My Troublesome Star has claimed to be the hit that will surpass ENA.
On the afternoon of the 12th, the production presentation for the Genie TV original drama 'My Troublesome Star' was held at The Saint Wedding in Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Choi Young-hoon, Uhm Jung-hwa, Song Seung-heon, Lee El, and Oh Dae-hwan attended the event and shared their thoughts.
'My Troublesome Star' is a romantic comedy filled with laughter and tears that unfolds after Korea's top star becomes an ordinary middle-aged woman overnight. Director Choi Young-hoon explained, "The drama starts with the story of Im Se-ra, who was a top star in her day, waking up one day to find herself a middle-aged woman close to rock bottom. What secrets might have been hidden there? It's a delightful and nostalgic comedy that revisits memory and time."
In the drama, Uhm Jung-hwa plays Bong Cheong-ja (Im Se-ra), who was once the 'national goddess' of the entertainment industry but has now become 'just a national' after 25 years are cut from the story. She stated, "I was joyful throughout the filming. The anticipation for the first broadcast is both exciting and nerve-wracking. I'm feeling a mix of happiness." She added, "Looking back, I have been active for a long time, so I felt that this book was very interesting. What if I suddenly became unrecognizable? I think that question is where my choice for the role started."
In this work, Uhm Jung-hwa also made a surprising transformation by purposely gaining weight and applying blush and freckles. Uhm Jung-hwa remarked, "I pondered a lot to embody the character of Bong Cheong-ja after the passage of time. I collaborated a lot with the director to create the image of Bong Cheong-ja. I wanted to evoke the feeling that she had to hide her face with big hair. Since I haven't been taking care of myself, spots and such have been left unattended on my face. I also layered my clothing quite a bit and felt comfortable eating while filming. I attempted to exaggerate Bong Cheong-ja's appearance, including her hair, so it felt very relaxed." She also stated, "Normally, we check our looks a lot while filming, but this time, I checked my appearance a lot to look more disheveled."
After playing the title role in 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', Uhm Jung-hwa once again takes on the lead role in this new project. When asked if she felt any pressure regarding the success of this drama, she replied, "I really hope it does well, but these days, the ratings aren't very high with so many people watching TV. That aspect makes me anxious and nervous. Our drama is very enjoyable, touching, and heartfelt, so I believe many people will resonate with it and enjoy watching it. I want it to be as loved as 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook'."
Song Seung-heon returns to a romantic comedy after being demoted from a once-prominent detective role to play the character of Dokgo-cheol. He said, "It was an honor to work on a fun project with Uhm Jung-hwa, and it was a joyful time during the shoot. The script itself was so entertaining, and filming was always fun, so there's a bit of anticipation. Among ourselves, we joked that this might be the biggest hit since ENA's inception, and I'm a little worried that it might actually become that way."
He revealed that this is the first time he acted without overthinking and just became Dokgo-cheol, saying, "How about this? How about that?" and comfortably acting. He confidently stated, "I dare say this might be the most relaxed portrayal of Song Seung-heon so far. I felt at ease, but the viewers might perceive it as something new. I think this synergy can become a strength." At that, Uhm Jung-hwa responded, "Even in fighting scenes, I insisted on pulling my hair more and asked him to actually hit me. I acted without holding back."
Lee El portrayed Ko Hee-young, a longtime supporting actress who had to swallow bitter tears while always overshadowed by Im Se-ra. He said, "While I have tried to show a natural appearance in the past, in this drama, I can show a fully made-up appearance. Acting as an actress was not easy within the drama. That's why it was even more enjoyable. There was fun in portraying an actress as someone outside looking in." When asked about his efforts for the character, he candidly mentioned, "The pretty clothes were tight. I tried to fit into the smaller outfits."
