Actress Lee Yeon-doo expressed her thoughts through a Q&A session following the conclusion of 'My Merry Marriage.'
Park Hana starred in the KBS daily drama 'My Merry Marriage' (written by Song Jeong-rim, directed by Kim Seong-geun), which recorded a peak viewer rating of 16.0% and concluded successfully. Lee Yeon-doo portrayed the character 'Kang Ji-na,' who was raised as a princess and possesses overwhelming power, and received acclaim for her immersed character portrayal and lively performance. In response, Lee Yeon-doo shared her thoughts on 'My Merry Marriage' through her agency FN Entertainment to repay the love she received.
[Below is the full Q&A with actress Lee Yeon-doo]
Q. 'My Merry Marriage' recorded high viewership, successfully wrapping up. Any comment?
It was a special time where I could live as a character different from myself by playing 'Kang Ji-na.' I really enjoyed filming with the teachers and fellow actors, so I was truly happy for eight months. It's very regretful to part with the actors and staff I worked with.
I sincerely thank all the viewers who loved our drama 'My Merry Marriage' until the end.
Q. Did you prepare anything special before starting this project?
Since the character was very different from my usually cheerful self, I practiced a lot to change my speech and expressions.
I think I made a lot of efforts to understand her by asking the question, 'Why does Kang Ji-na act that way?'
Q. How does Lee Yeon-doo perceive Kang Ji-na? Were there any specific aspects you focused on while portraying this character?
Kang Ji-na grew up wanting everything she desired and lived without deficiencies, yet she could not receive love and thus doesn't know how to give or receive love. While being drawn to Seon-min Ki, who lived differently and received love, she seems to have been involved in unhealthy love due to her clumsiness in love. I think I acted with the belief that this wrongness is not truly wrong but simply what seems right from Ji-na's perspective.
Q. What was the most enjoyable moment or memorable scene while working on this project?
I fought endlessly with Min-ki, but the first fight remains particularly memorable. It was when everything was awkward in the early stages of the drama, and I used my whole body, raised my voice, cried a lot, even broke a vase, and fought fiercely, making it a memorable scene.
Q. What are some lessons you learned or areas in which you grew through this project?
It was daunting and concerning to portray a character with a personality and disposition entirely opposite to mine. As an actress, I always have to take on new challenges, but 'Kang Ji-na' seemed to give me a quest with every scene. Over the eight months, I successfully completed many quests alongside Ji-na, and I believe I grew in focus, comprehension, expressiveness, and in countless ways that are hard to articulate.
Q. How was the chemistry with fellow actors on set?
I was so grateful to be able to act with such warm individuals. The emotions of 'Ji-na' were always difficult and complex for me, but thanks to my fellow actors, I could ultimately finish the last 125 episodes filled with more happiness than difficulty.
Q. What do you think 'My Merry Marriage' will mean for Lee Yeon-doo?
It was a piece that introduced me to new challenges and helped me discover a new side of myself.
It was tough but truly fulfilling, and I don't think I will ever forget this project.
Q. A final message to the viewers who loved 'My Merry Marriage.'
Thank you for loving 'My Merry Marriage' for such a long time^^
Did you hate 'Ji-na' a lot? I felt very happy as it seems that even the hate I received was a form of praise!
Next time, I will definitely come back with a role that can be loved, so please don't forget me, Lee Yeon-doo, and wait for me^^ Thank you!
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