In an exciting development for both the K-pop and K-drama worlds, Jisung, the youngest member of the global sensation NCT DREAM, is set to make his much-anticipated return to acting.
On January 14, 2026, SM Entertainment officially confirmed that Jisung has been cast in the upcoming second season of the ENA drama “Crash.”
This role marks a significant milestone for the artist, as it is his first professional acting project since debuting as an idol in 2016, effectively bridging his past as a child actor with his current status as a global superstar.
The Success of “Crash” and the New Season
“Crash” is an investigation drama that delves into the high-stakes world of the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team.
Also Read: NCT DREAM’s ‘Go Back to the Future’ Marks a Monumental Comeback with No.1 Debut and Global Acclaim
The show follows a dedicated group of investigators who pursue criminals on the road, tackling everything from insurance fraud to hit-and-runs.
The first season, which premiered in May 2024, was a massive success for the network, ranking as the third-highest-rated drama in ENA’s history.
With Season 2, fans can expect the return of the original core cast, including seasoned actors Lee Min Ki, Kwak Sun Young, and Heo Sung Tae.
The addition of Jisung to this veteran lineup is expected to bring a fresh energy to the team and draw in a wider international audience through his massive NCT DREAM fan base.
Jisung’s Role: The “Idol of the Traffic Division”
In “Crash” Season 2, Jisung will take on the role of Ji Dae Se, the youngest recruit to join the TCI team.
His character is described as exceptionally tall and handsome, earning him the nickname “the idol of the traffic division” within the story—a playful nod to Jisung’s real-life career.
However, Ji Dae Se is much more than just a pretty face. The character is highly skilled in martial arts, specifically taekwondo and hapkido, which will allow Jisung to showcase his renowned physical agility in intense action sequences.
Despite his confident exterior and physical prowess, the character is written with a layer of complexity, carrying “emotional wounds” that will likely be explored as the series progresses.
This blend of action and vulnerability offers Jisung a perfect opportunity to demonstrate his range as an actor.
Also Read: NCT Dream Announces March Comeback in the Music Scene
A Full-Circle Moment for the Child Star
While many know Jisung as the powerful dancer and sub-vocalist of NCT DREAM, he actually began his journey in the entertainment industry as a child actor.
Before joining SM Entertainment, he appeared in significant projects such as the historical drama Deep Rooted Tree and the film Unbowed.
Because he spent his teenage years focused entirely on his music career, this new role in “Crash” is being viewed as a “re-debut” of sorts in the acting field.
Fans have long awaited his return to the screen, often citing his expressive eyes and natural screen presence as traits that would suit dramatic roles.
By choosing a gritty, action-oriented investigation drama for his adult acting debut, Jisung is signaling a desire to take on challenging, multi-dimensional roles that distance him from his “youngest member” persona.
Industry and Fan Expectations
The anticipation for “Crash” Season 2 is already high, and Jisung’s casting has only added fuel to the fire. Industry insiders are curious to see how his chemistry with veterans like Lee Min Ki will develop on screen.
For the members of NCT DREAM, who have been increasingly branching out into solo activities—including fashion, solo music, and variety—Jisung’s foray into acting represents another successful expansion of the group’s collective brand.
As production begins, the spotlight remains firmly on the “youngest recruit” to see if he can command the screen with the same authority he brings to the stage.