Oh Dae-hwan took on the role of Kang Du-won, who went from being a road manager, diminishing in front of Im Se-ra, to a successful global entertainment representative. He said, "It's my first time tackling this role" and noted, "I imagined being someone's boss while acting." However, when asked who that someone was, he humorously replied, "I can't say. It'll come out negatively." He added, after appearing in 'Salon de Holmes' and 'New Recruit', that he has once again participated in an ENA drama, saying about the title of 'ENA's son', "Am I really their son? I think I need to do a bit more." He humorously shared, "By chance, that became the case. Since we have six people in our family, we have many cell phones. (The phone bills) are combined for a discount, and with home internet, it costs quite a bit. I'm trying to switch that to KT. My wife and I have come to an agreement about it."
'My Troublesome Star' attracts attention for being the first project where Uhm Jung-hwa and Song Seung-heon reunite after 10 years since the movie 'Miss Wife'. Uhm Jung-hwa expressed, "I was so happy and enjoyed meeting actor Song again through this drama. I found his even more disheveled appearance lovely and charming." Meanwhile, Song Seung-heon remarked, "Time has passed so quickly. Back then it was a movie, just one episode lasting two hours. This time, it's a 12-episode series, and filming included so many incidents and ups and downs. It felt as if our chemistry was established and then it ended, but we had tons of fun filming while experiencing various happenings. I have a strong foreboding that if all the emotions we felt can be communicated to viewers and audiences, this will likely become ENA's top hit, surpassing 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'."
When asked why she chose a character with a somewhat similar narrative to those in her previous works, 'Miss Wife' and 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook', Uhm Jung-hwa said, "The script was interesting. I felt I could do well. That's why I chose it. The story of finding dreams again and taking on challenges could resonate with Cha Jeong-sook, but there are many other enjoyable and exciting stories, which made me choose this. The episodes that start from a supporting role were very enjoyable and touching to me. 'Cha Jeong-sook' shows that age or any other factor is not a problem and gives you a message that Bong Cheong-ja can also do the same. I found the story of pursuing dreams to have a different, attractive feeling, which led me to take on the challenge." She emphasized, "'Miss Wife' has a fantasy element, while 'My Troublesome Star' is a drama that closely connects with real life. I hope you'll pay attention and enjoy it."
Song Seung-heon also mentioned, "The setting of changing a person after over 25 years is something I expect to have a fantasy element. When I actually read the script and during the broadcast, there are many incidents. It includes mystery, thriller elements, and a bit of romantic comedy, but within that, there are points for comfort and healing. I was worried that the setting might be similar to others, but having read the script, there was no need for concern as it had a much richer storyline. After watching, people will understand why actors made these choices."
In particular, Song Seung-heon kept emphasizing that 'My Troublesome Star' will surpass 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook' and 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'. When asked about the unique appeal of 'My Troublesome Star', he said, "While I can't say it would be a hit comparable to other beloved successful works, even generating buzz and being promoted is a good thing. As the broadcast of My Troublesome Star approaches, I'm willing to make sacrifices (for promotion), also jokingly mentioning that."
Continuing, he stated, "I really loved and enjoyed watching 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' and I understand it is ENA's most successful work in terms of quality and ratings. As we filmed our work, it might seem like a simple romantic comedy, but when it airs, it's about a fallen top star making a comeback. One person facing reality and rising again. Dokgo-cheol assists Bong Cheong-ja, and in a way, I too have a broken life. We become each other's precious people, providing synergy, which gives a lot of laughter, empathy, and healing. There were many emotional moments during the filming, so it's not just about being funny, which I believe viewers will understand why I keep mentioning 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' and why I said it confidently."
Finally, Song Seung-heon said, "I will greet you as this year's top drama that will take responsibility for Monday and Tuesday nights." Uhm Jung-hwa expressed, "I think I will be happy if everyone waits for it with joyful hearts. I would also like to become ENA's older sister due to My Troublesome Star." Director Choi Young-hoon added, "It's a warm and kind comedy. I hope you find your precious treasure through My Troublesome Star."
Meanwhile, 'My Troublesome Star' is set to air starting on the 18th every Monday and Tuesday at 10 p.m. on ENA.
[Photo] OSEN reporter Choi Gyuhan.
[OSEN]