Jang Shin-young Reflects on Her Unexpected Journey to Becoming an Actress on 'New Release, Pyeonstorang'

Jang Shin-young, on the latest episode of KBS 2TV's 'New Release, Pyeonstorang', revealed that she never imagined she would become an actress. Known for her introverted nature, Jang confessed that there were times she wanted to quit acting and run away.

On the episode aired on the 8th, Jang Shin-young and her mother prepared a dish using 'saebangi', a type of freshwater shrimp, which holds family memories. During this process, the mother and daughter naturally shared stories from the past, revealing Jang's beauty from a young age, her journey to becoming an actress, and her surprising connection with Lee Jung-hyun.

Jang was surprised to see her mother stringing red peppers in the living room. Despite her initial reluctance, saying "This isn't for me," she helped her mother hang the peppers to dry on the balcony, capturing a light-hearted moment by taking a photo of her mother with the peppers.

Jang and her mother then prepared a variety of dishes featuring saebangi, a staple ingredient from Jang's childhood. Her mother reminisced about their family vineyard and how locals suggested Jang should become Miss Korea when she grew up. Jang shyly smiled, denying the suggestion, saying, "I was so rustic."

Later, Jang's high school graduation photo was revealed, showcasing her unchanged beauty and youthful charm. A video from 2001 showed her winning a prize at the national Chunhyang beauty pageant, prompting admiration from the 'Pyeonstorang' cast.

Despite her success, Jang admitted she never expected to become an actress. She shared how she unexpectedly passed an audition for a performing arts high school and later entered the Chunhyang pageant at a teacher's suggestion, leading to her first experiences in broadcasting. Her mother recalled her doubts about Jang's introverted nature but was amazed at her daughter's eventual success.

Jang reflected on her career, admitting, "I never imagined I'd become an actress. It was scary, and I often wondered if it was the right path for me. I even thought about quitting, but I kept going." Her mother became emotional recalling Jang's first paycheck, expressing pride in her daughter's hard work.

Jang also shared a connection with Lee Jung-hyun from her high school days, recalling how the entire school was excited to see the senior actress during a filming visit. Jang expressed her awe at meeting her idol again, while Lee Jung-hyun fondly remembered the encounter, sharing a warm smile with Jang.

Through 'Pyeonstorang', Jang Shin-young candidly shared her life with her mother, their playful yet loving relationship, and her journey to becoming an actress.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr