Actress Do Ji-won Reveals Untold Stories from 'Ladies of the Palace' After 23 Years

Actress Do Ji-won, 60, has shared behind-the-scenes stories from the drama 'Ladies of the Palace' after 23 years.

On the November 11th episode of MBC's variety show 'Radio Star,' Do Ji-won appeared alongside Kim Geum-soon, Cha Chung-hwa, and Han Ji-eun in a special titled 'Actors' World.'

During the show, Do Ji-won revealed that she almost didn't appear in the drama 'Ladies of the Palace,' which had a viewership rating of 49%. She had decided against doing historical dramas after the challenging winter filming of 'Ilchulbong.'

Do Ji-won explained, "Despite the director's persistent offers for 'Ladies of the Palace,' I repeatedly declined. However, the director even reached out to my mother to persuade me." She eventually met with the director to decline in person but was captivated by the script and decided to join the cast.

Do Ji-won continued, "Originally, 'Ladies of the Palace' was supposed to be 50 episodes. I was supposed to die around episode 20, but the series was extended. I expected a 4-6 episode extension, but it was extended by 50 more episodes, so I didn't die until episode 100. Then it was extended again to 150 episodes."

Do Ji-won died in episode 123 after drinking poison. She recalled the set being crowded with reporters and boxes of cola and traditional Korean herbal medicine prepared for the scene. After filming the poison scene, she shared, "I heard popping sounds in my ears after the shoot."

Before her acting career, Do Ji-won was a ballerina. As a direct senior to ballerina Kang Sue-jin, Do Ji-won said, "I entered school early and practiced with the ballet company often. I was fortunate to enter Hanyang University's dance department and later joined the National Ballet Company." At 60, Do Ji-won still impresses with her flexibility, performing splits that amazed the show's hosts. Meanwhile, Do Ji-won remains unmarried.

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