From "Our Blues" to "Crash Course in Romance" and "Hear Me: Our Summer," actress Roh Yoon-seo, who won double rookie awards at the Baeksang Arts Awards, threw herself into her first historical drama since her debut. Although difficulties were expected because the historical drama blends with the occult genre, Roh Yoon-seo overcame criticism of her acting and successfully introduced a new face.
She debuted in 2022 as Bang Yeong-ju in the tvN drama Our Blues, delicately portraying a complex psychology and quickly leaving a strong impression; that actress is Roh Yoon-seo. Afterward, through the drama Crash Course in Romance and the film Hear Me: Our Summer, she received praise from critics and the public, and her outstanding acting was recognized as she swept the rookie awards in both the TV and film divisions at the Baeksang Arts Awards, setting the record of a "double rookie award." Roh Yoon-seo has established herself as a leading actress viewers can trust, drawing the most stable trajectory among actresses born in the 2000s in their 20s.
Roh Yoon-seo's next step was the Netflix series East Palace (written by Kwon So-ra and Seo Jae-won, directed by Choi Jung-gyu, planned and produced by Shonorous and Imaginus). It is an occult historical drama that depicts the story of Gu-cheon, who has the ability to traverse the world of ghosts (鬼), and the court lady Saenggang, who keeps a secret, as they are summoned by the king and uncover the curse dwelling in the East Palace.
Roh Yoon-seo played the role of the inspection court lady "Saenggang," who hears the voices of ghosts, leading the drama. However, early after the work's release, viewers had mixed reactions about the historical drama's distinctive vocalization, tone and facial expressions. Regarding this, Roh Yoon-seo said, "Because I had a challenging mindset, it is true that I felt burdened," and directly accepted the feedback.
I am aware of the public's reaction after the release and I am listening carefully. As every actor has regrets about their own performance, I too, being in my first historical drama, had areas I was disappointed with. Through what viewers felt, I learned things I had not recognized before, which was helpful, and I think I need to work harder.
However, as the power behind the Baeksang Arts Awards double rookie wins exerted itself, her acting was evaluated as more stable as the episodes progressed. East Palace, featuring Roh Yoon-seo as herself, recorded 4.9 million views three days after its release on the 17th, rose to No. 2 on the global non-English shows top 10, and immediately after release topped today's Korea top 10 series at No. 1. It also appeared on top 10 lists in 27 countries including Hong Kong, Thailand, the Philippines and India, not only in Korea.
As the work progressed into its latter half, I became more in tune with the character Saenggang and found it easier to empathize. Exchanging energy with seniors Cho Seung-woo and Nam Joo-hyuk and receiving acting advice on rhythm and historical drama tone allowed me to find my feel.
Because it was her first historical drama combined with the occult genre, the harsh shooting environment was something Roh Yoon-seo had not experienced before. Having been active in bright youth pieces and contemporary dramas, this environment could have felt unfamiliar, but she overcame it by developing camaraderie and close chemistry with fellow actors such as Nam Joo-hyuk, Cho Seung-woo and Jang Young-nam.
When discussing scenes with senior Nam Joo-hyuk, our opinions matched well, which was reassuring. Senior Cho Seung-woo lightened the mood on set with jokes, but when approaching acting his depth of thought was profound and I received a lot of energy. In the face-off scene with Ms. Jang Young-nam, watching her act right before my eyes gave me catharsis.
Although the occult worldview was dark and cool, the set of East Palace was warmer and more pleasant than ever. Receiving energy from fellow actors with whom she worked, Roh Yoon-seo finished East Palace splendidly, and as a result of numerous praises, she made audiences look forward to her next step.
I still suddenly feel like I'm an art student. Everything from my debut to now is amazing and I am grateful. I feel good whenever I hear the term "rising star." I want to continue being a rising star. When I focus too much on the pressure, my confidence drops. My mindset is simply to enjoy the set and do well in what I'm assigned. Through East Palace I learned many new things, so I want to be an actor who, whether in action or any other genre, continuously shows an upgraded new face.
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