Shin Ye-eun Reflects on Her Role in 'Jeong Nyeon' and Her Journey as an Actress

"I even strained my voice to sound like a man. By the time I got to 'The Fool and the Princess' after 'Chunhyangjeon' and 'Jamyunggo,' people around me said I could sound like a man without trying too hard, which made me proud. I'm usually very bright on set, but this time, I had so much to prepare that it wasn't as bright as usual."

On the 20th, actress Shin Ye-eun shared her thoughts on playing various male roles in the tvN weekend drama 'Jeong Nyeon' during an interview with TenAsia at a cafe in Gangnam, Seoul.

'Jeong Nyeon' is a drama set in the 1950s, following the story of 'Jeong Nyeon,' a natural-born sound genius, as she competes and grows to become the best national theater actress after the Korean War. Shin Ye-eun plays Heo Yeong-seo, an elite member of the Maeran National Theater troupe with a prestigious family background.

When asked why she chose to appear in 'Jeong Nyeon,' Shin Ye-eun said, "I really resonated with the character of Heo Yeong-seo. Watching Yeong-seo made me wonder, 'Have I ever acted with such confidence and enjoyment like Jeong Nyeon? Am I more like Yeong-seo or Jeong Nyeon?' It made me think a lot. As an actress, my goal is to show that I have no limits, and I felt I could demonstrate that in this drama."

Regarding her character's similarity to herself, she said, "It changed every time. Sometimes, when people said I resembled the character too much, I was happy because it's a compliment. But when Yeong-seo struggled and couldn't enjoy herself, I didn't want to resemble that. So, I say I'm about 50% similar," she laughed. Between Jeong Nyeon and Heo Yeong-seo, she feels "closer to Yeong-seo."

Shin Ye-eun, praised for her role as Bang-ja in 'Chunhyangjeon,' shared, "I practiced Bang-ja for a long time. I carried the script everywhere, practicing in the streets, in front of elevators, anywhere I could. I was more nervous during filming than ever before," she said. "Watching the broadcast, I couldn't bear to watch myself. The actors watching with me applauded, saying I did well, and I told them, 'You don't need to comfort me.' I was surprised by the positive feedback."

Shin Ye-eun expressed admiration for the role of Moon Ok-kyung, played by Jung Eun-chae. She said, "She's so handsome, and I don't think I could take on that challenge. I don't know if I could pull off a short haircut like that. Ok-kyung was filled with Eun-chae's unique charm."

When asked about the most gratifying compliment from viewers, Shin Ye-eun shyly smiled and said, "There are many. Comments like, 'Was she the one on 'Running Man'? Was she Yeon-jin in 'The Glory'?' made me happy because they suggested I have a diverse range of faces and bring freshness."

Shin Ye-eun also praised Kim Tae-ri, saying, "Tae-ri has so many faces and works incredibly hard. There's no end to her effort. I understood why she excels and succeeds. I liked her before, but now I like her even more," she said. "Her confidence and courage to go straight ahead resemble Jeong Nyeon, and I envied that. I wanted to adopt that mindset of 'just do it.' Tae-ri seemed like Jeong Nyeon, and Jeong Nyeon seemed like Tae-ri."

"While playing Yeong-seo, I realized that if I love myself and am satisfied with my life, everything else will follow. So, don't get tired and keep working hard. Focus on what you do well rather than what you lack," she said. "Compliments about myself? I have a lot to offer in terms of looks and roles I can express. I can play both good and evil roles, and I'm an actress without limits." (laughs)

By Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr