Lee Young-ae Returns to KBS After 26 Years with 'Walking On Thin Ice'

After 26 years, actress Lee Young-ae makes her return to KBS, going head-to-head with her contemporary, Ko Hyun-jung. The new KBS 2TV weekend mini-series 'Walking On Thin Ice' is being touted as the network's most anticipated drama of the year, with a target viewership rating of 15%.

On the 16th, a press conference for 'Walking On Thin Ice' was held at The Saint in Sindorim, Seoul. Attendees included Lee Young-ae, Kim Young-kwang, Park Yong-woo, and director Song Hyun-wook.

The series 'Walking On Thin Ice' follows the story of Kang Eunsoo, a parent determined to protect her family, and Lee Kyung, a teacher with a double life, as they become entangled in a dangerous partnership over a bag of drugs they stumble upon.

In the drama, Lee Young-ae plays Kang Eunsoo, a housewife pushed to the edge overnight, while Kim Young-kwang portrays Lee Kyung, an art instructor by day and a renowned club MD by night.

Director Song Hyun-wook explained his reason for taking on the project, saying, "I received the script from the production company representative and couldn't stop reading it. I ended up binge-reading up to episode 11 in one sitting. The story's excitement and immersion were so compelling that I felt I had to do it despite the tight schedule. The unique aspect of this drama is how a drug bag disrupts the values of an ordinary housewife's life."

Lee Young-ae returns to KBS dramas for the first time in 26 years since 'Invitation.' She shared, "The main reason I chose this project was its intriguing storyline. It explores how an ordinary housewife becomes vulnerable and faces numerous conflicts and dilemmas when confronted with a bag of drugs, a significant societal issue. The drama is crafted with depth, allowing viewers to ponder while enjoying the show."

She added, "Playing a role that anyone can relate to as a housewife was appealing. The script was engaging, and the production quality was very high. It's a drama that KBS is heavily promoting this year, and I strongly recommend it as a must-watch for viewers in the latter half of the year."

In the series, Park Yong-woo takes on the role of Jang Goo, the head of the narcotics investigation team at Gwangnam Police Station. Park Yong-woo commented, "When actors first encounter a project, they often decide based on the script. It's rare to find a script that immediately makes you want to do it. 'Walking On Thin Ice' was such a project for me after many years."

He continued, "Portraying a common profession like a police officer in a unique way is challenging, but the script managed to depict each situation with tension and intrigue. The story unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping viewers engaged."

Lee Young-ae also mentioned Ko Hyun-jung, who is currently starring in SBS's weekend drama 'Queen Mantis.' When asked if she felt any pressure about the time slot competition, Lee Young-ae responded, "As an actress who has been in the industry for a long time, I hope we can continue to support each other. I believe this healthy competition will be a positive stimulus, and I trust our drama will do well."

Regarding her co-star Kim Young-kwang, she praised, "He has a wide range of acting abilities, allowing me to explore various emotions in our scenes together. His creativity and originality were inspiring, providing a solid foundation for performances beyond the script."

Kim Young-kwang expressed his excitement, saying, "It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Lee Young-ae. When I first received the script and learned she was involved, I wondered how I could possibly act alongside her. Her voice alone conveys so much, and it was a joy to listen to her during our scenes."

Director Song Hyun-wook shared his viewership goals, stating, "I hope the ratings gradually increase each episode, aiming for around 12-15%. If viewers love the story and we stay true to the script and production, I believe we can achieve that."

The new KBS 2TV weekend mini-series 'Walking On Thin Ice' is set to premiere on September 20th at 9:20 PM.

Reporter Kim Se-ah, TenAsia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr