Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
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Lee So-jung from TenAsia is here to capture intriguing issues in the broadcasting world, stimulating the public's dopamine.

The contrasting choices of actors Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri for their upcoming projects are drawing attention. Kang Han-na, after three years of leading roles, has opted for a supporting role in her next project, while Jo Yu-ri, in her third year of acting, has been offered a lead role following her appearance in 'Squid Game 2'. These divergent choices have sparked both anticipation and concern.

Celebrating her 13th year in the industry, Kang Han-na has confirmed her next project as 'The Tyrant's Chef'. Although she played a leading role in last year's 'No Secrets', she has chosen a supporting role in her new project.
Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
Before debuting in 'Roller Coaster', Kang Han-na starred in several independent films. However, she started with minor roles in commercial films, gradually building her career. Her stable performance and graceful image in the 2016 drama 'Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo' increased her popularity. She made a mark with impactful supporting roles in 'Start-Up' and 'My Roommate Is a Gumiho'.

In 2022, Kang Han-na proved her acting prowess again as the main lead in 'Bloody Heart', earning the Best Actress in a Miniseries and Best Couple awards at the KBS Drama Awards. However, her subsequent romantic comedy 'No Secrets' received a disappointing 1% viewership due to its immature and chaotic direction.

Kang Han-na's next project, 'The Tyrant's Chef', directed by Jang Tae-yoo of 'My Love from the Star', features Im Yoon-ah as the female lead. Her decision to take a supporting role again, despite recently rising to leading status, surprised many.

Industry insiders note that it's rare for an actor who has risen to leading roles to return to supporting roles. Kang Han-na's choice has drawn attention, with many speculating that she prioritized the quality of the script and the project's artistic value.
Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
In contrast, Jo Yu-ri, just three years into her acting career, is being offered leading roles. Debuting with IZ*ONE in 2018, she expanded her career as both a singer and actress after the group's disbandment in 2021.

Despite facing multiple rejections in auditions early in her acting career, Jo Yu-ri gained attention with her role as a pregnant woman in 'Squid Game 2'. This role provided her with a global fanbase, leading to her being cast as the lead in 'Variety'.

'Variety', directed by Kim Yong-hoon of 'Mask Girl', is a thriller set in the idol industry. Jo Yu-ri is expected to bring authenticity to her character, drawing from her real-life idol experience. Her consecutive casting in global projects highlights her potential.
Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
Diverging Paths: Kang Han-na and Jo Yu-ri's Contrasting Career Choices
The contrasting paths of Kang Han-na, returning to a supporting role after 13 years, and Jo Yu-ri, rising to a lead role in just three years, have become a hot topic in the industry. Kang Han-na remains selective and cautious in her choices, while Jo Yu-ri has quickly distinguished herself as an actress. The outcomes of their divergent paths remain to be seen.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr