Red Velvet's Yeri Transforms from 'Queen' to 'Diver' in New Drama 'Azure Spring'

Actress Kim Ye-rim, also known as Yeri from Red Velvet, is set to make a dramatic transformation from a 'queen' to a 'diver' in her upcoming role. Debuting in 2015 under SM Entertainment, she signed a new exclusive contract with Blitzway Entertainment in May last year.

Scheduled to premiere in May, the drama 'Azure Spring' is based on a webtoon of the same name. It tells the healing youth story of Seo Anna, who is paralyzed by fear of the future, and Yoon Deok-hyun, who is stuck in the past. Both characters grow as they live as divers. Kim Ye-rim will play 'Seo Anna,' a former national youth swimming champion turned diver, portraying the passionate growing pains and romance of youth.

Previously, Kim Ye-rim showcased her acting prowess in 'Cheongdam International High School 2' as Baek Jena, the queen of the 'Diamond 6,' the power center of the school. Her performance captured the complex inner turmoil of a character who feels anxiety and anger as the series progresses. She also demonstrated her wide acting range in the film 'Kangryeong: Ghost Play,' playing Ja-young, a model student with a difficult past, delivering a suspenseful performance devoid of humor.

In 'Azure Spring,' Kim Ye-rim returns with a completely different persona. The story follows Anna, who, after a sudden injury ends her athletic career, struggles with her shattered dreams but eventually rises above her challenges. Kim Ye-rim is expected to convey warmth and encouragement through her portrayal of a youth swimming against the tide of uncertainty and embracing the fresh character of a 'diver.'

'Azure Spring' will air on May 11 at 11 PM on MBN Plus and will be available on major OTT platforms like Wavve and TVING at 11:30 PM the same day. Internationally, it will be accessible to viewers through global streaming platforms and channels such as Viu in Asia and ABEMA in Japan.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr