TV
Im Se-mi Reflects on Her Journey in 'Try: We Become Miracles' as the Series Concludes
SBS's Friday-Saturday drama 'Try: We Become Miracles' concluded on the 30th with overwhelming viewer support. Im Se-mi, who portrayed the role of Bae Yi-ji, a shooting coach at Hanyang High School, shared her thoughts on the series finale.
Holding Seo Woo-jin's hand, she said, "My game ended a long time ago. I just had lingering regrets," delivering a poignant farewell to herself.
Concluding her career as an athlete, Bae Yi-ji accepted the offer to become the head coach of Hanyang High School's shooting team, marking a new beginning as a mentor. Her journey of growth and transition received enthusiastic support until the very end.
Exclusive Q&A with Im Se-mi
Q. How do you feel now that 'Try' has concluded?
A. It's truly bittersweet. From the first episode, I knew it would end someday, and that thought left me feeling empty. This project was special because I hoped that my co-stars, including Yoon Kye-sang and the youth of our shooting and rugby teams, would be loved. It's hard to believe that I'm saying goodbye to the sparkling 'Try' that I enjoyed filming.
Q. Preparing for a sports drama and the role of a shooting coach must have been challenging. Can you share your preparation process and any difficulties you faced?
A. Every new character is a challenge. Playing Bae Yi-ji, a former shooting athlete turned coach, required learning shooting techniques. I needed strong arm muscles to keep the gun steady in front of the camera. After intense focus, I felt refreshed, like after meditation. I also pondered a lot about my relationship with Joo Ga-ram. How would past emotions evolve after reuniting? How much did they care and trust each other to get so angry? I simulated these scenarios and discussed them with Yoon Kye-sang and the director, making it challenging but enjoyable.
Q. Bae Yi-ji dreams of being a national representative while coaching. What did you focus on to portray this character?
A. Many people are stuck in the present or tied to the past while pursuing their dreams. I could relate to that. Yi-ji is a character who could easily appear timid, but I wanted her to be resilient and determined. I didn't want her to seem defeated. I drew from my past experiences, where I was told, "Isn't it time to quit? You've tried enough." Yi-ji faced harsh realities despite support, and I channeled those emotions into my performance.
Q. Bae Yi-ji is a character who constantly strives. Did you find moments of comfort or strength while portraying her?
A. Yi-ji is realistic yet frustrating, often called a 'sweet potato character.' Many people experience such moments in life. Despite this, she stands firm on her path, which I see as a great courage. Even if regrets linger, I admired her determination to keep going. It was comforting for me.
Q. Are there similarities between you and Bae Yi-ji? What message do you want to convey through her?
A. Yi-ji's situation is uncomfortable and frustrating, making it easy to empathize. She lives for her dreams and chooses the path of a coach for others' dreams. I believe 'the courage to give up' is also courage, and I applaud Yi-ji for that. I think this was the message the writer and director wanted to convey.
Q. How was the chemistry with your co-stars? Any memorable episodes during filming?
A. It was fantastic. Every moment was dazzling, and we laughed every day. Even Lee Sung-wook, who played a villain, lifted the mood on set. (Laughs) Every moment with them was joyful.
Q. Your chemistry with Yoon Kye-sang, who played Joo Ga-ram, was a highlight. How was it working with him?
A. I'm a fan of g.o.d. (Laughs) My Buddy Buddy ID was 'Kye-sang's wife,' so this project made me a 'successful fan.' Kye-sang was always supportive and brightened the set. He made it easy for me to act, even when Yi-ji was in frustrating situations. His dedication to each scene was impressive.
Q. 'Try' was praised as a growth drama for adults, not just a youth story. Did you feel personal growth as an actor through this project?
A. Every character in the series experiences painful growth. Participating in an SBS drama after a long time helped me take a step forward. I believe every project contributes to growth, even if there are regrets during monitoring. As an actor and in life, I'm still experiencing growing pains, but I see it as a necessary process.
Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr
