[Exclusive]Rising to the 'Grand Prize Actor' title for the first time in 28 years since debut.. Eom Ji-won: "I always act with the mindset that this is my last work" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

• 'AAA 2025' 10 Legendary Actor and Best Artist Award winner Eom Ji-won interview

Actor Eom Ji-won showcased her enduring presence by winning her first 'AAA' award and her first 'KBS Drama Awards' Grand Prize in her 28th year since debut.

Eom Ji-won won the AAA 10 Legendary Actor and AAA Best Artist awards at the '10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025' (10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025, hereinafter 'AAA 2025') held at the Kaohsiung National Stadium on December 6 last year.

Although Eom Ji-won debuted in 1998 and is a veteran actor in her 28th year, she proved her surprising potential with dazzling performances last year, more so than at any other time. Following her special appearance as Na Min-ok in the OTT Netflix series 'I Was Taken In' (hereinafter 'I Was Taken In'), she also starred in two major works: Yeon-ui in Netflix's 'Tanggeum' and Ma Gwang-sook in KBS 2TV weekend drama 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Brothers!' (hereinafter 'Eagle Brothers').

As a result, Eom Ji-won achieved the feat of winning two awards at her first 'AAA' appearance. Furthermore, with 'Eagle Brothers', she secured her first-ever Grand Prize trophy at the '2025 KBS Drama Awards'.

In a recent interview with StarNews to commemorate her 'AAA 2025' awards, Eom Ji-won reflected on her past journey. First, she said, "I was happy to receive two awards. In fact, I don't act with any specific expectations, but receiving awards is always a grateful experience. I feel encouraged, and I feel I must do my best in my future endeavors and present good acting."

She continued, "Whether it's 'AAA 2025' or the 'KBS Drama Awards' win, I believe these are not just personal happiness but happiness shared with everyone around me. My family and the staff who spent time with me were so happy, and I was very happy too."

She also shared her thoughts on reuniting with the 'I Was Taken In' team at 'AAA 2025'. At 'AAA 2025', a reunion of the 'I Was Taken In' team, which cannot be seen anywhere else, was realized with Eom Ji-won alongside IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Lee Jun-young, and Choi Tae-hoon. Eom Ji-won said, "Seeing them at the awards ceremony made me realize that making a good work means this. The vitality of the work is great, so we keep meeting with the actors we worked with, and it feels like our bond has become even stronger."

Since it was the 10th anniversary of 'AAA', we asked about the 10th anniversary of 'Actor Eom Ji-won'. With the 30th anniversary approaching, what thoughts come to mind when recalling her early debut days?

Eom Ji-won said, "I don't really attach meaning to numbers, so I don't have big memories. However, in the early days of my activities, I often thought, 'Can I really do about ten works under my own name?' I approached my work with that thought. Because at that time, it felt awkward to say to myself, 'I am actor Eom Ji-won.' I thought for quite a long time that I wanted to become a good actor so that when I say 'actor' with my own mouth, I wouldn't feel ashamed. With such a clear goal in mind, I passed twenty works, so now I don't have those thoughts anymore."

When asked about the criteria for a 'good actor', she gave a serious answer: "Acting is subjective, so I can't explain what is good or bad, but I can know it myself. Since I know the standard of goodness, I want to act in a way that resonates with people's hearts and offers comfort. Also, when there are hot topics, I want to be an actor who asks questions, makes people think, and talks about life issues as someone living in the same era."

She added, "I always act with the thought that the work I am doing now could be my last work," showing her undiminished passion. She said, "As my career has accumulated, many things have become more skillful, but my mindset toward acting is actually better now than at the beginning of my debut. When I was young, it was important to just do well with the roles given to me, and I did things without much thought. Now, I approach my work with a sense of responsibility, wondering what kind of impression I want this work to leave on the audience. I have a strong desire to 'pat' the viewers on the back."

Additionally, Eom Ji-won opened up about her changed attitude as an actor during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said, "In fact, when I mainly filmed movies, I thought artistic quality was important. Between popularity, commerciality, and artistic quality, I valued the actor's personal achievement of artistic quality more. However, starting from the COVID-19 pandemic, I started filming many dramas, and I thought I should tell many easy, comfortable, and warm stories. I newly realized that TV is a very kind medium that provides joy to those who cannot actively enjoy culture. This was also the reason I chose 'Eagle Brothers.' For those who find it difficult to go out and enjoy leisure time, I wanted to show entertaining content through TV, which is their only joy. It feels very grateful as an actor to bring joy to someone at a specific time every week, and I felt a sense of vocational calling. I also received many unexpected good words from many people through 'Eagle Brothers.' By appearing in this drama, I became more aware of points I didn't know when making movies."

In particular, Eom Ji-won mentioned her recent health update, noting that she underwent surgery for a broken ankle earlier this year, and expressed her gratitude with tears for the fans' support. Eom Ji-won, who recovered after dedicating six weeks to rehabilitation following emergency surgery.

Eom Ji-won said, "After getting hurt and seeing it, I realized there are really many people in pain. It is said that one in every 15 people in Korea has experienced a fracture. I posted rehabilitation videos on YouTube and received a lot of DMs (direct messages). The hospital said I wouldn't be able to walk for three months, but I didn't give up and worked hard on rehabilitation, miraculously standing up in six weeks. Seeing my rehabilitation process, many people sent support saying they gained courage and hope, which gave me great strength. I am truly grateful." She then burst into tears.

She continued, "I hope everyone is healthy. After getting sick this time, I realized that losing health means losing everything. If you are healthy, you can really do everything, and you can overcome current hardships. I always hope you stay healthy."

The momentum of 'Grand Prize Actor' Eom Ji-won is expected to continue hotly this year. She is about to reveal her upcoming works one after another.

In particular, she has drawn more attention by previewing a husband-and-wife chemistry with actor Cha Tae-hyun in the new movie 'Reinstated Police'. Eom Ji-won also expressed her expectations, saying, "Senior Cha Tae-hyun has presented so many hit works. He is a senior with charming, comfortable, and natural acting, so I think there will be a synergy effect when we work together."

She further stated about 'Reinstated Police', "It's a family comedy, a comedy like a cartoon. The script itself is so fun that I read it smoothly. It's cheerful, refreshing, and has a twist. It's a well-made work."

Furthermore, Eom Ji-won will visit viewers with OTT TVING's new original 'Proxy CSAT'. She said, "'Proxy CSAT' is a manipulation crime thriller centered on Proxy CSAT, just as the title suggests. I received the script up to episode 5 and found it very fun to read. Even though it's a school drama, I got immersed in it. The director is Park So-yeon, who made 'Squid Game'. I was also a frequent viewer of this work. So, I participated with the expectation and belief that the director would make it interestingly well."

Additionally, Eom Ji-won warmly looked after her juniors, saying, "'Proxy CSAT' features Bae Hyun-seong, Cha Kang-yoon, Park Yun-ho, and others. They are actors who are doing well now, but I think you will see them doing even better in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.