source of strength that helps them get back on their feet."

Ha Yoon-kyung, who played the sharp and confident Kang Ha-ri, said, "'The Apartment Job' was a project where good people came together to try to make a good drama." She continued, "Just like Hae-gang wanted to build a 'really good apartment' in the story, if our drama gave viewers even a little laughter and happiness, I think we reached that goal." She added, "I sincerely thank the viewers who came to our 'Apartment' late on weekend evenings. Wherever you are, I hope safety and happiness are always with you."

Park Byung-eun, who played the elegant and unhinged top villain Lee Chung-won, showed his affection for the role. "When I first read the script, I really loved the overall story, and I was drawn to the character of Lee Chung-won," he said. "I was so happy and honored to work on a project I read with that much excitement."

He continued, "It's always sad when a project ends, but I think 'The Apartment Job' will stay with me for a long time. Thank you to everyone who loved the show. If it stayed in your heart even a little, that would make me happy as an actor."

Moon So-ri, who took on the passionate True Value guardian Jang Sook-jin, said, "Thank you so much for watching 'The Apartment Job' and for loving Jang Sook-jin, our full-of-responsibility True Value guardian." She added, "I'll be back soon with another good project, but in a completely different form."

Episode 12 of "The Apartment Job" airs at 10:30 p.m. KST.