YENA Shines in Her First Major Acting Role in KBS 2TV’s ‘Villain’s Country’
South Korean singer-turned-actress YENA wrapped up her first major acting endeavor with resounding success, capturing viewers’ hearts with her performance in the finale of the KBS 2TV sitcom ‘Villain’s Country’, which aired on April 24.
Starring as Goo Won-hee, a high schooler with a privileged background whose life turns upside down, YENA delivered a sincere and emotionally nuanced portrayal. After moving into the chaotic household of Oh Na-ra (played by the actress of the same name), she finds unexpected warmth and family bonds in this unconventional setting.
‘Villain’s Country’, directed by Kim Young-jo and Choi Jung-eun, and penned by Chae Woo and Park Kwang-yeon, offered viewers a chaotic yet compassionate glimpse into the daily lives of quirky families, with a unique flavor of Korean humor. The show was produced by Studio Plum.
YENA stood out not only for her emotional performance but also for her charm in a blossoming teenage love triangle with fellow characters portrayed by Eunchan (Song Kang) and Jung Min-kyu (Seo Young-hoon). The tension culminated in the finale, where both male leads went to comical and heartfelt lengths to win Won-hee’s heart, including darkening their eyebrows and delivering passionate confessions. Yet, Won-hee remained coy, leaving fans wondering how the triangle would resolve.
Reflecting on her role, YENA shared through her agency, “I am sincerely thankful. Every moment on set felt invaluable. I truly became immersed in the character of Won-hee and realized that even without blood ties, people could show genuine warmth and care. It was a project filled with learning and heartfelt connection.”
She added, “Everyone worked incredibly hard for each scene, and the result is a series of precious memories I’ll cherish forever. It was an honor to portray Won-hee.”
In addition to her acting milestone, YENA recently successfully completed her first solo concert tour, with a major performance at the Macau Broadway Theatre. Following performances in Seoul, Osaka, and Tokyo, she is set to meet fans in Taipei on May 24 as she continues her global ascent in both music and entertainment.
