Bae Jong-ok took on the role of veteran actress Oh Jung-hee in the JTBC weekend drama 'Fighting Against One's Worthlessness' (hereafter 'FAOW'), which aired on the 25th and 26th.
In the drama, Oh Jung-hee is a national actress who has won the Best Actress award at an international film festival. She lives under the constant pressure of being watched, embodying a relentless perfectionist. Her first appearance, marked by the sound of her imposing high heels and surrounded by bodyguards, immediately captured attention and established her overwhelming presence.
Oh Jung-hee further showcased her professional side during a Q&A session for her film 'My Mother,' where she revealed her firm acting philosophy. She expressed, "Finally, I have a project I won't be ashamed of in front of my daughter," highlighting a warm mother-daughter relationship with her stepdaughter Jang Mi-ran (played by Han Sun-hwa).
However, Oh Jung-hee's demeanor in the waiting room was starkly different. She persistently criticized Jang Mi-ran's speech, stating, "An actor without their own language won't last long," delivering a cold, hard truth. Her firm tone and sharp gaze quickly shifted the atmosphere, heightening the drama's tension.
Amidst this, Oh Jung-hee faced a crisis due to past revelations spreading on social media. It was revealed that Jang Mi-ran is her stepdaughter from a remarriage, while her biological daughter, Byun Eun-ah (played by Go Yoon-jung), was allegedly neglected. The alternating scenes of Oh Jung-hee and Byun Eun-ah intensified curiosity about future developments.
Throughout this, Bae Jong-ok's acting prowess shone brightly. She convincingly portrayed the complex psychology of her character, maintaining a calm exterior while subtly conveying confusion and anxiety through her nuanced expressions.
'FAOW' airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM.
Reporter Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr