Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Jeon So Min, a regular cast member of Running Man, is loved for her whimsical charm. She now approaches us as a friendly character with her easy-going side shown in variety shows, but she actually went through years of obscurity since entering the entertainment business in 2004.
The actress met her first big role ten years into her career when she was cast in MBC’s Princess Aurora (2013) as Oh Bo Ra, a woman who has it all, from looks and academic background to a wealthy family. Unlike East of Eden‘s (2008) Lee Ki Soon, who sacrificed herself for her family, she’s someone who’s loved dearly by her elder brothers. Because she played a female lead in a daily drama, she had to endure a tight filming schedule. However, Jeon showcased a solid performance, eventually winning the trophy for the best new actress at the 2013 MBC Drama Awards.
Additionally, the novel-adapted rom-com series Something About 1 Percent (2016) can’t be left out when talking about Jeon’s filmography. She played an elementary school teacher who gets entangled with an arrogant man who runs a hotel due to an inheritance issue and starred opposite Ha Seok Jin. The scenes where she danced as an advisor for a dance club and affectionate scenes with her co-star became a hot topic, enough to hold a fan meeting after the series ended.
Jeon, who has mostly shown her face in variety shows, is making her comeback as the main character of a mini-series after a long time. And the drama she chose is Channel A’s Show Window: The Queen’s House, which made headlines for its shockingly provocative plot of a woman who unknowingly supports her husband’s mistress. This time, the actress will present a whole new side of her as Mi Ra, a mistress standing at the center of a love triangle. Furthermore, she’ll greet the viewers with two other projects next year: the low-budget movie Young Lady (literal title) and the Korean remake of the British TV series Cleaning Up.
Jeon has revealed through several interviews that she was given the first chance in life with the MBC drama Princess Aurora. And, of course, the second chance came with the SBS variety show Running Man. Now, will her new work Show Window: The Queen’s House be the third chance for the actress who was viewed as an “entertainer” rather than an “actress” for the past few years? The one-act series Hee Soo aired in October was a project that reminded people of the fact that Jeon was indeed an actress. And I genuinely hope that Show Window: The Queen’s House will also become a drama that showcases actress Jeon So Min, who we have forgotten for some time.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
Translator Kim Hoyeun: If you are a fan of K-drama, K-movie, and K-pop, I am your guy. I will continue to provide you with up-to-date K-entertainment news.
