Lee Ji-ah Surges as New Inspiring Actress

By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter

By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporter

Lee Ji-ah, a rising star from the recently ended drama "Taewangsasingi" ("The Legend", The Four Guardian Gods of the King), finally revealed more about herself in an interview.

In the fantasy epic drama, Lee performed various characters. For the first few episodes dealing with the mythical era, Lee played Saeo, the female warrior who shoots an arrow at the Fire Guardian and later becomes Dark Jujak due to the loss of her baby. In the time of King Gwanggaeto of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668), E was Sujini, a tomboy who falls in love with Damdeok, the protagonist played by Bae Yong-joon.

Lee still does not fully realize that she is one of the top rookies of the year. "I don't feel like I am a star at all. I realize that I am an actress when people give me acting advice through Internet boards", Lee said, in an interview with Hankook Ilbo.

Before starring in "Taewangsasingi" ("The Legend"), Lee was an ordinary student at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. "I am an introspective person and it was not easy to assimilate with Sujini's tomboyish nature", said Lee. She is currently taking a temporary leave of absence from school.

Lee praised the actors and director who worked together for the soap opera, "I was encouraged by energetic actors like Choi Min-soo". She also spoke highly about her partner and hallyu star, Bae, saying "Bae cares about every little thing when shooting. He is really nice to all actors and staff. Bae is a perfect man".

As a rising star in the entertainment industry, there is a rush of projects coming for Lee. The actress wants to play diverse characters. "I don't know what my next work will be, but I will do my best in any project", Lee said.

Meanwhile, Bae Yong-joon donated 320 million won to Taean, South Chungcheong Province, which is suffering from an oil spill. Bae hurt his finger, shoulder and knees while shooting the drama and was recently discharged from hospital. He is now waiting for surgery.

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