In the new JTBC weekend drama 'Waiting for Kyungdo,' which aired on the 7th, Lee El portrays Seo Ji-yeon, the head of Jarim Apparel, who is revealed to be suffering from Alzheimer's, gradually losing her memory. The episode also shows her strategically approaching Lee Kyung-do, played by Park Seo-joon, to protect her younger sister, Seo Ji-woo, played by Won Ji-an.
In the second episode, Seo Ji-yeon's character is vividly portrayed in just one scene. During a meal with her husband, Kang Min-woo, played by Kim Woo-hyung, she makes a statement that seems out of touch with reality, saying, "I haven't thought about marriage yet," hinting at her memory issues.
In a subsequent scene at a café, her desperation to protect her sister is evident. She confesses to Lee Kyung-do that she leaked an article featuring photos of him and Seo Ji-woo, admitting she created the scandal to prevent Ji-woo from going to the UK and to bring her to Jarim Apparel. She expresses her deep affection by revealing her illness, saying, "Ji-woo would do better at Jarim Apparel than I would," and "You're the only one who can keep Ji-woo here."
Lee El convincingly portrays the duality of Seo Ji-yeon, being candid and cheerful with her sister, while maintaining a calm and intellectual demeanor with Lee Kyung-do and her husband. Her nuanced performance, focusing on subtle changes rather than exaggerated emotions, heightens anticipation for the unfolding sisterly narrative.
'Waiting for Kyungdo' airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM.
Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr