Actress Park Jin-hee Returns to TV with 'Red Pearl' After 4-Year Hiatus

Actress Park Jin-hee, who married a judge five years her junior in 2014, is making her return to television after four years with the drama 'Red Pearl.' Park expressed her excitement, stating, "It's a story about uncovering the truth while doubting each other until the end," and asked for viewers' interest.

On the 23rd, an online production presentation for KBS 2TV's new daily drama 'Red Pearl' was held. The event was attended by actors Park Jin-hee, Nam Sang-ji, Choi Jae-sung, Kim Hee-jung, Kim Kyung-bo, Kang Da-bin, Chun Hee-joo, and director Kim Sung-geun. 'Red Pearl' is a gripping and intense revenge chronicle about two women, Kim Dan-hee (played by Park Jin-hee) and Baek Jin-joo (played by Nam Sang-ji), who return with false identities to uncover the sins and truths hidden within the Adel family.

Park Jin-hee, who takes on dual roles as twin sisters Kim Myung-hee and Kim Dan-hee, shared, "Myung-hee and Dan-hee are similar yet very different characters. I thought a lot about how to differentiate their accents and speech patterns." She added, "Switching between the two characters was challenging but fun and thrilling. I'm happy because I think I did better than expected."

Returning to the small screen after about four years since the conclusion of the KBS drama 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won' in 2022, Park explained her choice of the project, saying, "At first, I thought it might be a typical revenge story, but after reading the script, my perspective changed. The process of continuously doubting each other and uncovering the truth felt like a thriller, which is why I chose it."

Park Jin-hee requested viewers' support, saying, "'Red Pearl' is a drama about uncovering the truth while doubting each other until the end. It includes various narratives, such as stories between women and families, so please watch it."

Kim Hee-jung plays Oh Jung-ran, the wife of Park Tae-ho (played by Choi Jae-sung) and the director of the Adel Gallery. She explained her reason for choosing the role, saying, "I was intrigued by the offer to play a villain after a long time. It seemed like it could be a transformation in my acting career."

When asked what kind of label she would like to earn through the project, she replied, "I want to be called a 'faithful wife' rather than a 'mistress.'" Kim Hee-jung laughed, saying, "Everyone tells me I have a strong image of being a mistress or an adulteress. But this time, in 'Red Pearl,' I play the role of the legitimate wife."

Director Kim Sung-geun, who helmed 'Red Pearl,' described it as "a work that goes beyond simple moral retribution, detailing the process of various characters forming alliances and rediscovering their identities." He added, "I wanted to convey the message that 'there is no revenge worth losing oneself over.'"

Director Kim emphasized, "'Red Pearl' is a project created with the combined efforts of talented actors and capable staff," and promised, "We will showcase visual aesthetics rarely seen in daily dramas, so please show a lot of interest."

'Red Pearl' premieres on the 23rd at 7:50 PM.

Jung Se-yoon, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr