Singer and actor Uhm Jung-hwa and Song Seung-heon are going to go all out.
On the afternoon of the 12th, a production presentation for the Genie TV original drama "My Troublesome Star" took place 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 to share their thoughts.
"My Troublesome Star" is a romantic comedy that unfolds with tears and laughter after Korea's top star becomes an ordinary middle-aged woman overnight. Director Choi Young-hoon noted, "The drama starts with the premise that Im Sera, once a top star, wakes up one day to find herself as a middle-aged woman close to rock bottom. What secrets might she have? It's a delightful and touching comedy that rewinds memory and time."
In the story, Uhm Jung-hwa and Song Seung-heon play the roles of Bong Cheong-ja (Im Sera), who went from being the "national goddess" dominating the entertainment industry to becoming "just a citizen" in an edited 25-year journey, and Dok Go-cheol, a once-successful detective who has been demoted, creating romantic chemistry together.
After a long absence from romantic comedies, Song Seung-heon said, "It was an honor to work on a fun project with senior Uhm Jung-hwa, and it was a joyful time throughout the filming. The script itself was so entertaining that I always enjoyed shooting it, and I think we might have the biggest hit since ENA was established, so I feel a little worried that it might actually happen."
Uhm Jung-hwa, who had many concerns about portraying Bong Cheong-ja 25 years later, explained, "I created Bong Cheong-ja's image by combining the director's thoughts and my own. I wanted to give off the sensation of having a full head of hair to hide my face. Because I hadn't taken care of myself, my skin had spots and other issues that were left untreated. I also wore many layers and ate comfortably while filming. I even puffed up my body for Bong Cheong-ja and tried out exaggerated hairstyles, so it was very comfortable for me."
She added, "Typically, we check our appearance a lot during shooting, but this time, I checked it just to mess it up. It was fun to put on makeup. When I puffed up my hair and painted freckles and blushing on my face, that created Bong Cheong-ja's look. I bundled up my clothes and was influenced a lot by that makeup."
Song Seung-heon also delivered a passionate performance, willing to go all out just like Uhm Jung-hwa. He said, "Dok Go-cheol's acting was the most reckless I've done. I didn't calculate things and just became Dok Go-cheol, thinking, 'How about this?' and 'How about that?' while acting comfortably. I boldly say that you'll see the most at ease version of Song Seung-heon in my acting so far. I felt comfortable, but the audience might feel something new. Those aspects can create synergy and become a strength." Uhm Jung-hwa chimed in, "When we fought, I asked him to grab my hair more, and I even asked him to hit me for real. I acted without holding back."
For both of them, "My Troublesome Star" holds special significance as it marks a reunion approximately 10 years after the film "Miss Wife." Uhm Jung-hwa shared, "I was so happy and enjoyed meeting actor Song again through this drama. His desire to go all out again looked lovely and impressive."
Song Seung-heon remarked, "Time flies so fast. It feels like just yesterday we filmed the movie 'Miss Wife.' As I took photos, memories from that time came back to me. Back then, it was a 2-hour film, so there was a single set episode. Now it's a 12-episode series, which resulted in many incidents and twists while filming. During our time shooting together, it felt like we just synced our breathing, and I felt disappointed when it ended, but we had fun filming without any regrets after experiencing various incidents. I have a strong feeling that everything we felt will be communicated to the audiences and viewers, making it the biggest hit for ENA, stronger than 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo.'"
When asked about whether she felt any pressure to perform well following her previous title role in 'Doctor Cha Jeong-suk,' Uhm Jung-hwa replied, "I really hope it does well, but these days, it's not a time when many people watch TV simultaneously, which makes me quite anxious and nervous. However, I believe our drama will be very enjoyable, touching, and moving, and that many people will resonate with it. I want it to be as beloved as 'Doctor Cha Jeong-suk.'"
Moreover, the character Bong Cheong-ja in 'My Troublesome Star' shares a lot in common with Cha Jeong-suk from 'Doctor Cha Jeong-suk' in that she is a protagonist who, after a long hiatus, returns to pursue her dreams. When asked why she chose this project with a similar narrative to her previous one, Uhm Jung-hwa explained, "The script was interesting. I felt I could do well, so I chose it. I thought a story about finding dreams again could resonate with Cha Jeong-suk, but there are many other exciting and fascinating elements that made me choose it. The episodes starting from a minor role felt very interesting and touching. Cha Jeong-suk showed that age or anything else does not matter in starting anew, and I also wanted to convey that message through Bong Cheong-ja, which made me feel that the story of pursuing dreams attracted me differently."
Song Seung-heon added, "After more than 25 years, people expect some changes, thinking of fantasy elements, but there are many incidents, mysteries, and thrills, as well as romance, but it also has points where it brings comfort and healing. I was worried about whether the body would change after 25 years, wondering if it might be similar to 'Miss Wife.' However, after reading the script, I realized there was no need for concern, as it had a much richer story, so I had no hesitation in choosing it. Once you watch the drama, I believe people will understand why I kept talking about 'Woo Young-woo' confidently." Uhm Jung-hwa added, "'Miss Wife' has fantasy while 'My Troublesome Star' is a drama with a realistic aspect attached. I hope you take an interest in it and find it enjoyable."
Confidently stating that 'My Troublesome Star' is "a work that will surpass 'Cha Jeong-suk' and 'Woo Young-woo,'" Song Seung-heon, when asked about the appeal of 'My Troublesome Star,' said, "I cannot say it's a hit like many beloved and successful works because that might not be a good statement. However, if it creates an issue like that, that would be good for promotion. I'm also willing to make a personal sacrifice to make 'My Troublesome Star' more talked about before its airing."
He remarked, "I really enjoyed watching 'Woo Young-woo' and thought it was a fantastic work. I understand it's ENA's most successful production. As we filmed our drama, though it is marketed as a simple romantic comedy, it is a story of the downfall and resurgence of a ruined top star. It involves a character who confronts reality and rises again, where Dok Go-cheol plays a supportive role next to Bong Cheong-ja. In a way, both of us have ruined lives but we become precious to each other, providing synergy, which also brings laughter and sympathy, and there are many touching moments while filming. It doesn't just end on a humorous note. I believe people will understand why I often mentioned 'Woo Young-woo' and confidence behind that statement after watching the drama."
In conclusion, Song Seung-heon stated, "I will greet you as this year's best drama airing on Mondays and Tuesdays," maintaining his confidence until the end. Uhm Jung-hwa also expressed her aspirations, saying, "I think I will be happy if I wait with a truly joyful heart. Because of 'My Troublesome Star,' I want to become the older sister of ENA," and Director Choi Young-hoon emphasized, "It's a kind and warm comedy. Through 'My Troublesome Star,' I hope you find your precious valuable moments."
[Photo] OSEN Reporter Choi Kyu-han.
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