Actress Kim Ji-yeon on Her Expanding Horizons and Future Roles

"After finishing this project, I feel like I can tackle any genre. I want to be remembered as an actress for my characters rather than as Kim Ji-yeon."

Actress Kim Ji-yeon shared her aspirations during an interview at the King Kong by Starship office in Gangnam, Seoul, on the 9th.

Kim Ji-yeon recently received praise for her role as the shaman Yeori in the fantasy romance drama 'Guigung,' which concluded on the 8th. The series follows Yeori, who defies her fate as a medium, and her first love, Yoon Gap, who is possessed by the dragon spirit Kang Cheol-yi, as they battle the royal-threatening Palcheokgui.

Debuting in 2016 as a member of the girl group WJSN under the stage name Bona, Kim Ji-yeon was loved for her pure yet bold image on stage. As an actress, she has steadily built her filmography with roles in dramas like 'Lingerie Girls' Generation' and 'Oh! Samkwang Villa!'. Her nuanced portrayal of fencer Ko Yu-rim in the 2022 tvN drama 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (also known as '2521') firmly established her presence in the industry.

For Kim Ji-yeon, 'Guigung' was a project that confirmed her potential as an actress. She remarked, "'Guigung' is a mix of fantasy, comedy, and romance, so it felt like filming multiple dramas at once." When asked about memorable compliments, she said, "I was happiest when someone told me, 'Your acting has improved a lot.'"

Expressing a desire to explore new roles, Kim Ji-yeon admitted, "In the past, I was drawn to characters similar to myself, often playing strong, assertive roles. Now, I want to take on roles I've never tried before." She humorously added, "For example, I'd like to play a wealthy, arrogant character or one with a specific profession."

Kim Ji-yeon considers '2521' a pivotal work in her acting career. "Playing Ko Yu-rim made me more ambitious about acting, which is why I feel both attached to and regretful about the project. Since then, I've been working on improving my shortcomings with each new role," she said.

When asked about her desire for more roles, she shook her head. "I want to do one thing perfectly, so I get stressed even with a single project. For now, one or two projects a year seem just right for me," she explained.

Currently, Kim Ji-yeon is preparing for her role as a detective in the upcoming drama 'Insiders.' She hinted, "The character in 'Insiders' might be different from what fans expect. It may not be the cool detective they envision, but it's a challenge and a new character for me."

Kim Ji-yeon expressed her gratitude, saying, "I'm so thankful for all the love during the airing. It was a tough shoot, but I'm glad and grateful it ended well. I hope 'Guigung,' with its unique Korean mythical creatures, receives love not only in Korea but also internationally."

Beyond her idol origins, Kim Ji-yeon has consistently expanded her acting repertoire as a leading actress. As she continues to fill her roles with her unique flair, anticipation naturally builds for her next steps in solidifying her place as a true actress.

Reporter: Seyoon Jung, TenAsia yoon@tenasia.co.kr