In episodes 1 and 2 of JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama 'Welcome to Samdali' (written by Kwon Hye-joo, directed by Cha Young-hoon, produced by MI, SLL) that aired on the 2nd and 3rd, Kang Mi-na is forced to leave her hometown of Samdali, Jeju Island, due to an unexpected controversy with her older sister Jo Sam-dal (played by Shin Hye-sun). She showed off a different side of herself as Jo Hae-dal (played by Kang Mina), who returned to her hometown.
The sea otter first appeared with her daughter Cha Ha-yul (played by Kim Do-eun) and attracted attention. Sea Otter, who overslept until the sun was low in the sky, bickered with Hayul, who woke her up, showing the chemistry between mother and daughter like friends. The two people made viewers smile with their cute appearance with short hair and a sharp personality.
The chemistry between Haedal and her older sisters, Jindal (played by Shin Dongmi) and Samdal, was also unusual. When Samdal becomes embroiled in a controversy over abuse of power, the sea otter gets upset as if it were her own business, and decides to go back to her hometown of Samdal-ri, Jeju Island with her sisters who are running away from reporters.
Next, the past history of the sea otter, known as the 'lost child' in Samdali, was also revealed. As a child, Sea Otter not only reported to the police station the old men in the neighborhood who made him run errands for alcohol, but also made people laugh by being the 'youngest on top' person who had to say everything he had to say regardless of age or gender.
Kang Mina completely transformed into the unusual youngest sea otter, capturing attention from the first broadcast. Not only did he bring vitality to the play with detailed life acting reminiscent of real-life sisters, but he also proved once again his potential as a 'growing actor' with his wider expressive ability. With such infinite potential, expectations are growing as to what kind of acting he will create as the 'sea otter' character in the future.
Ryu Ye-ji, Ten Asia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr