‘Kiwi Girl’ Uhm Hyun Kyung Cast in New Drama

Actress Uhm Hyun Kyung has been cast as the female lead in the new KBS drama special ′Strawberry Ice Cream′.

With 16 years of acting experience under his belt, actor Kim Rae Won practically lives on drama and film sets. It’s to the point that it’d be senseless to separate the actor from his acting. So after he was discharged from the army, where else did he head but straight into his next drama A Thousand Days’ Promise.

“My thirst for acting was that great,” said Kim, revealing his attitude at the beginning of filming for the drama.

However, these days, he seems to be troubled by something rather unexpected. Kim has found himself in a somewhat perplexing situation, where his acting abilities have come under question because of his performance in the new drama as Park Ji Hyung, a man involved in a love triangle with Alzheimer’s-stricken Seo Yeon (Soo Ae) and Hyang Gi (Jung Yu Mi).

The drama, which premieres on September 4, will portray the heart wrenching love story of Han Jun Kyung (Uhm Hyun Kyung) and Kwon Ki Jung (Kim Young Hoon).

“I will act with conviction.”

“It’s really upsetting when I hear things about my acting ability because I go through all sorts of trouble,” said Kim. “Still, the storyline thus far has been centered on Seo Yeon, so I think the [negative] reaction [to my acting] was unavoidable. I view it as a necessary device to portray the sick woman’s situation wholeheartedly in order to later maximize the sacrificial and desperate love of the man who wants to protect her.”

He continued, “That’s why rather than explode from the pain, Ji Hyung endured the sadness internally and allowed Seo Yeon to shine. That’s probably why viewers were so frustrated with Ji Hyung. And that’s why I was criticized for my acting.”

The actor revealed that of all the scripts and storylines he had received thus far, it was most difficult for him to convey Ji Hyung’s pain. However, Kim was firm in his convictions when it came to his acting, saying that one can feel Ji Hyung’s pain through his silence if one digs a little deeper.

“I’m acting with conviction,” said Kim. “Of course, I’m aware of the reaction from those around me. I’m working really hard. I think those who understand Ji Hyung will definitely recognize that—that every time he calls out ‘Seo Yeon,’ it’s different.”

Kim is reminded time and time again that the same acting can receive a completely different reaction depending on the work. Still, he doesn’t have any regrets. Kim is focused on the present and doing the best that he can.

“The script was mostly ‘dot dot dots (…)’ and Seo Yeon’s lines,” said the actor. “That’s why I tried really hard to bring even those [unspoken] parts to life. I believe that honest acting is relatable. Fortunately, I think that the latter half [of the drama] will better express what kind of person Ji Hyung is.”

He maintained, “With regards to my acting, I don’t think it was poor.” The drama’s writer, Kim Su Hyun, agreed and complimented the actor, saying “I didn’t think he’d act this shrewdly.” These words were a source of strength for the slightly exhausted actor.

′Strawberry Ice Cream′ begins with the couple breaking up, whereupon Kwon Ki Jung dies in a sudden accident. The drama unfolds as Han Jung Kyung gets lost between reality and her own delusions, while longing for her boyfriend.

The two actors have worked together previously, portraying a victim and psychopath killer, in the KBS drama ′Crime Squad′.

“It’s been 16 years already, and the game has just begun.”

At the root of Kim’s 16-year acting career is his belief in himself. Kim is an actor who has always tried to do his part.

It is for this reason that the actor, amid criticisms and compliments, was able to discover his remarkable growth as an actor. Kim says that, nowadays, he feels like he’s on the right path as an actor.

“I’ve been doing dramas for 16 years already,” said Kim. “In the countless films and dramas I’ve done up until now, I’ve always tried to do my part. In that, I’ve studied and experimented with new things. That’s why I think the game’s has just begun for me now at 31 years old. Thirty one, thirty two, as I get older, every year, I want to produce a work I can call my own—an album filled with the works of actor Kim Rae Won. I’m hoping A Thousand Days’ Promise will be the beginning of that.”

He is a progressive actor. Although he’s been hurt by the harsh criticisms, the pain has contributed to his development.

Fortunately, Kim still has a lot to show viewers on A Thousand Days’ Promise, and he’s only just getting started.

“Kim Su Hyun said that it’s a work that will express a man’s sacrifice,” said Kim. “I believe that the sacrifice of a heartbroken man as the years go by will be revealed.”

Photo credit: Kim Byung Gwan
Translation credit: Nancy Lee

Uhm has appeared in numerous dramas, including ‘Crime Squad’, ‘Nice Girl Baek Il Hong’ and ‘Seoul Scandal’. She is also enjoying popularity as the face of Zespri Kiwi, even garnering the affectionate nickname ‘Kiwi Girl.’

Filmography:

Insadong Scandal (2009)
Hana Kage (2007)
Sunflower (2006)
Mr. Socrates (2005)
My Little Bride (2004)
…ing (2003)
2424 (2002)
Youth (2000)
Harpy (2000)
Scent of a Man (1998)


Dramagraphy:

A Thousand Days’ Promise (2011)
Gourmet (2008)
What’s Your Star? (2006)
Love Story in Harvard (2005)
Say You Love Me (2004)
Cat on the Roof (2003)
Snowman (2003)
My Love Patzzi (2002)
Life is Beautiful (2001)
Daughter of a Thief (2000)
School 2 (2000)
Soongpoong Clinic (2000)
Me (1997)


Books:
Kim Rae Won’s Feast (2008)

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Uhm Hyeon Kyeong 20110826 Kim Young Hoon 20110826