Shin Ye-eun's Passion for Acting Shines in 'Jeongnyeon-i' as She Embraces the Challenge of Gukgeuk

In a recent interview, Shin Ye-eun reflected on her transformative experience in the tvN drama 'Jeongnyeon-i', where she took on the unfamiliar genre of gukgeuk and portrayed the complex character Heo Young-seo. The series, which concluded on November 17, 2024, has garnered significant acclaim, showcasing Shin's growth as an actress alongside the show's success.

Meeting with Sports Chosun on November 20, Shin shared her thoughts on the end of 'Jeongnyeon-i', which is set in the aftermath of the Korean War in the 1950s and follows the journey of Jeongnyeon, a girl with a natural talent for singing, as she joins a women's gukgeuk troupe. The fresh theme of female gukgeuk and the passionate performances of the cast resonated deeply with viewers.

In the drama, Shin Ye-eun played Heo Young-seo, a rival to the main character Jeongnyeon, who possesses exceptional skills in singing, dancing, and acting, along with a privileged background. Reflecting on the finale, she expressed, "The ending felt like a curtain call, and I found myself in tears. Usually, I feel relieved when a project ends, but this one was different." She mentioned that her family encouraged her to cry while watching the final episode together, which made her feel as if she was receiving applause from the audience, akin to the end of a real performance.

Despite the emotional farewell, Shin noted that she had no regrets about the project. "There were many challenging moments during filming, but I approached each one with the mindset of doing my best without regrets. I believe all the cast and crew shared this sentiment," she stated.

Shin also spoke about her collaboration with Kim Tae-ri, who played Jeongnyeon. She admired Kim's diverse expressions and dedication, saying, "Just looking at her, you can tell she is a true actress. I learned a lot from her, especially her confidence and courage, which I aspire to emulate."

Taking on the role of Heo Young-seo, who embodies both talent and insecurity, was a new challenge for Shin. To prepare for the unfamiliar genre of gukgeuk, she took daily lessons in pansori and dance from the moment she was cast until filming wrapped. "It was difficult to portray a male character while having long hair and a ribbon, as I had to master the nuances of male gestures," she explained.

One of the most challenging aspects for her was performing as Bangja in 'Chunhyangjeon'. "I practiced Bangja right up until filming. I would carry props and rehearse my gestures and lines even while commuting or at work," she shared.

Heo Young-seo is a character with remarkable talents but struggles with self-confidence. Shin reflected on her connection to Young-seo, saying, "I saw parts of myself in her. While there were aspects I didn’t want to relate to, I felt a mix of similarities. The moments that stood out to me were when Young-seo declared her independence from her mother and when she encouraged Jeongnyeon to live authentically. I believe these moments contributed to Young-seo's growth."

For Shin Ye-eun, 'Jeongnyeon-i' has become more than just a project; it has been a source of newfound confidence as an actress. "In the past, I was hesitant to praise myself, but this time I told myself, 'I worked hard, and I will continue to move forward with confidence,'" she said.

Looking ahead, Shin expressed her hopes for the legacy of 'Jeongnyeon-i', stating, "I believe it will open up new possibilities for me as an actress."

As the year comes to a close, she reflected, "I can hardly believe how quickly this year has passed. I want to cherish the remaining time with my loved ones and enjoy it. I hope to greet everyone with a variety of projects next year."