Kim Ji-eun Stars in Her Debut Historical Drama as a Cross-dressing Character

Kim Ji-eun Discusses Her Role in “Check-in Hanyang”

In an exclusive interview released on December 15, the team behind Channel A’s highly anticipated weekend drama, “Check-in Hanyang” , engaged with actress Kim Ji-eun, who shared insights into her motivations for choosing the role and her perspectives on her character. Scheduled to debut on December 21, this historical youth romance unfolds against the vibrant backdrop of Yongcheonru, the largest brothel of the Joseon era, where fortunes can turn swiftly for those with wealth.

A Unique Ensemble and Storyline

“Check-in Hanyang”sparks intrigue with its captivating ensemble featuring a dynamic mixture of three men and a woman. Central to this ensemble is Kim Ji-eun, portraying Hong Deok-soo, who collaborates with Bae In-hyuk (Mu Young-gun Lee Eun/Lee Eun-ho), Jeong Geon-ju (Cheon Jun-hwa), and Park Jae-chan (Go Su-ra) as part of the “Hao Na 4” group. Kim’s character, Hong Deok-soo, is a resilient education servant who infiltrates Yongcheonru while disguised as a man, fueled by her quest to uncover the truth behind her father’s death.

Exploring the Character of Hong Deok-soo

Kicking off her exploration of the role, Kim Ji-eun described “Check-in Hanyang”as a poignant tale of Deok-soo—whose cross-dressing journey is prompted by deep-rooted reasons—and her experiences alongside three other youth navigating the complex silks of Joseon’s most notorious hotel. Kim revealed, “This is my first venture into a historical drama, and the concept of a woman disguised as a man was incredibly compelling to me, leading me to eagerly join the project.”

Resilience Amidst Struggles

Throughout the series, Hong Deok-soo encounters a barrage of challenges following the death of her father, yet her tenacity shines through as she strives to assert her identity and aspirations in a male-dominated environment. Kim Ji-eun expressed her admiration for Deok-soo’s spirit, saying, “She faces life’s hardships with a smile, remaining resilient and optimistic. I find that truly admirable.”

Finding Parallels and Personal Growth

When drawing comparisons between herself and her character, Kim Ji-eun remarked modestly, “I consider myself strong, but Deok-soo demonstrates an even greater level of courage and strength.” Her infectious laughter in this moment underscored the connection she shares with Hong Deok-soo, reflecting a harmonious blend of strength and vulnerability.

Embracing Challenges and New Experiences

As Kim Ji-eun embarks on this historically rich and demanding role, she recognizes the significance of this project as more than just a performance. It marks her first engagement with the historical genre and her debut as a cross-dressing character. She stated, “I aim to showcase my versatility across different genres through this role, making ‘Check-in Hanyang’ a transformative journey in my acting career.”

Source & Images