'Brave New World' Im Ji-yeon, a fish in water, delivers a stunning acting display [Kim No-eul's Sunset Note]

*This content was translated by AI.

• SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Brave New World' Shin Seo-ri/Kang Dan-sim actress Im Ji-yeon"I gave my all" — a feast of confident acting prowess

Actress Im Ji-yeon is driving the drama's popularity by delivering a stunning acting display on 'Brave New World' — a performance where she asks nothing and questions nothing, and where nothing can be asked or questioned.

The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Brave New World' (script by Kang Hyun-ju, directed by Han Tae-seop), which premiered on the 8th, is a romance drama depicting a tense, war-like relationship between Shin Seo-ri (played by Im Ji-yeon), a nameless actress possessed by the soul of history's most notorious Joseon villainess and turned into a 'villain', and Cha Se-gye (played by Heo Nam-jun), a vicious chaebol labeled a monster born of capitalism.

Im Ji-yeon flawlessly portrays the complex, dual-character role of Kang Dan-sim, a notorious seductress who shook Joseon, and Shin Seo-ri, a nameless actress in the modern era, bringing both roles to life without any sense of dissonance.

Starting with a 4.1% viewership rating (Nielsen Korea, nationwide paid households), 'Brave New World' quickly gained word-of-mouth buzz and reached 6.0% by its fourth episode. This marks a new series record and is a valuable achievement accomplished in just two weeks.

International reactions are also noteworthy. According to the weekly viewership ranking of 'Global Top 10 Non-English Shows' released on the 20th by the official Netflix chart site Tudum, 'Brave New World' (script by Kang Hyun-ju, directed by Han Tae-seop) ranked second. The buzz remains intense as well. According to Good Data Corporation's Fandom index for the second week of May (based on May 11–17), 'Brave New World' ranked second in the TV drama category for buzz. Lead actors Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in the combined TV and OTT actor buzz rankings.

Key factors behind its success include the premise of a Joseon villainess reminiscent of Jang Hee-bin time-slipping to the 21st century, a fast-paced narrative that avoids dragging, clear motivations for each character, and a directing style that actively incorporates various 'memes' trending online.

Above all, the character appeal of Kang Dan-sim, who acts without hesitation and pursues only her own self-interest, is significant. Im Ji-yeon wields Kang Dan-sim with the freedom of a fish in water, while also maintaining a proper balance to draw in viewers. The impression made is one where Im Ji-yeon's unique energy and unquestionable acting prowess meet the charming character of Kang Dan-sim and bloom fully. Given the nature of the fantasy setting, convincing the audience is key, and 'Brave New World' has successfully achieved this through Im Ji-yeon, a powerful weapon.

Once the process of convincing the characters and their situations is completed quickly, the audience can rapidly move into fully enjoying the drama. All that remains is to enjoy the two protagonists' open display of their viciousness as they pursue a 'hate relationship' romance, Kang Dan-sim's survival in the 21st century using the survival skills she mastered during her days as a Joseon villainess, and the cheerful situations created by the comedy surrounding them.

Im Ji-yeon's 'acting display' was already anticipated. At the production presentation held before the premiere of 'Brave New World', director Han Tae-seop expressed confidence, stating, "The character of Shin Seo-ri itself is the plot and the genre. Im Ji-yeon delivered 120% of her performance — enough to make one wonder, 'Can she really do this much action?' Im Ji-yeon is the drama's competitiveness."

At the production presentation, Im Ji-yeon revealed her deep affection for Kang Dan-sim, saying, "I did my best and loved the character." Regarding the drama, she expressed pride, stating, "I believe it will become a very charming drama that will shine brightly without tarnishing SBS's Friday-Saturday drama legacy. It feels completely different from previous villainess roles. I truly gave my all to the filming."

Im Ji-yeon, who gave her all. Whether historical drama, modern drama, or villain role, there is nothing she approaches lightly. Im Ji-yeon's 'Brave New World' is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

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*This content was translated by AI.