Rising Stars Kim Min and Bang Hyo-rin Bring Fresh Energy to Disney+ and Netflix Originals

Veteran actors often deliver stable performances, but they may struggle to bring a fresh feel to viewers. In contrast, the emergence of new faces injects vitality into productions. Recently, Kim Min from Disney+'s 'Pine: The Country Bumpkins' and Bang Hyo-rin from Netflix's 'Aema' have captivated audiences with their fresh presence.

The recently concluded 'Pine' featured a star-studded cast including Ryu Seung-ryong and Im Soo-jung. Among these seasoned actors, newcomer Kim Min stood out in the role of Sun-ja, a teahouse worker.

Set in 1977, 'Pine' tells the story of people gathering to claim a treasure ship buried under the sea. This was Kim Min's debut role. A student from Chung-Ang University's acting department with no prior film experience, Kim was unanimously cast by five judges during the final audition. Director Kang Yoon-sung stated, "What mattered more than experience was the actor's unique charm and potential. Kim Min's energy was palpable, convincing all judges that she was the one." He added, "Despite her lack of experience, she stood out with her focus and authenticity in portraying emotions."

Kim Min brought warmth to the story amidst characters driven by desire. Her distinctive performance convincingly portrayed the pure and clear character of Sun-ja. She explained, "Sun-ja's main goal is to move to Seoul. Despite difficult circumstances, she maintains her innocence and positive hope, which sets her apart from other characters."

Kim Min worked to naturally express the 1970s atmosphere and Jeolla dialect. She shared, "Since Sun-ja is a character from Mokpo in the 70s, I tried to feel the era's sentiment through various video materials and songs. I also obtained recordings from local people and listened to them repeatedly from morning until night, collaborating with senior actors on set."

In the recently released 'Aema,' newcomer Bang Hyo-rin shone. Set in the 1980s, 'Aema' depicts the dark realities of the Korean film industry overshadowed by glamorous spotlights. Bang played the role of rookie actress Shin Joo-ae.

Bang Hyo-rin displayed energy that matched top star Lee Ha-nee, who played Jung Hee-ran. She was selected from an audition pool of over 2,500 participants. Director Lee Hae-young revealed, "Bang Hyo-rin appeared at the end of a long audition process, and it felt like 'finally meeting the one.' Her performance moved me to tears, and it was clear that her acting was genuine." He explained that casting a newcomer for the role of Joo-ae was intentional, as he wanted the character to feel like a real rookie actor.

Bang Hyo-rin embodied the freshness and boldness unique to newcomers, as intended by the director. She stated, "Joo-ae is a confident and determined character. Her passion for acting and love for films resonated with me, making her even more appealing." She also shared her dedication, "While working on 'Aema,' I gained weight and learned tap dancing and horseback riding to get closer to the character."

Entrusting significant roles to newcomers in major productions carries risks. However, Kim Min and Bang Hyo-rin have dispelled these concerns with their impressive performances, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. Their future acting endeavors are highly anticipated.

By Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr