Jo Bo-ah Shares Insights on Netflix's 'Tangun'

On May 19, actress Jo Bo-ah opened up about her experiences filming the Netflix series 'Tangun' during an interview at a café in Jongno, Seoul. The series, which premiered on May 16, tells the story of Hong Rang, the son of Joseon's largest merchant group, who returns after 12 years with amnesia. His half-sister, Jae-i, grapples with her feelings of doubt about his true identity amidst their complex emotions.

Reflecting on the filming process, Jo Bo-ah mentioned, "I think we wrapped up shooting around May last year. It took about eight months, so quite a bit of time has passed. I feel nervous since it's been a while since I've done an official interview. After the release last week, I've received a lot of messages from people, which makes it feel a bit more real. It feels like the release came suddenly after such a long wait."

In 'Tangun', Jo Bo-ah portrays Jae-i, a character desperately searching for her missing brother. She described the emotional depth required for the role, stating, "This drama demands a deep emotional engagement from start to finish, which might be challenging for viewers. However, I found it enjoyable to immerse myself in such a profound character. Jae-i is not just strong and assertive; she carries a lot of sadness from her childhood, feeling unloved by her parents and losing her only family member, Hong Rang. I worked hard to understand her struggles."

Jo Bo-ah also recalled some of the more challenging moments during filming, particularly underwater scenes and horseback riding. "I started horseback riding about ten years ago while preparing for 'Horse Doctor,' but unfortunately, there were no riding scenes back then. When I finally got to ride in this series, it felt rewarding to see my efforts pay off. I realized that historical dramas are not easy, but they are incredibly appealing, making me want to take on more challenges."

She humorously noted the difficulties of filming in cold conditions, saying, "They say you can't see your breath when it's freezing, but that was only temporary. I wore thermal pants and layered up. After finishing this project, I even told my agency that I wanted to do another historical drama because I enjoyed the experience so much. There's always a sense of regret after filming, thinking about what I could have done differently."

Jo Bo-ah praised her co-star Lee Jae-wook, highlighting his passion and supportive nature during filming. "He has a great attitude and is very approachable, which helped us bond quickly. In the beginning, we called each other by our character names, but by the end, I affectionately called him 'Angel' because he was so kind."

She also expressed her admiration for Um Ji-won, saying, "I have always respected her and wanted to work with her. We would chat about dogs on set, but once the cameras were rolling, she transformed into a serious actress, which helped me focus."

Jo Bo-ah recently married her long-time fiancé in October and was set to return to the screen in the Disney+ series 'Knock Off' this April. However, the release has been indefinitely postponed due to personal issues involving her co-star Kim Soo-hyun and his ex-girlfriend, the late Kim Sae-ron. When asked about her feelings regarding the delay, she responded cautiously, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation and expressing hope that her hard work on 'Knock Off' would eventually be recognized.

On the topic of marriage, Jo Bo-ah shared, "I have always had a romantic notion of marriage and a passion for it, but I tried to delay it as much as possible. I tend to separate my work and personal life. I can't say I wasn't concerned about the limited roles after marriage, but I try to let go and live my life. I believe that my desires can lead to different outcomes, and I hope to embrace whatever comes my way."

Having debuted in 2012 with tvN's 'Shut Up Flower Boy Band,' Jo Bo-ah is now celebrating her 13th year in the industry. She has also been active in various entertainment shows, stating, "I feel like I'm trying to live without thinking too much. Even as I age, I remember my carefree days in my twenties and strive to maintain that simplicity. I want to show my true self to the audience, as I feel I lack communication with my fans. I enjoy being active and adventurous, which is why I find myself in physical variety shows."

Reflecting on her career, she mentioned the thoughtful gifts from fans, who have made dolls of her characters, including 19 from 'Grocery Store' alone. "That really touched me. It reminds me to stay true to my roots and appreciate how far I've come, even during tough times."

Jo Bo-ah concluded by expressing her hopes for 'Tangun,' stating, "I want this project to be loved by many. I hope it leads to a busy and enjoyable year for me. 'Tangun' is a significant turning point in my acting career, and I found Jae-i's character to be both strong and vulnerable, which I deeply connected with. I never felt exhausted while filming; it was a joyful experience. From the moment I transformed into Jae-i, I felt like I was soaring emotionally. This project has ignited my desire to improve and strive for more."