It was only a year ago when Ahn Jae-hyun made his acting debut in the hit TV drama “My Love from the Star.”

Now, the 27-year-old model, jewelry designer and actor is poised to take his first lead role in the upcoming KBS series “Blood,” set to hit the airwaves next week.

In this vampire-themed medical drama, Ahn plays Park Ji-sang, a good-looking vampire surgeon whose only dream is to become a human.

The lead role came with “great pressure, but it also came as an excitement,” Ahn, who played the younger brother of actress Jun Ji-hyun in “My Love,” said on Wednesday at a press conference in Seoul. 

“He was born with the vampire virus,” the actor said, describing his character as an “almost genius doctor” who is less emotional and insensitive towards others’ feelings.

“He didn’t have friends while growing up and his mother was the only one who loved him.

“As a vampire, he has a strong desire for blood, but as a doctor performing surgeries, he has to practice some self-control.”

Costar Ji Jin-hee, who will play the villain, hospital director Lee Jae-wook, says Ahn is perfect for the role: “He exudes an air of charm through his character.”

Actress Ku Hye-sun joins the cast as Yoo Ri-ta, a surgeon and niece of the hospital owner.

As her role requires her to be rude and spoiled, Ku noted that she has tried hard to be mean these days: “I changed my vocalization pattern, pronunciation and the way I walk to fully capture and convey the character.”

The 20-episode series was created by director Ki Min-soo and screenwriter Park Jae-bum of the 2013 hit medical drama “Good Doctor.”

The Monday-Tuesday drama “Blood” will premiere on KBS 2TV on Sunday at 10 p.m.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)