Tearful Transformation: Im Ji-yeon's Captivating Role in JTBC's New Drama 'Lady Ok's Tale'

Im Ji-yeon's single tear touches the hearts of viewers.

Premiering on November 30th (Saturday), JTBC's new weekend drama 'Lady Ok's Tale' (written by Park Ji-sook, directed by Jin Hyuk, produced by SLL, Corpus Korea) tells the intense survival story of Ok Tae-young (played by Im Ji-yeon), a woman whose name, status, and husband were all fake, and Cheon Seung-hwi (played by Choo Young-woo), who risked his life to protect her.

Amidst the rising interest in the popular actress Im Ji-yeon, who is set to make a dramatic transformation into a runaway slave, the first teaser video featuring the story of Gu Deok-i (played by Im Ji-yeon), a slave who chose a fake life to live like a human, has been released, heightening expectations.

The released video captures the attention with the quick flashes of Gu Deok-i's horrific and miserable past as a slave, trembling in fear. From enduring brutal beatings while covered in blood on a snowy winter day to being chased by a group on a mountain path, her clenched fists reveal a resolute will to survive.

The poignant words, "My dream is to die of old age. Not to be beaten to death or starve to death, but to die peacefully of old age," heard alongside Gu Deok-i's thick tear, reveal a simple yet unattainable wish for a slave, adding to the poignancy.

Later, in contrast to her shabby appearance, Gu Deok-i's transformation into a graceful lady with neatly tied hair, floral shoes, and elegant handwriting piques curiosity. The real Gu Deok-i, with tears brimming in her eyes, becomes the beautifully refined fake Ok Tae-young over countless hours, leaving a strong impression with her calm confession, "I am the runaway slave, the fake Ok Tae-young."

The desperate and earnest wish of Gu Deok-i to survive raises questions about how she transformed from a despised slave to a noble lady. The story of Gu Deok-i, a slave dreaming of an unattainable dream in the land of Joseon, draws attention.

JTBC's new weekend drama 'Lady Ok's Tale' will premiere on November 30th (Saturday) at 10:30 PM.

Kim Se-ah, Ten Asia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr