Yoo Ji-an breaks the controversy over 'casting for Kim Manager' with acting skills: "Both hate and love are an honor" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Yoo Ji-an left a strong impression from his debut. Alongside the success of the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Kim Manager,' he silenced concerns about his casting with his acting prowess and even drew public attention by revealing that his mother, former show host Jeon Yu-kyung, was also in the spotlight. Now, he expressed his wish to be remembered not just as a 'debut rookie' but simply as actor Yoo Ji-an.

Yoo Ji-an recently met viewers through the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Kim Manager,' written by Nam Dae-jung and directed by Lee Seung-young. 'Kim Manager' is an action revenge drama about a father who becomes 'the most dangerous man in the world' to win back his only daughter, described as 'the most ordinary dad in the world.' In the series, Yoo Ji-an played Joo Hye-ri, a school bully tormenting Kim Min-ji (played by Seo Su-min), the daughter of Ju Kang-chan (played by Ju Sang-wook) and Kim Manager (played by So Ji-sub).

According to ratings survey firm Nielsen Korea, the final episode of 'Kim Manager' achieved 23.4% in the Seoul metropolitan area and 23.0% nationwide. Notably, the peak viewership soared to 27.1%, once again shattering its own record.

On that day, Yoo Ji-an shared his thoughts on the drama's success. He said, "I really didn't expect the ratings to reach the 20th% range," adding, "It was such an honor and a bit overwhelming to receive such love from my very first debut work."

He continued, "I kept checking online for when the ratings would come out. My Instagram followers were originally around 700, but after the broadcast, they exceeded 90,000. I truly felt how much things had changed before and after 'Kim Manager'."

Yoo Ji-an also recalled the process of joining the project. He said, "At that time, I was attending many auditions, but my company approached me first, saying, 'We're producing a work, and Joo Hye-ri hasn't been cast yet. Would you like to audition?' After the audition, I continued sending acting videos to the director and received feedback." He added, "When I heard I had been cast, I thought, 'Finally it's done, my efforts have borne fruit.'"

In particular, Yoo Ji-an admitted that he expected casting controversies due to being an actor under Fantagio, the production company. He said, "I anticipated such talk," but added, "However, many people told me, 'I thought you were cast through connections, but your acting skills shattered that notion,' and I was actually grateful for their words."

Yoo Ji-an also shared behind-the-scenes moments from the set, working alongside senior actors. He recalled So Ji-sub's consideration as particularly memorable: "There were times when I was waiting alone with Senior So Ji-sub. Because I was nervous and stayed quiet, he initiated conversation and helped me relax." He added, "Even during action scenes, his gentle and kind guidance toward junior actors left a strong impression on me."

Advice from Yoon Kyung-ho and Choi Dae-hoon also proved to be a great source of strength. Yoo Ji-an said, "At the wrap party, senior actors told me, 'It's rare for a debut work to do so well. I hope you don't get intimidated in your next project and continue working hard as an actor.' Thanks to their words, my anxiety about my upcoming role has significantly decreased."

He also revealed his first filming experience with Ju Sang-wook. Yoo Ji-an said, "Our first scene involved me getting slapped. I actually got hit once, and the senior kept apologizing." He added, "Seeing him constantly worry about how to slap without causing pain actually helped me relax." He continued, "(Ju Sang-wook) was serious and solemn during filming, but at the wrap party, he was incredibly cheerful. He approached me first, shared funny stories, and treated me like his own daughter, making me think, 'Indeed, an actor is truly an actor.'"

As the drama's success grew, so did interest in Yoo Ji-an. Recently, news that his mother is former show host Jeon Yu-kyung sparked further public attention. Yoo Ji-an said, "My mom was famous when she was young, but when the topic suddenly came up again, she was very surprised."

Yoo Ji-an also shared his family's reaction. Regarding his father, who works as a company employee, he said, "My dad kept sending me articles about me. When I asked how he found them, he said colleagues at work sent them to him." He added, "I thought he wouldn't brag about his daughter, but seeing him do so surprised me."

In particular, because he played a villain in the drama, his father even went around clarifying things. Yoo Ji-an said, "My dad's personality is somewhat similar to Kim Manager in the drama. He must have felt uneasy while watching it. He told me he went around explaining, 'Our daughter isn't like that at all.'"

Yoo Ji-an also mentioned inheriting his parents' unique energy. He explained, "My mom dreamed of becoming an actor when she was young but couldn't due to family opposition. My dad is also very handsome. So he received casting offers but had to give up because of family objections." He added, "When I said I wanted to become an actor, both of them were happier than anyone else and supported me wholeheartedly." He continued, "As their only daughter, they take extra care of me. After the broadcast, they keep saying things like 'Your eyes are beautiful' or 'That scene was well done.'"

He also spoke about what inspired him to dream of becoming an actor and his high school journey. Yoo Ji-an said, "At that time, I was constantly worrying about my career path. I felt like I didn't know anything and kept asking myself, 'What kind of job should I have later?' or 'Is there anything I can do?' Many friends suggested to me first, 'You're good at giving presentations and aren't afraid of standing in front of people. Why not try acting? You'd probably do well as an entertainer.' Without realizing it, I became drawn to the word 'actor' and decided, 'I should become an actor.'"

Yoo Ji-an said, "From then on, I started acting and wondered, 'What should I do first?' That's when I decided to enter a high school of arts. After going through entrance exams, I enrolled in the drama department. However, once I was in the drama program, I was constantly preparing for performances and couldn't engage in outside activities."

He also shared the moment he made the decision to quickly enter the industry. Yoo Ji-an said, "I wanted to audition sooner and start my acting career as soon as possible, so after performing in one play during my first year, I immediately dropped out of school." He added, "At 18, I took the GED exam and, luckily, entered university a year early at age 19. I enrolled in Sungshin Women's University's Media, Film, and Acting Department and have continued to major in acting ever since."

Yoo Ji-an shared his goals as an actor he wants to be remembered by the public and expressed his gratitude. He said, "First of all, I hope I am never forgotten and continue to be remembered as an actor that audiences want to see in the future." He added, "I also have a strong desire to visit you with fresh appearances through various works."

He continued, "I want to become an actor who resonates deeply with both the public and viewers. I aspire to act in a way that when people see my eyes, they think, 'This actor is feeling this emotion right now,' or 'This portrayal is so relatable.'"

Yoo Ji-an expressed his heartfelt message to viewers and fans: "'Kim Manager' has been loved and followed by many, and I sincerely thank you. From my very first debut work, I received both hate and love simultaneously, which I consider a great honor. I am truly grateful to all those who became my fans through this work. I capture every single supportive comment and message, looking at them whenever I feel down. I hope you will continue to love me even more in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.