Yum Jung-ah is captivating audiences with her performances in two different dramas airing simultaneously on different networks. Currently receiving praise for her villainous role in ENA's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Eye Shopping,' she is also set to appear in a completely different light in tvN's 'For First Love.' Despite some controversy over her overlapping appearances, there is a wave of anticipation surrounding her dual roles.
In 'Eye Shopping,' Yum portrays Kim Se-hee, a respected hospital director and philanthropist who secretly leads an illegal adoption ring. Her chilling performance has drawn comparisons to her previous role in 'SKY Castle,' earning her critical acclaim and enhancing the show's engagement.
The eight-episode series 'Eye Shopping' is in its third week and has already achieved its highest viewership rating of 2.3% in episode three. It has also topped the drama TV and OTT search response rankings for the fourth week of July, according to Good Data Corporation. The show's cast, including Kim Jin-young, Lee Na-eun, Won Jin-ah, Choi Young-joon, Yum Jung-ah, Ahn Ji-ho, and Oh Seung-joon, dominated the top seven spots in the drama cast keyword rankings, proving its popularity.
In tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'For First Love,' premiering on the 4th, Yum sheds her intense 'Eye Shopping' persona to play Lee Ji-an, a devoted single mother. Unlike her cold and ruthless character in 'Eye Shopping,' she will portray a warm journey of finding love while raising her daughter. The stark contrast between the two roles highlights Yum's acting range and expertise, generating excitement among viewers.
The scheduling of the two dramas has sparked debate. 'For First Love' airs at 8:50 PM, followed by 'Eye Shopping' at 10 PM on the same days, leading to discussions about Yum's overlapping appearances. However, Yum addressed this at a press conference, stating, "Actors have no control over scheduling, but I hope both shows receive a lot of love as they are completely different genres and characters." The different filming schedules and distinct character traits allow viewers to easily differentiate between the two.
Recently, tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl' concluded successfully with record ratings, setting the stage for future hits. In this context, Yum Jung-ah's proven acting skills and popularity in 'Eye Shopping' have raised expectations for her to continue the success with 'For First Love.' Her unique 'overlapping' appearances may further highlight her extensive acting spectrum and versatility.