Han Chae-rin and Jung Joon-won: "She worked hard on the set of 'Married Woman Killer' during the 'What Are You Doing Now?' attitude controversy" [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Han Chae-rin spoke about actor Jung Joon-won's on-set behavior while they co-starred as senior and junior reporters in "Married Woman Killer."

Han Chae-rin recently held an interview with StarNews regarding the MBC Friday-Saturday drama "Married Woman Killer" (written by Kim Eun-hee, directed by Yoon Jong-ho and Kim Ji-hoon).

"Married Woman Killer" is a drama depicting the struggles of a working mother who holds one of the most dangerous professions in the world while fighting to maintain her work-life balance.

Han Chae-rin appeared as Gu Hae-na, the junior reporter at Nattoday and the subordinate of Kwon Tae-sung (played by Jung Joon-won), who is the husband of killer Yoo Bo-na (played by Gong Hyo-jin). As a fresh graduate eager to have her abilities recognized, Gu Hae-na was a young professional packed with passion and determination. Han Chae-rin naturally infused the character with her unique youthful atmosphere and bright energy, creating the distinct charm of Gu Hae-na.

Han Chae-rin brought vitality to the drama as Gu Hae-na, portraying everything from her innocent joy after writing her first solo article to her growth into a justice-driven reporter who roams crime scenes alongside senior Kwon Tae-sung.

Han Chae-rin began her entertainment career in 2021 by appearing in the music videos for Coyote's Shin Ji's "Maemjjeum" and Na Yoon-kwon's "I Want to Hold You." After gaining practical acting experience through the play "Candy in My Ears" in 2022, she officially debuted as an actress in 2024 with TVING's "I Dreamed of Cinderella Out Loud." Since then, she has taken on supporting and lead roles in dramas such as "Zero Period Is Insa Time," "Riding Life," "Unknown Seoul," "Siren," and "Sister War."

Regarding her preparation for the role of a social affairs reporter, Han Chae-rin said, "I tried to get close to the profession of being a reporter. I have been interested in social issues since I was young, so I think I resemble Hae-na. It seems Hae-na worked as a reporter with a sense of responsibility. I tried to see Hae-na's inner self, who even tried to report on stories that could easily be buried."

While acting as Hae-na, she must have recalled when she first acted as a rookie actress two years ago. She said, "Back then, I was just like Hae-na, constantly asking 'Huh? What?' and trying my best not to cause trouble on set. I focused hard on hearing when my character's name was called, and I memorized the script so thoroughly that I could deliver lines immediately. It feels like the behavior from my debut days continues to this day, and I realized I shouldn't lose focus."

When asked if the process of approaching seniors as a newcomer is similar whether one is an actor or in another profession, Han Chae-rin replied, "I always approached Senior Joon-won carefully before filming, trying to read the script together and take photos. Then, the senior would happily accommodate me, offer encouragement, and create a collaborative atmosphere." She added with a smile, "Senior Joon-won actually took great care of me and was very kind. He would always ask, 'Have you eaten?' and treat me to meals, even buying expensive dishes like boiled pork."

When asked about the acting chemistry between Jung Joon-won and herself in their roles as senior and junior reporters, she said, "I think we always got along well with our natural banter. Senior Joon-won seemed like a senior who tried to teach me something whenever possible. When I was worried early on, 'Am I doing well?' and asked him, he encouraged me by saying, 'You're doing well in your own way.' That comment gave me tremendous strength. Since I was anxious, the senior comforted me. Just being on set together was a source of strength." She expressed her gratitude.

In August, Jung Joon-won appeared on MBC's "What Are You Doing Now?" alongside Gong Hyo-jin to promote "Married Woman Killer," but he faced an attitude controversy after failing to immediately perform the requested situational comedy and showing a passive side. This raised concerns about whether viewers would flock to "Married Woman Killer."

When asked cautiously about the atmosphere on the set of "Married Woman Killer" during the time when negative comments about actor Jung Joon-won were circulating, Han Chae-rin said, "Even so, the senior worked hard on filming. Senior Joon-won was always a hardworking senior."

We also asked actor Han Chae-rin if there is another actor senior she admires and wants to emulate like Tae-sung. She replied, "Senior Kim Hye-soo has been my role model since I was preparing for college entrance exams. I tried to follow all of the senior's interviews and variety shows. There are so many aspects of her as an actress that I want to emulate. I would love to talk with the senior in person and work together."

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*This content was translated by AI.