Kim Yoon-hye Discusses Her Dedication to National Theater in 'Jeongnyeoni'

In a recent interview, actress Kim Yoon-hye, who portrayed the character Seo Hye-rang in the popular tvN drama Jeongnyeoni (정년이), which concluded with a remarkable 17% viewership rating, opened up about the challenges of performing in the genre of national theater (국극).

On November 19, Kim met with reporters in Gangnam, Seoul, to celebrate the end of the series, directed by Jeong Ji-in and written by Choi Hyo-bi.

In Jeongnyeoni, Kim Yoon-hye played the role of Seo Hye-rang, the top star of the Maeran National Theater Company. She captivated audiences not only with her stunning visuals but also with her exceptional dance skills, showcasing various performances including traditional sword dance and drum dance. Her charismatic sword dance became a hot topic, while her powerful vocal expressions during national theater performances resonated deeply with viewers.

Kim dedicated nearly a year to practicing national theater, focusing on perfecting her performance details. "I started rehearsing in May of last year and concentrated on vocal and dance training until the very last moment of filming. I practiced for up to nine hours a day, to the point where people joked that I was a ghost (지박령)," she shared.

The character of Seo Hye-rang was not only the leading female role but also required Kim to navigate complex emotional layers alongside her dazzling dance and singing. "I often felt frustrated during pansori (판소리) practice due to a lack of emotional expression. Balancing the drum dance and mask dance while mastering both dance and vocals was particularly challenging," she explained.

Having no prior stage experience, Kim admitted, "I couldn't imagine what acting on stage would be like, so I frequently monitored my performances and sought advice from my teachers to improve. Ultimately, I aimed to present a performance that felt natural to the audience and to deliver the best stage possible."

Through this journey, Kim discovered the beauty of Korean dance, stating, "Learning Korean dance, which emphasizes restraint and calm lines, left a significant impression on me. This process deepened my understanding of the genre of national theater and the work itself."

Kim Yoon-hye reflected on her character, saying, "Seo Hye-rang is someone who struggles with self-doubt and relies on others, but through the medium of national theater, she seeks to prove her existence, which has inspired me greatly. I feel proud to have touched many viewers through the national theater stage."

Looking ahead, Kim Yoon-hye is set to continue her acting career with a role in the SBS drama My Perfect Secretary (나의 완벽한 비서).