Actress Lim Ji-yeon's 'The Glory' and her own goals ['Part 2' Spoiler alert]
Actress Lim Ji-yeon's 'The Glory' and her own goals ['Part 2' Spoiler alert] (Photo: Netflix)

Debuting in the 2011 film 'Disaster Movie', Lim Ji-yeon has gone back and forth between the big screen and television with various characters in dramas such as "The Mansion", "Welcome 2 Life", and movies like "The Treacherous" and "Tazza: One-Eyed Jack". Although she faced criticism for her acting in the early days of her career, she has made continuous efforts to improve.

Lim Ji-yeon perfectly portrayed Park Yeon-jin in the Netflix original series "The Glory". Everyone called her by the name Park Yeon-jin, and she was summoned everywhere. Thus, Lim Ji-yeon delivered a brilliant performance that made people think of the word "expectation" first when thinking of her. That's who Lim Ji-yeon is - an actress who continues to evolve through relentless effort.

Park Yeon-jin's first and last moments were meticulously researched for months. As a result, Lim Ji-yeon once again proved that she is a truly talented actress. Her goal is to be a passionate actress, an actress who is good at acting. This time, we decided to listen to her story.

"The Glory" ending: The ultimate punishment for Park Yeon-jin. - Following are part of Lim Ji-yeon's interview with Korea's CBS No Cut News. 

▷ During the casting process of "The Glory", we wonder if writer Kim Eun-sook said anything about your role.

Kim Eun-sook said that I looked too kind and innocent, but she thought there might be something devilish inside me. She also said that she wouldn't embellish or romanticize my character, Yeon-jin.

I agreed with her wholeheartedly. I wanted Yeon-jin to be an unapologetic villain, with no redeeming qualities or actions that could lead to forgiveness. I wanted the world to hate her until the end. The writer, the director, and I all had the same mindset while creating Yeon-jin.

▷ In acting, you must first understand the character, but were there any aspects of Yeon-jin that you couldn't comprehend?

I analyzed Yeon-jin's character extensively, but there were many things I couldn't understand. There were numerous moments where I thought, "Could someone like this really exist?" and "How could this happen?" Other actors, who also played villains, would say, "Isn't Yeon-jin going too far?" even though they were also doing bad things (laughs).

Yeon-jin was the pinnacle of evil deeds. She committed wrongdoings without understanding the reasons behind them. It wasn't due to psychological issues or upbringing; she simply didn't know that what she was doing was wrong. I think she was unable to empathize with the victims or feel any guilt. That's why there was no chance for her to apologize or seek forgiveness later. It was difficult to play such a character, but I began with that understanding.

▷ In part 2, the outcome of Dong-eun's revenge on Yeon-jin was revealed. Do you think it was a fitting ending for her character?

In my interpretation, Yeon-jin's final scene was the ultimate punishment for her. It was an even greater punishment than facing death like Jae-joon did. Filming the last prison scene was emotionally challenging for me. I must have unknowingly loved and cared for Yeon-jin as a character. As an actress who had portrayed her, the final scene felt different from the previous evil deeds she had committed. It was very emotional and I cried a lot.

▷ You must have prepared a lot for this role.

It was a short appearance, but it was a scene that took several months to prepare from the moment the script came out. So, I feel a bit proud because the director helped a lot and saved me, so it came out as much as I wanted.

▷ How was the chemistry with Song Hye-kyo, who played Moon Dong, who shouted "Yeon-jin-ah" so much?

I'm so grateful to Song Hye-kyo. There were many scenes where I had to treat Hye-kyo badly, and I had to curse a lot, so I wanted to get close to her quickly. So, I even asked how I could get close to her on the first day of shooting. But on the contrary, she treated me very comfortably. She said, "Do whatever you want to do." Dong-eun was the most comfortable.

▷ I think it's impossible not to think about school violence while acting. What questions did you ask yourself about school violence? And if you could give any advice to a perpetrator of school violence like Yeon-jin, what would you like to say?

While watching 'The Glory' this time, I thought a lot about social issues. It's something that should never happen and should never happen. And I think it would be nice for the perpetrators to think about the path of sincerely asking the victims for forgiveness.

Actress Im Ji-yeon's "The Glory" and goals

▷ I think this is a work that received a lot of praise for acting. Actually, I think I've always worked hard on all my works. I've always tried, struggled to grow, and thought that someday people would recognize me, and although it was slower than I thought, I came this far because I liked the way I grew while challenging myself in various ways. I always thought that there would be more good opportunities if I followed my own path. So, I never thought that I would receive so much praise.

Actually, I was desperate for every work. I was scared to go to the set because I couldn't do it, and I kept thinking that I wanted to do well, not only 'The Glory' but also what I'm shooting now. And then, even though I collided and got frustrated, I acted with a sense of accomplishment when I did it again. I'm so grateful for the compliments. I think I have to try harder and do better.

▷ When was the most glorious moment in actress Im Ji-yeon's acting life? And what are Im Ji-yeon's goals?

I made my debut with the movie 'Obsessed,' and on the day of the preview, my mom came with a huge bouquet of flowers and said, "You were so, so pretty, Ji-yeon." I think it was that moment. I will never forget the moment when my mother came to see a movie that wasn't easy and said, "Our Ji-yeon was so pretty." From now on, as I have always done, I want to show you another side of me by working hard with perseverance and patience, even if it is slow. My goal is to be a passionate actress and a good actress.

▷ I heard that you have already decided on your next work.

Around the time "The Glory” was ending, I was wondering what work to do next, and I got a good opportunity to participate in "The House with a Yard". I think viewers will think that 'Yeon-jin' Im Ji-yeon is a different person. Unlike Yeon-jin, I play a woman who goes down to the underground world. I think I like works and roles with such distinct colors. I want to challenge various works and characters with various colors.

▷ It's time to say goodbye to Park Yeon-jin. Is there any last thing you would like to say to Yeon-jin?

Yeon-jin, there is no forgiveness. You will pay for your sins for the rest of your life, and I hope you regret and reflect on what you've done.