Written On: November 20, 2024
Last Updated: November 20, 2024
Kim Yoon-hye recently spoke about her experience playing Seo Hye-rang in TVN’s Jeongnyeon. The drama, adapted from a popular webtoon, captivated audiences with its depiction of 1950s Korea and women’s lives in the Maeran Gukgeuk Troupe.
In an interview on November 19 at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Kim shared her thoughts about the challenges and joys of the role. Her performance, which included dazzling drum and sword dances, showcased her commitment to the character, earning her admiration from fans. She revealed that mastering the dances took a year of practice.
The Appeal of Hye-rang’s Complex Character
Kim explained her initial draw to the project. “When I read the original webtoon, I was captivated by the fresh story. Hye-rang’s actions are indefensible, but I wanted viewers to understand her motivations. That complexity made me want the role even more.”
Her portrayal of Hye-rang explored themes of ambition, obsession, and vulnerability. She emphasized that the character’s connection to Moon Ok-kyung, played by Jung Eun-chae, was central to Hye-rang’s identity. “Ok-kyung was like a pillar of support for Hye-rang,” she said, adding that their bond was crucial to Hye-rang’s journey as a performer.
Balancing the Webtoon and Drama Adaptation
Adapting a 137-episode webtoon into a 12-episode drama required significant changes, including the removal of certain characters and storyline adjustments. Some fans expressed concerns about these modifications.
Kim addressed this directly: “Adapting from one medium to another means changes are inevitable. As the director explained, elements of the original were blended into other characters. While fans may have mixed feelings, I believe the drama captured the essence of the story.”
She noted the open ending of the drama, where the resurgence of women’s national theater was hinted at but left unresolved. “As someone in the story, I found the ending warm and hopeful. Each character’s journey, including Hye-rang stepping back and Jeong-nyeon stepping forward, felt meaningful.”
Exploring Stage Acting and Future Aspirations
While preparing for Jeongnyeoni, Kim experienced the allure of stage acting for the first time. “I’d never performed on stage before. It’s such a unique world. I’m curious about trying it in my 40s or 50s, but it feels daunting. My seniors have said the energy is incredible. Someday, I’d like to feel that for myself.”
Her time in the drama expanded her appreciation for different forms of performance, fueling a desire to explore new challenges in her career.
Responding to Viewer Interpretations
Some viewers saw a potential queer subtext in Hye-rang’s obsessive relationship with Ok-kyung. Kim acknowledged these interpretations, stating, “Different viewers will have different perspectives. To Hye-rang, Ok-kyung was everything—her reason for performing and her emotional anchor. I played Hye-rang with that deep connection in mind.”
One notable scene, included in the uncut version of the script but not the broadcast, depicted an intimate moment between the characters. Addressing the scene, Kim said, “We filmed multiple versions, and the production team chose what they felt was best for the final cut.”
Closing Thoughts
Kim Yoon-hye’s dedication to her craft shines through in her portrayal of Seo Hye-rang. From perfecting intricate dances to exploring the layered emotions of her character, she brought depth to Jeongnyeoni. While changes to the original webtoon sparked debate, her performance highlighted the drama’s unique strengths, leaving fans eager to see what lies ahead in her career.
Source (1)
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
