The recently-concluded K-drama The Legend Of The Blue Sea raked in such high ratings that it pushed South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun’s popularity further. BIBI NURSHUHADA RAMLI has the details
ALREADY widely known for taking on diverse roles convincingly, South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun, who plays the quirky, cute and spontaneous mermaid character in The Legend Of The Blue Sea, initially found the role difficult to portray.
The 35-year-old artiste always had to “appear enthusiastic” in the role.
“I did feel the pressure to show a personality that’s different from who I really am, like I needed to do something funny in every episode,” Jun admitted during an interview.
Jun leads an active lifestyle, but since she had to portray a mermaid, she had to swim more often than usual.
“It’s actually really hard to swim in the mermaid costume, and to look natural at the same time!”
“On this note, I don’t think I would want to play a mermaid again,” she says, laughing.
Then again, she understands that acting is all about immersing oneself into a character.
“And you begin to embody the personality’s traits and mindset. As an actress, you get to see things from different perspectives. Sometimes when I read a script, I’d think ‘what is she thinking? I would never do this’. For an actress, you get to realise that just because someone has different views, it doesn’t make him or her wrong.”
The Legend Of The Blue Sea tells the tale of the centuries-spanning love of the world’s last mermaid (Jun) and the man (Lee Min-ho, another much sought-after actor) who saves her.
In the present day, Lee plays a genius con, and hilarity ensues when he crosses path with Jun’s mermaid character as she attempts to adjust to life on land.
The series has been praised for its unique plot and the undeniable on-screen chemistry between its attractive leads.
She alsoJun has clinched various awards for her roles in this series as well as The Legend Of The Blue Sea, My Love From The Star and My Sassy Girl, and the film, Assassination.
The former model, who towers at 173cm, has been regarded as one of the country’s true elegant beauties.
Just like in her 2013 K-drama My Love From The Star, Jun surprised viewers by convincingly portraying her cheeky role in The Legend Of The Blue Sea.
Jun, who began her acting career in 1997 and starred in various TV dramas and films, including The Thieves My Sassy Girl and Windstruck, went on to make her Hollywood debut in the action film, Blood: The Last Vampire in 2009, playing the sword-wielding martial arts heroine.
She also clinched various awards for her roles in the series The Legend Of The Blue Sea, My Love From The Star and My Sassy Girl, and the film Assassination.
“Has it already been 19 years?” she asks, laughing. “Time passes by so fast when don’you’re not noticingt notice it; especially when you’re doing what you love.
“Being an actress is like going on a one-way road trip — you set out with some plans but you will soon realise that there are different routes you can take to reach your destination.
“Many times I was at a crossroad and had to decide if I should take risks and try new thingsroutes. People will always tell you to stick to your original plans, but my advice is to stick to your destination but be flexible with how you want to get there.
Jun prefers not to magnify her challenges in life, as she knows full well that no one has it easy, even the richest and best looking person on earth.
“I always approach challenges with honesty... that’s the best way to deal with things.”
The lanky beauty married banker Choi Joon-hyuk in 2012, and gave birth to their son in February last year. Having a little family of her own is her happiest achievement in life.
“Now that I’m a mother, the feeling is different. There is joy in seeing your loved ones happy.”
Her marriage and the birth of her son are the two biggest turning points in her life, putting her priorities in place.
“I feel that I’m more mature nowwhen entering a new phase in life. I would like to think that I have become more confident of myself too.
“I’m still the same person with the same values and beliefs. They keep me groundedmy feet on the ground, and help define who I am and the decisions that I make.”
She also acknowledges that being an actress comes with a social responsibility. “Beyond acting, it is also how you lead your life. Once you are considered public property, you have the responsibility to showcase the right values.”
Still, After becoming a mother, Jun has become less afraid of things, such as growing old and getting wrinkles.
“I feel at ease and that I can do more things than before. Now that I’m in my 30s, I realise that staying young is not merely about physical appearances.
“It is athe state of mind.”
She likes to think that every new year is magical, but her new year’s resolution every year remains the same — to become wiser.
“It is easy to fall into the trap thinking you have learnt all you’d ever need,” she says, adding that she is gladJun expresses her delight that her various projects, including The Legend Of The Blue Sea are enjoyed by fans in the region.
“It has been an incredible journey. To my fans who have grown up with me, let us keep on growing together.”
Catch the rerun of The Legend Of The Blue Sea today and tomorrow beginning 12.45pm on ONE HD (Astro Channel 393) with 10 episodes back-to-back each day.