Son Ye-jin avoids historical dramas, why she chose “Scandal”
Actress Son Ye-jin has returned to the screen with a historical drama, rather than a modern one. In the Netflix series “Scandal,” she plays Jo, a woman from the Joseon Dynasty. While she had previously found historical dramas to be a burden, she was drawn to the complex desires and narrative of the character, which led her to accept the role.
According to the official announcement from Netflix, “Scandal” is an 8-episode series based on the novel “Dangerous Liaisons” by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, which was the basis for the 2003 film. Son Ye-jin, along with Ji Chang-wook and Nana, portrays the relationships in the Joseon era where taboos and desires coexist.
Son Ye-jin, who had avoided historical dramas for over 20 years
Son Ye-jin explained that in the early days of her career, the costumes and hairstyles required for historical dramas posed a significant burden on her ability to focus on her acting. In particular, she stated that the heavy wigs and the multiple layers of traditional Korean clothing made it difficult for her to readily choose roles in historical dramas.
In a recent interview, he revealed the reasons why he had avoided historical dramas for a long time, but also stated that he felt he would regret it if he missed this particular project. His desire to challenge himself with a well-made historical drama, even if it meant enduring some discomfort, was the driving force behind his decision.
The multifaceted desires of Mrs. Jo that motivated Son Ye-jin
Mrs. Jo is not a simple villain or a typical member of the ruling class. She possesses exceptional talent, but is unable to fully realize her potential due to her gender, and lives a life constrained by the roles that society expects of her.
Son Ye-jin did not approach Mrs. Jo as a character she could fully understand or readily empathize with. Focusing instead on the fact that she was a character whose repressed desire for self-realization and sense of deprivation emerged in distorted ways, she sought through her acting to reveal even Mrs. Jo’s uncomfortable and unfamiliar sides.
A new challenge: choosing a historical drama instead of a modern one
As mentioned in the initial report, the explanation that Son Ye-jin chose “Scandal” because of the acting freedom offered by modern dramas does not align with the actual setting of the work. “Scandal” is not a modern drama, but a period drama set in the Joseon Dynasty. Son Ye-jin also stated that she was drawn to the character of Lady Jo and decided to appear in the drama, rather than being bothered by the constraints of a historical drama.
This casting choice is significant because Son Ye-jin is moving away from her familiar romantic image and taking on a character entangled with desire, calculation, and lack. In particular, the story revolves around the dangerous relationships between Mrs. Jo, Jo Won, and Hui-yeon, making Son Ye-jin’s restrained emotional acting and cool charisma key highlights for viewers.
Changes in Son Ye-jin as seen in “Scandal”
Son Ye-jin’s latest endeavor goes beyond a simple return to a specific genre. It involves relearning the conventions of historical dramas, which she had avoided for a long time, and expanding her acting range by portraying a character who cannot be easily categorized as simply good or evil.
Mrs. Jo is both a victim trapped by the limitations of her time, and a strategist who manipulates others to fulfill her own desires. How Son Ye-jin portrays this duality will be a key factor in evaluating the film “Scandal.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the reason Son Ye-jin chose “Scandal”?
Although I had long felt apprehensive about historical dramas, I decided to appear in this production because I was drawn to the multifaceted character of Lady Jo and the work’s narrative.
Is “Scandal” a modern drama, or a historical drama?
“Scandal” is a historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty. While it shares the same title as the 2003 film, it is a newly produced Netflix series based on the original novel “Dangerous Relationships.”
What kind of person is Mrs. Jo, played by Son Ye-jin?
She is a woman of exceptional talent who was unable to fulfill her potential because of her gender. After living while concealing her repressed desires and sense of deprivation, she embarks on a dangerous game of love.
Who is in “Scandal”?
Son Ye-jin plays Mrs. Jo, while Ji Chang-wook plays Jo Won, and Nana plays Hee-yeon. Director Jeong Ji-woo directed the film.
What is the reason for the attention surrounding Son Ye-jin’s latest historical drama role?
It is significant that Son Ye-jin, who has long avoided historical dramas, chose a character whose desires and deficiencies are intertwined. Her acting transformation, which is different from her previous romantic roles, is also a major point of interest.
