Singer and actress IU (32, real name Lee Ji-eun) shared her thoughts on appearing in 'Bokssak Sogassuda'.
The Netflix series 'Bokssak Sogassuda' unfolds the adventurous life of a rebellious girl, Aesoon, born in Jeju, and the clumsy ironworker, Gwan-sik, across four seasons. It vividly depicts their pure teenage years, unpredictable youth, and the tumultuous middle-aged years as they confront the challenges life throws at them, despite having grown up together in Jeju but being completely different in every aspect.
The series is a collaboration between writer Im Sang-chun of 'When the Camellia Blooms' and director Kim Won-seok of 'Misaeng'. IU plays young Aesoon, while Moon So-ri portrays adult Aesoon. Park Bo-gum plays young Gwan-sik, and Park Hae-joon takes on the role of adult Gwan-sik. IU also plays the role of Aesoon's daughter, Geum-myeong, effectively taking on two roles.
Within just one day of its release, it topped the Netflix 'Top 10 Series in South Korea' ranking. Even after the release of the fourth act, it maintained its number one position, receiving positive reviews from viewers.
When asked about her feelings upon release, IU said, "I'm happy. I've received so many supportive messages from people around me, and even those I haven't been in touch with are responding, so I feel a sense of solidarity with those who are doing various things, which is rewarding and makes me happy." She added, "As for the ratings, since this is my first Netflix series, I don't know the standards. I don't know what level is considered successful, but every week, I see smiles and hear congratulations, so I think it's doing well, even if I'm not exactly sure."
IU expressed that she is a fan of writer Im Sang-chun, saying, "Personally, I didn't know her, but after receiving a call from the writer and having a meeting at her studio shortly after, I was so excited to hear the script treatment. I enjoyed talking to her, but I was eager to go home and read the script, so I couldn't focus on the conversation. Even just hearing the story was heart-pounding material and narrative. I read the script at home and said I really wanted to do it. It all happened smoothly."
She continued, "I was also very curious about writer Im Sang-chun. I didn't ask her age, but when I first saw her, she looked youthful, and I thought she was similar to me. She is someone who holds Aesoon and Gwan-sik in her heart. She is very Aesoon-like and Gwan-sik-like. When we talk, she catches even the smallest details. Sometimes she shares cute topics, and at other times, she says things that deeply touch the heart. Even though I've known her for about three years, I'm curious about what kind of world exists within her. She's unique and charming."
IU played both Aesoon and Geum-myeong in 'Bokssak Sogassuda'.
Regarding this, she said, "When I had my first meeting with the writer, she said I had to take on two roles, which was a heart-pounding mission for me. It would be a lie to say I wasn't worried, but I trusted the script. Since director Kim Won-seok was involved, I felt it wouldn't be a lonely endeavor. I had a lot of trust in the process."
She added, "The working period was long, and there were tough days, but it would be a lie to say it wasn't hard, as director Kim Won-seok is meticulous and has his own standards. However, every day of filming 'Bokssak Sogassuda' was very rewarding. I would come back exhausted and fall asleep, but rather than feeling regretful or tired, I felt a sense of fulfillment that I had accomplished something that day. It was a rewarding project that allowed me to stay focused on set."
When asked about the parts of Aesoon and Geum-myeong she could relate to, IU said, "At some point, I used to feel the burden that my success depended on my family's financial situation. Since I was acting as Aesoon, I felt that Aesoon didn't expect that kind of support from her. She was just doing what her daughter wanted, but from Geum-myeong's perspective, there was a burden to succeed as the eldest daughter, which I could relate to."
Regarding her feelings after finishing the project, she said, "This was my first long-term project, and I wanted to test my perseverance and push myself into a corner. Every day was good training. I kept the promises I made to myself, which increased my self-love. There are times when I feel disappointed in myself with some projects, but with 'Bokssak Sogassuda', I want to praise myself for keeping my promises from the start. Just being able to be part of such a great project makes me feel like I've succeeded. I think it's a good life and a grateful life. Working with these people made me feel like 'Ji-eun had a big adventure'."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
