Actress Jang Young-nam conveyed her thoughts on the ending of "Our Unwritten Seoul" along with a Q&A related to the work.
The tvN weekend drama "Our Unwritten Seoul" (written by Lee Gang, directed by Park Shin-woo, Nam Gun, planned by Studio Dragon, produced by Monster Union, High Ground), which ended on the 29th, concluded with a perfectly closed happy ending.
Jang Young-nam played the role of "Kim Ok-hee," a strong single mother who lost her husband early on and had no time to grieve as she juggled work as a cosmetics door-to-door seller, an insurance salesperson, and a school cafeteria cook while raising her twin daughters.
Jang Young-nam, who delicately portrayed the character's complex inner conflict and transformation while resolving intertwined conflicts with her often troubled daughters Yu Mi-rae (played by Park Bo-young), Yu Mi-ji (played by Park Bo-young), and Kang Wol-soon (played by Cha Mi-gyeong), played a central role in the narrative. He shared his thoughts on the series conclusion through his agency, Jam Entertainment.
[Below is the full Q&A with actress Jang Young-nam]
Q. What are your thoughts on finishing the drama "Our Unwritten Seoul"?
"I am really sad that "Our Unwritten Seoul" is only 12 episodes long.
I felt so assured to work with the writer Lee Gang, who wrote such a wonderful script, and the director who beautifully created the drama, along with all the actors and staff who always acted sincerely. I am incredibly grateful for having lived as "Kim Ok-hee" during this time. Even though the work has ended, I hope the characters from "Our Unwritten Seoul" continue to live well somewhere. Above all, I want to express my gratitude to the viewers who have shared their empathy and comfort through our work. Thanks to you, it seems that this will remain a very meaningful piece of work.
Q. You played the strong single mother "Kim Ok-hee", who has lived as the breadwinner for nearly 30 years after losing her husband early. Were there any aspects you focused on while acting both internally and externally?
The character I portrayed, "Kim Ok-hee," did not receive love and attention from her parents during her childhood, and after losing her husband early, she is a strong single mother who raised her twin daughters, Yu Mi-rae and Yu Mi-ji, all on her own. Despite having her dreams, living was tough for her, and I thought that for Ok-hee, what mattered most was just getting through each day. Therefore, externally, I wanted to show a realistic appearance, so I hardly wore makeup and wore the same clothes repeatedly. Internally, although time passed, I wanted to express the clumsiness that comes from not having received parental love during childhood. I thought of Kim Ok-hee as a mother who struggled to express her true feelings to her children and who had difficulty in communication.
Q. "Kim Ok-hee" is the strong mother of twin daughters Yu Mi-rae and Yu Mi-ji, and the delicate daughter of Kang Wol-soon. Were there any challenges in portraying both mother and daughter roles simultaneously?
I didn't face significant difficulties. However, while I had played the role of someone's mother many times, portraying both a mother and a daughter for the first time made me happy to have my on-screen mother in the drama. Being both someone's mother and daughter is a common situation for everyone, right? I was glad that I could present both the mother and daughter in the work, thinking that "this could resonate more realistically" and became more immersed and empathetic in the drama. Also, Kim Ok-hee is more than just a mother and daughter; she is a woman, a person. I created the character with the thought that she continuously grows through development and trial and error in the process of living.
Q. Is there a memorable scene or line for you?
In Episode 1, the scene where I talk with actress Park Bo-young in the kitchen is the most memorable for me. That scene was my first scene and first filming, so I was both excited and nervous, but it was a moment that well depicted the relationship between a mother and daughter, so I remember paying a lot of attention to it, and that scene still remains the most memorable. I had such great chemistry with actress Park Bo-young that we filmed joyfully.
The line that stays with me is not mine, but the grandmother's comforting words to Mi-ja, comparing her to a snail, resonate with me the most: "Are you a coward for hiding because you're afraid of being eaten by a sea snail? Everyone fights to live." I felt really sympathetic when I heard that line, and I remember it gave me more comfort.
Q. How was the atmosphere on set and your chemistry with fellow actors?
The chemistry was undoubtedly fantastic. Watching the expressions and acting of all the actors gave me the sense that they naturally led me to act as well. Especially, actress Park Bo-young seems to have the ability to disarm people. When I am with Park Bo-young, I feel that she brings out a pure spirit in me, and I think she is a truly magnificent actress.
Q. It seems that the words that pervade the drama "Our Unwritten Seoul" are comfort and growth. How did actress Jang Young-nam experience comfort and growth through the drama <Our Unwritten Seoul> and her character 'Kim Ok-hee'?
I feel like I have grown as a person. As an actress, I live various lives, but in reality, I live as someone's mother and daughter, just like Kim Ok-hee. I often felt like a beginner in all aspects, just like Ok-hee, but filming "Our Unwritten Seoul" gave me a chance to reflect on my daily life and provided a chance for growth.
Q. What kind of legacy do you hope the drama "Our Unwritten Seoul" leaves with viewers?
These days, everything seems to be moving so quickly. As we go through life, there are occasionally confusing days. During such times, a warm word like "You worked hard" or "You did your best" can be a great source of comfort, so I hope our work will be remembered as a drama that offers courage and warmth of hope to everyone.
Q. Finally, could you give a last message to the viewers who loved the drama "Our Unwritten Seoul" and "Kim Ok-hee"?
I sincerely thank all the viewers who have watched "Our Unwritten Seoul" thus far. Thanks to you feeling a deep connection with our work and watching with affection, I believe the piece has shone even brighter. Once again, I sincerely thank you. Although each day is ordinary, I believe there are valuable moments we have unknowingly passed by. I hope you don't miss those moments and wish you constant happiness. Please take care of yourselves. Thank you.
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