Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
After the success of The Glory, even her family calls her Yeon Jin instead of her real name. Lim Ji Yeon isn’t just another new face that burst onto the scene. Long before capturing the public’s eye, she confidently introduced herself as “Jeon Do Yeon” during her days at the Korea National University of Arts. Now, she steps into the spotlight alongside the real Jeon Do Yeon in the film Revolver. Here’s a deep dive into Lim Ji Yeon’s five signature works across various genres, showcasing her versatility from melodramas to thrillers.
Obsessed (2014)
Set around the end of the Vietnam War in 1969, Obsessed tells the story of a fatally intoxicating affair between two people. Jin Pyeong (Song Seung Heon), a war hero poised for promotion to general, finds his world upturned when his loyal subordinate Woo Jin (On Joo Wan) and his wife Ga Heun (Lim Ji Yeon) move into his neighborhood. From their first encounter, Jin Pyeong and Ga Heun are helplessly drawn to each other, their intense emotions unfolding even amidst a tense backdrop. Lim Ji Yeon, a rookie actress at the time, garnered critical acclaim for her role, sweeping up Best New Actress awards at the Grand Bell Awards, the Blue Dragon Awards, and the Korean Film Critics Association Awards.
>> Lim Ji Yeon Expresses Gratitude to Her Mom for Being Supportive of Her R-rated Debut
High Society (2015)
High Society marks Lim Ji Yeon’s TV drama debut, following her breakout role in Obsessed. The series explores the romance between a chaebol heiress and two men who use her to climb the social ladder. It reflects the harsh realities of 2015 Korea, where “rag-to-riches stories” become an impossibility and the love and work of struggling youth. Lim plays Lee Ji Yi, who after high school works in a department store food market and unexpectedly meets chaebol-born Yoo Chang Soo (Park Hyung Sik). What might seem like a typical romance takes nuanced turns as the characters strive to overcome their social differences and hold onto hope.
Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area (2022)
Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area is set against the backdrop of an imminent unification of the Korean Peninsula and features a brilliant strategist alongside a team of thieves with unique skills taking over the mint in an unprecedented hostage crisis. This crime drama is a remake of the globally successful Spanish series, uniquely adapted to the specific circumstances of Korea as a divided nation. Lim Ji Yeon plays Seoul, a new character not in the original series, who becomes a key figure in a mercenary group led by Berlin (Park Hae Soo). Despite limited screen time in Part 2, Lim steals the show in her critical supporting role.
Rose Mansion (2022)
In Rose Mansion, Lim Ji Yeon stars as Ji Na, who returns home after a year to search for her missing sister and unravels unsettling truths alongside a detective (Yoon Kyun Sang). Working a contract job at a hotel, Ji Na appears to lead a stable life but struggles internally with inferiority. The tension escalates among the mysterious characters, culminating in a shocking twist. Lim skillfully portrays Ji Na’s complex emotions amidst the investigation and the intricate romantic subplot, leading the series to success.
Lies Hidden in My Garden (2023)
Lies Hidden in My Garden weaves the tale of two women, each leading distinctly different lives, who are brought together by a mysterious odor emanating from the backyard. Based on a novel, it vividly captures the unpleasantness of odors that one can’t imagine from text alone. Lim Ji Yeon plays Choo Sang Eun, who suffers from domestic violence at the hands of her husband. Following her husband’s sudden death, at the funeral, she encounters Joo Ran (Kim Tae Hee), a woman living a starkly different life. Lim appears disheveled and without makeup, vividly portraying a character worn down by poverty and violence, engulfed in helplessness and emptiness. One particular scene caught everyone’s eye—after being questioned about her husband’s death, she frantically devours her meal in a Chinese restaurant.
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.
