Shim Eun-kyung Returns to K-Drama with a Villainous Twist in 'How to Become a Landlord in Korea'

Shim Eun-kyung makes her long-awaited return to Korean drama after six years with a unique villain character in 'How to Become a Landlord in Korea'.

Premiering on the 14th, tvN's new weekend drama 'How to Become a Landlord in Korea' (written by Oh Han-ki, directed by Lim Pil-seong, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Mindmark and Studio329) follows a suspenseful story of a debt-ridden landlord who joins a fake kidnapping scheme to protect his family and property. The drama promises a powerful acting synergy with stars Ha Jung-woo, Lim Soo-jung, Kim Jun-han, Jung Soo-jung, and Shim Eun-kyung.

In 'Landlord', Shim Eun-kyung transforms into Yona, a cold and ruthless villain. Yona is a key player at Real Capital, pushing the struggling landlord Ki Soo-jong (played by Ha Jung-woo) to his limits. Known for being the first Korean actress to win a Japanese Academy Award, Shim Eun-kyung returns to Korean screens, taking on the main villain role to showcase a new side of her acting prowess. She shared her reasons for choosing this project and her approach to building the character.

Shim Eun-kyung expressed her excitement about fulfilling her long-held desire to play a villain, describing Yona as an unpredictable and mysterious character with an unclear background. She appears suddenly in front of Soo-jong and his group, bringing misfortune. Shim found Yona's unique traits intriguing, setting her apart from traditional villains.

Shim Eun-kyung also hinted at a transformation that will surprise audiences. She mentioned, "Taking on a villain role allowed me to explore unfamiliar acting territory. I dedicated months to practicing action scenes, which I had never done before, and I hope to showcase this new skill in the drama." She added, "If Yona's chilling yet pure and somewhat diligent nature leaves a lasting impression on viewers, I would be thrilled."

Shim Eun-kyung revealed details about Yona's character that she personally contributed. She aimed to visually express Yona's duality, which is both eerie and childlike, and hinted at paying attention to Yona's right shirt cuff. Inspired by 'A Clockwork Orange', she explained the significance of Yona's fashion choices and added red shading around the eyes to convey a worn-out look. Her meticulous attention to detail raises anticipation for the impact Yona will have.

Finally, Shim Eun-kyung shared what viewers can look forward to in 'Landlord', saying, "The drama explores the desires of various characters surrounding the building. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering how far they will go. We hope you'll stay with us until the end."

tvN's new weekend drama 'How to Become a Landlord in Korea' premieres on the 14th at 9:10 PM.

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