Kim Yoo Jung is one of the most prominent faces on the Korean screen recently, with the main role in the movie Dear X (Vietnamese title: X minh mi).
The beauty born in 1999 has spent 2 weeks at the top of the most notable Korean TV actor rankings. Dear X also entered the Top 3 hottest TV series of many consecutive weeks.
In a recent interview with Xports News, Kim Yoo Jung shared about the challenging role and revealed the intense scenes, as well as the psychological preparation and supporting of young co-stars.
Baek Ah Jin played by Kim Yoo Jung in "Dear X" is a cruel anti-hero character, to the point that there are moments when the actress herself is shocked by her acting.
Sometimes when I look back at the scenes, I feel like I am losing my short-term memory. I cant even remember some emotions because they were so shocking. Seeing myself showing cruelty to Huh In Kang (Hwang In Yeop) many times surprised me, Kim Yoo Jung confessed.
In the film, Baek Ah Jin is a rising star possessing outstanding beauty and talent, and is one of the most sought-after young actors of her generation.
But behind that bright spot, this beautiful girl hides a dark truth. She is a master of manipulation, a person with a complex personality disorder, who can destroy other people's lives without any remorse.
A childhood full of violence and hurt was the origin of that person. Thanks to her psychological manipulation skills, two loyal men - Yoon Jun Seo (Kim Young Dae) and Kim Jae Oh (Kim Do Hoon) - are still her protectors, even though they clearly understand Ah Jin's nature of being afraid.
The performance of the character Baek Ah Jin is considered the most groundbreaking role in Kim Yoo Jung's career to date.
Looking back at the most difficult scenes, Kim Yoo Jung said that what made her struggle was not acting, but having to hide her true emotions in sad moments.
The actress said: The scenes of sharing milk between Huh In Kang and his grandmother were really emotional. Not only did Ah Jin feel pain, anyone in that situation would be sad. It is difficult to express those emotions while still maintaining the character's true nature."
Ah Jin is portrayed as a personality disorder who opposes society, ready to remove obstacles in his path without hesitation. When asked how to stay mentored when playing such a dark character, Kim Yoo Jung admitted: I still dont know how to deal with it. That is still a challenge for me.
She also said that she tried to separate herself from Ah Jin to maintain her personal feelings, despite the character's cruelty.
In the background, Kim Yoo Jung's professionalism was also shown in supporting the psychology of child actress Ah Jin - Giso Yu when she was young - in coordination with the director and advisers at the studio to create a safe environment for the girl.
Kim Yoo Jung shared: I realized from my own childhood experience that unrelieved emotions can have a lasting impact. I want to ensure that young actors receive the right guidance.
Despite the dark theme of the film, Kim Yoo Jung still praised the supportive atmosphere at the studio. She said that directors Lee Eung Bok and Park So Hyun always maintain open communication, helping her maintain her own emotional space, and she is very grateful for such a working environment.
