The newly released Korean time-travel drama “Heo’s Diner” premiered with high expectations, bringing back the Joseon-to-modern era trope. However, after just two episodes, audiences are expressing disappointment—especially toward EXO’s Xiumin and his portrayal of Heo Gyun.
A Frustratingly Useless Protagonist
In the drama, Heo Gyun is a progressive thinker in Joseon, dreaming of a society where people live equally without a rigid class system. His radical ideals lead to exile, and while fleeing for his life, he suddenly time-travels 400 years into the future, landing in modern-day Seoul. Here, he must adapt to a new world and ends up working at a restaurant owned by the mother and daughter who saved him.
While the premise sounded promising, viewers quickly grew frustrated with Heo Gyun’s depiction. Rather than appearing as a “genius ahead of his time,” he comes off as clueless and painfully incompetent. He lacks basic knowledge, both in the Joseon era and in modern Seoul, making him a difficult protagonist to root for. Instead of showcasing his intellect, the drama focuses on awkward comedic moments and exaggerated mishaps, which many find unfunny and tiresome.
Xiumin’s Styling and Acting Under Fire
Adding to the backlash is Xiumin’s controversial appearance and performance. In both historical and modern settings, he sports long permed hair, heavily drawn eyebrows, and even light-colored lipstick, leading some to compare him to an “auntie.” His stiff expressions and unnatural line delivery only worsen the situation, making the humor feel forced and ineffective.
Disappointed audiences did not hold back their criticism:
- I couldn’t even finish the first 20 minutes. The main character is so naive and useless. It’s unbearable to watch.
- I hoped for a fun drama, but the acting is stiff and robotic. And please, makeup team, stop overdoing the male actors’ makeup, especially the lipstick!
- At first, I thought the main lead was a middle-aged woman in that white outfit… The styling is awful.
- The dumbest protagonist I’ve ever seen, yet they call him a ‘genius’…
- Time-travel stories always have a phase where the lead is disoriented, but at least let him try to be competent instead of acting like a fool.
- Xiumin is cute, but this role doesn’t suit him at all.
Can Xiumin Turn Things Around?
This is Xiumin’s third acting role, but his lack of experience is evident. From unnatural facial expressions to struggling with dialogue, the role seems overwhelming for him. Fans hope that as the drama progresses, his performance will improve. However, for now, “Heo’s Diner” has left many viewers frustrated and unimpressed.
The post Xiumin Faces Harsh Criticism for Role in Heo’s Diner: “Most Useless Male Lead” appeared first on KBIZoom. KBIZoom – Breaking news about K-pop, K-drama, Anime/Manga and worldwide entertainment KBIZoom – Breaking news about K-pop, K-drama, Anime/Manga and worldwide entertainment
