Actor 안희연 delivered a meticulously emotional performance that even captured public attention.
On July 1 and 2, episodes 3 and 4 of KBS 2TV weekend drama 사랑이 온다 (directed by Hong Seok-gu / written by Lee Kyung-hee / produced by Monster Union, Contents G) depicted in detail the turbulent arc of Han Gyurim (played by 안희연), who had to make a painful choice between love and the cruel reality of family obligations.
In that episode, Han Gyurim dreamed of a rosy future with her beloved boyfriend Mu-jin (played by Ha Seok-jin), but she ultimately hid her feelings and announced a false breakup after colliding with the overwhelming reality that he was the scion of a chaebol family. Even amid a hellish reality where collectors' notices flew in because her father put the house up as collateral for a loan, Gyurim stirred viewers' tears by showing a firm sense of responsibility to protect her younger siblings rather than collapsing under her emotions.
In particular, 안희연's restrained acting shone. Burying her aching feelings for Mu-jin deep in her heart, she naturally conveyed Gyurim's complex psychology as she turned away coldly for the sake of her family. She conveyed the weight of an "outerly gentle, inwardly strong" character—warm without limit in love but unbowed in the face of harsh reality—leaving a heavy aftertaste.
The drama then leapt forward eight years. Portraying Gyurim, now a mother, 안희연 convincingly conveyed the passage of time with a more mature presence and deeper gaze. Above all, when she unexpectedly reunited with her former lover Mu-jin, she conveyed a storm of emotions through a fleeting wavering in her eyes and subtle changes in expression, increasing curiosity about future developments.
Such strong acting by 안희연 immediately translated into hot buzz. 안희연 ranked No. 1 in the fourth week of July on the Good Data–based "drama search issue keyword top 10." Critics say her vigorous performance, leading the character's narrative at the center of the drama, paid off.
Meanwhile, 안희연 announced her marriage to psychiatrist Yang Jae-woong in 2024, but the revelation of a patient's death at Yang Jae-woong's hospital caused a blow. The hospital's attending physician and other staff were indicted on charges including professional negligence resulting in death and violations of the Act on the Improvement of Mental Health and the Support for Welfare Services for Mental Patients, and Yang Jae-woong's hospital began liquidation procedures. 안희연's wedding with Yang Jae-woong was postponed indefinitely, and 안희연, who was affected by the fallout, halted her acting activities for a while.
Announcing her return with 사랑이 온다, 안희연 was asked at the production presentation about the burden related to the matter and said, "I am sorry if my personal matters caused concern to many people. In fact, I feel awkward talking about my personal story at a time like this. Many people have worked hard and put their hearts into making this project, and my greatest wish is not to tarnish those efforts. So I ask for your broad understanding where it is difficult to give specific answers." She added, "Of course it has been a big burden. But that is also something I must bear, so I am doing my best and staying strong. I am grateful to be able to meet many people through a weekend drama. Through the character Gyurim, I want to give many people comfort, hope and love."
[photo] OSEN database, broadcast capture
[OSEN]