Rising Star Kim Ji-yeon: From WJSN’s Bona to Leading Actress
Embracing New Challenges and Setting Her Path in Fantasy Dramas
Kim Ji-yeon: Embracing the Fantasy Genre
With her recent success in ‘Gwigung,’ Kim Ji-yeon, formerly known as WJSN’s Bona, has made her mark as a rising star in the Korean drama industry. Her role as a shaman in the fantasy romance drama has demonstrated her versatility and passion for acting.
The Allure of Fantasy
Kim’s love for fantasy genres is well-known, citing ‘Harry Potter’ as her favorite film series. This affection is what drew her to ‘Gwigung,’ a drama that intertwines the mythical with romance, exploring spirits and traditional Korean ghosts. Her imagination fueled her performance, picturing herself in a screenplay brought to life.
Challenges Faced on Set
Filming a fantasy period drama is no easy task. Kim discussed the difficulties faced while shooting in the freezing winter, enduring long shoots with a high reliance on CGI. The set presented physical challenges, with demanding action scenes requiring an impressive level of stamina.
Kim highlighted the complexity of performing possession scenes, a task that requires channeling the emotions of another character. She particularly enjoyed the transformational scenes, where she had to shift from a court lady to a fierce spirit guide.
Building Her Character
Drawing inspiration from a prominent shaman and dancer Kim Geum-hwa, Kim immersed herself in understanding the depth of her character Yeori. Despite the rigorous preparation, Kim managed to portray a credible character, combining Korean dance with shaman rituals on screen.
Rekindling Connections
A notable highlight of ‘Gwigung’ was Kim’s reunion with her long-time friend and co-star Yook Sung-jae. Their chemistry as a romantic duo on screen brought depth to the storyline, despite the challenging conditions of filming in -26°C weather.
Looking Forward
With the success of ‘Gwigung,’ there is buzz surrounding a potential second season. Kim expressed her excitement about continuing the narrative, hoping for an episodic structure that dives deeper into traditional ghost lore.
Expanding Her Horizons
Kim Ji-yeon is not one to rest on her laurels. Observing her peers adeptly navigate comedy, she is keen on exploring this dynamic genre herself. Her next project, a lead role in the drama adaptation of ‘Inside Men,’ promises a transformation where she steps into the shoes of a detective, showcasing yet another facet of her acting prowess.
