ENA's Bold Move: Middle-Aged Actresses Make a Triumphant Return to TV

ENA is setting the stage for a grand comeback for middle-aged actresses. Following Go Hyun-jung's return to TV dramas after three years with 'Namib', Jeon Hye-jin is set to make her comeback with 'Riding Life', a drama that premieres on Genie TV on November 3.

'Riding Life' is a heartwarming human drama focusing on the dramatic family dynamics rather than romance. It tells the story of a passionate working mom, Jung Eun (played by Jeon Hye-jin), who entrusts her mother, Ji-a (played by Jo Min-soo), with her daughter's education as she prepares for the '7-year-old exam'.

Jeon Hye-jin, a former Miss Korea Gyeongnam, debuted in the 1998 film 'A Killer Story'. She has since expanded her career across theater, film, and television, gaining popularity among both her peers and younger audiences through works like 'Search: WWW', 'Stranger 2', and 'Not Others'.

Particularly notable was her role in 'Not Others', where she starred alongside Girls' Generation's Sooyoung, portraying a mother-daughter duo living together in a relatable yet humorous way. The drama topped ENA's Monday-Tuesday ratings, second only to 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'.

Jeon Hye-jin, who was gaining momentum in her career, faced personal tragedy when her husband, actor Lee Sun-kyun, passed away in December 2023 amid drug allegations. As she returns to her profession with 'Riding Life', public support is strong, with many eager to see how her real-life experiences will influence her portrayal of the character.

Go Hyun-jung's drama 'Namib', which concluded in January, depicted the journey of an entertainment CEO and a long-time trainee pursuing their dreams. While it didn't achieve high ratings, Go Hyun-jung's star power kept it in the spotlight.

For Go Hyun-jung, 'Namib' marked her return to television after three years, following her last appearance in JTBC's 'Reflection of You' in 2021. Her candid YouTube appearances have helped her shed her serious image, making her more relatable to the public.

ENA is prominently featuring actresses like Jeon Hye-jin and Go Hyun-jung, born in 1976 and 1971 respectively, appealing to their main demographic of women in their 30s and 40s. A broadcasting insider noted, "Given ENA's target audience, it's natural to see these 'big sister' actresses, who are highly favored by this demographic, taking center stage."

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