After Success in America, Actress Kim Yunjin Charts a New Path Back in Korea
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The peculiar boom in abduction-themed movies in Korea is about is about to get a new twist. Most such movies have depicted parents as weak and helpless, but "Seven Days" is quite different. In it, a single mother whose only child is abducted by a stranger doesn't give up, but puts up a fight; this is a new kind of character for Korean audiences.
Another element drawing attention to the movie is its leading actress Kim Yunjin, in the role of the defiant single mother. Her first movie "Shiri" represented a step forward for Korean cinema, but Kim had to face the bitter failure of other movies. In the American scene, she's perhaps best know for her role on the hit drama "Lost". This success catapulted her to the status of an actress representing Korea—ironically to many, she was more successful in the United States than in Korea.
"Lost is indeed a great drama, but because of its popularity, my image is becoming more and more weak, sensitive and submissive", Kim said. "It is the strong energetic woman who gets important role in America, and it is vice versa is Korea".
Because her role in "Seven Days" was very unique, Kim said it was a challenge. There have been many different abduction movies, most depicting a weak mother, so Kim swore off all such movies in preparation for the role. Having never been in such a situation in real life made it even harder to imagine and act, she said.
In the past, Kim was often criticized by Korean viewers for actually misrepresenting Korea, something that deeply concerned her. Despite the typical drama making process, which offered very little room for her to make changes, she managed to adapt and her image is now powerful enough to regularly fill theaters.
Another element drawing attention to the movie is its leading actress Kim Yunjin, in the role of the defiant single mother. Her first movie "Shiri" represented a step forward for Korean cinema, but Kim had to face the bitter failure of other movies. In the American scene, she's perhaps best know for her role on the hit drama "Lost". This success catapulted her to the status of an actress representing Korea—ironically to many, she was more successful in the United States than in Korea.
"Lost is indeed a great drama, but because of its popularity, my image is becoming more and more weak, sensitive and submissive", Kim said. "It is the strong energetic woman who gets important role in America, and it is vice versa is Korea".
Because her role in "Seven Days" was very unique, Kim said it was a challenge. There have been many different abduction movies, most depicting a weak mother, so Kim swore off all such movies in preparation for the role. Having never been in such a situation in real life made it even harder to imagine and act, she said.
In the past, Kim was often criticized by Korean viewers for actually misrepresenting Korea, something that deeply concerned her. Despite the typical drama making process, which offered very little room for her to make changes, she managed to adapt and her image is now powerful enough to regularly fill theaters.
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