Actress Lee Yeon-du shared her thoughts through a Q&A following the conclusion of “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong.”
Lee Yeon-du played the role of Kang Ji-na, a powerful figure born as a princess and the nemesis of the main character Gong-hee, in the KBS daily drama “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong” (written by Song Jeong-rim, directed by Kim Seong-geun), which ended successfully with a peak rating of 16.0%. She showcased her character immersion and vibrant acting.
Through her agency FN Entertainment, Lee Yeon-du expressed her feelings regarding “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong.”
She said, “It was a special time where I could live as a character very different from myself, Kang Ji-na. I was truly happy for 8 months as I filmed joyfully and diligently with my teachers and fellow actors. I feel very sad to part ways with the actors and staff I worked with.”
She added, “I sincerely thank the viewers who loved our drama ‘Let’s Get Married, Maenggong’ until the end.”
Below is the full Q&A with Lee Yeon-du
Q. “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong” ended successfully with high ratings. What are your thoughts?
It was a special time where I could live as a character very different from myself, Kang Ji-na. I was truly happy for 8 months as I filmed joyfully and diligently with my teachers and fellow actors. I feel very sad to part ways with the actors and staff I worked with. I sincerely thank the viewers who loved our drama “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong” until the end.
Q. Did you prepare anything special before starting this project?
Since Kang Ji-na is a character very different from my usual cheerful self, I practiced a lot to change my speech and expressions. I think I made a lot of efforts to understand her by asking myself, “Why does Kang Ji-na act this way?”
Q. How do you perceive Kang Ji-na? Were there any key points you focused on while portraying this character?
Kang Ji-na lived without any shortcomings, having everything she wanted, but she grew up without receiving love, so she doesn’t know how to give or receive love. She is drawn to and loved by Seon-min, who has lived differently, but because she is clumsy in love, I think she has experienced wrong love. I acted with the belief that this wrongness is not wrong but rather something that makes sense from Ji-na’s perspective.
Q. What was the most enjoyable moment or memorable scene while working on this project?
I fought countless times with Min-ki, but I remember our first fight the most. It was at the beginning of the drama when everything felt awkward, and I remember that scene where I used my whole body, shouted loudly, cried a lot, broke a vase, and fought fiercely.
Q. What did you learn or how did you grow through this project?
It was a burden and a worry to portray a character with a personality and disposition completely opposite to mine. As an actor, I always have to take on new challenges, but Kang Ji-na seemed to give me a quest with every scene. Over the 8 months, I successfully completed many quests with Ji-na, and I believe I learned and grew in focus, understanding, expression, and many things that cannot be expressed in words.
Q. How was the chemistry with your fellow actors on set?
I was so grateful to be able to act with such warm people. The emotions of “Ji-na” were always difficult and complex for me, but thanks to my fellow actors, I was able to finish the 125 episodes with more happiness than difficulty.
Q. How do you think “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong” will remain in your memory?
It was a work where I took on new challenges and discovered a new side of myself. It was tough, but I was truly happy, and I don’t think I will ever forget this project.
Q. A final message to the viewers who loved “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong.”
Thank you for loving “Let’s Get Married, Maenggong” for such a long time. You must have disliked “Ji-na” a lot, right? I felt so happy that even being disliked seemed like a compliment! I will definitely return with a role that can be loved next time, so please don’t forget me, Lee Yeon-du, and wait for me. Thank you!
