Park Bo-young Embraces Dual Roles in tvN’s Upcoming Drama ‘Mysterious Seoul’
On June 21, at CGV Yeongdeungpo in Seoul, the production press conference for tvN’s highly anticipated drama ‘Mysterious Seoul’ was held, attended by Director Park Shin-woo and cast members Park Bo-young, Park Jin-young, and Ryu Kyung-soo.
‘Mysterious Seoul’ tells the story of twin sisters who are opposite in every way except their looks. They swap lives through a lie—and in doing so, uncover real love and a sense of self in this romantic coming-of-age drama.
Park Bo-young shared, “I didn’t think of it as playing four characters—I embraced it as a dual role until the end. After reading the script, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and an artistic challenge I had to take.”
She was particularly drawn to the line, ‘I’ll live as you, and you live as me’, which sealed the deal for her. “We would often discuss the script on set. We’d say things like, ‘Isn’t this really great writing?’ That’s how deeply we resonated with the text.”
She continued, “One day, when Ryu Kyung-soo delivered a line, it felt like he was speaking to himself—not just his character. The script included words we needed to hear as individuals, not just as fictional roles.”
When asked about tone and approach, Park said, “My character Mirae is emotionally distressed in Seoul, so I made her appear cold with a more minimalistic styling. On the other hand, Director Park suggested that Miji’s blonde hair echo her more grounded upbringing, and I found it fitting.”
She added that the process felt like filming two dramas at once. “I had to memorize lines separately for Mirae and Miji. At times, I acted to nothing, or repeatedly crafted scenes with stand-ins. I believe I grew as an actress in this project.”
Speaking on the chemistry with Park Jin-young and Ryu Kyung-soo, she remarked, “As Miji, I interacted with Lake; as Mirae, with Sejin. Thinking that way helped me stay centered. I was lucky to share scenes with co-stars who offered such contrasting energies.”
Park Jin-young added, “Coming back from military service, I was able to adjust quickly thanks to everyone, especially Bo-young.” Meanwhile, Ryu Kyung-soo said warmly, “Bo-young’s guidance let me venture deeper emotionally. Watching her switch between characters was genuinely inspiring.”
The new tvN weekend drama ‘Mysterious Seoul’ premieres Saturday, June 24, at 9:20 PM KST.
