Yoona’s just like her character
The Girls’ Generation member Yoona tells Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli about how things were behind the scenes filming The King In Love
SHE’S dazzled music fans everywhere but Im Yoona has also been honing her acting skills. The charming member of the popular K-Pop group, Girls’ Generation, has starred in 10 K-drama series, a film and one Chinese TV show. These include the drama series and
The 27-year-old’s latest is the period drama currently on One HD. She plays Eun San, the beautiful daughter of the richest man in Goryeo. Things get complicated when she meets Wang Won (Im Si-wan), the handsome and ambitious crown prince of Goryeo, and his loyal best friend and bodyguard Wang Rin (Hong Jong-hyun). Their close friendship is quickly overtaken by political intrigue and romance.
“Eun San is clever, brave and wilful. She’s attractive in that she’s outwardly strong but soft-hearted. And she’s bright and carefree, just like me,” says the singeractress.
Apparently Yoona got physical too. “There were a few action scenes and I did the ones that weren’t too dangerous myself.”
This is the second time Yoona is in a period drama. The first was the Chinese drama,
which aired last year. “The biggest difference was getting used to the Goryeo era and its costumes but that’s only a small challenge.
“Most importantly, I got to portray a multi-dimensional character — something I’ve never attempted before,” she says.
Not one to confine herself to particular roles or genres, she adds: “Good characters, interesting scripts and unique storylines come together to make good drama.” BIG BROTHERS
Si-wan, a member of male K-Pop group, ZE:A, is the show’s lead. He has built a steady reputation as a formidable actor in works such as and
Jong-hyun also joins the cast fresh from the success of another period drama,
after winning the 2016 Korean Film Directory Society’s Popularity Awards last year.
“Both Si-wan and Jong-hyun were like big brothers who treated me kindly. We
(From left) Hong, Yoona and Im’s characters are involved in a love triangle.
actually hang out quite a lot in real life. “They made the filming process a fun one on set. I was very fortunate to have met them,” says Yoona, who recalls a couple of memorable moments during filming, when they had just began production.
The scene, shot on Jeju Island, depicted a formal meeting between the main characters. “Si-wan was dressed in a yellow costume. Bees must have thought he was a flower, so they kept following him. It was funny!
“Another scene required Jong-hyun to
eat some food, but it turned out to be rock hard! These two scenes made me laugh endlessly,” she said, giggling.
Overall, Yoona says that the K-drama series will touch viewers with its meaningful message.
She adds: “Plus, the love triangle between two men and one woman only gets more exciting as the drama progresses.”