Kim Ji-yeon Embraces Fantasy Roles, Overcoming Awkwardness
Kim Ji-yeon, celebrated as both a singer and actress, recently discussed her experiences in the SBS fantasy drama ‘Ugung,’ revealing her determination to break genre limitations and tackle challenging roles.
Tackling Genre Limitations
Kim Ji-yeon, a member of the girl group Space girls, expressed her desire to demonstrate her versatility as an actress. She stated that she intentionally sought out a character that would allow her to showcase a different side of herself, moving away from roles that closely mirrored her own personality.
South korea’s entertainment industry is known for its demanding schedules and the pressure it places on its stars to constantly reinvent themselves. Kim Ji-yeon’s desire to explore different genres reflects this dynamic environment.
“I wanted to prove that this work is an actor with no limitations in the genre,”
Kim Ji-yeon said during an interview at Starship Entertainment in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
The Allure of ‘Ugung’
‘Ugung’ centers on Yun Gap (played by Yuk Sung-jae), a young man fighting against fate. Kim Ji-yeon portrays a character who initially rejects her destiny as a shaman, choosing to live as a glasses craftsman until love compels her to embrace her fate once more.
Pro Tip:
When facing a new challenge, remember that overcoming initial discomfort is frequently enough the key to growth. Like Kim Ji-yeon, embrace the unfamiliar and push beyond your comfort zone.
Despite her initial reservations, Kim Ji-yeon expressed a hint of regret, wishing she had been even bolder in her performance after seeing the finished product with computer-generated effects. “I was ashamed when I was acting, but I saw a computer graphic (CG) finished version, so I think there’s a personal regret to act more boldly. I didn’t know it would be such a nice scene when shooting,”
she laughed.
A Decade-Long Friendship
This project held additional significance as it reunited Kim Ji-yeon with Yuk Sung-jae, a fellow singer and actor with whom she has maintained a friendship for over a decade. The pair braved cold weather conditions during filming.
KOCCA 2024).