Jeon Do Yeon, one of South Korea’s most respected actresses, has once again captivated audiences worldwide with her performance in Netflix’s original series The Price of Confession.
In this gripping mystery thriller, she takes on the role of Ahn Yoon-soo, a woman falsely accused of a crime, imprisoned overnight, and forced to navigate a dangerous deal to reclaim her life. With her nuanced portrayal, Jeon Do Yeon explores themes of injustice, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of women’s solidarity, leaving viewers both intrigued and moved.
Since its release on December 5, the series has made waves globally, amassing over 2.2 million viewers (calculated as total hours watched divided by the series’ runtime) and landing in the Global Top 10 Series (non-English) category. It has also ranked in the top 10 in nine countries, including South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand—a testament to Jeon’s universal appeal.
On the Series’ Reception, Portraying Eun-soo
When asked about the series’ early success, Jeon remains humble yet reflective.
“I always put in the hard work, but seeing such positive responses and the series doing well on Netflix is incredibly rewarding,” she shares.
Jeon describes Eun-soo as a deeply mysterious character:
“She’s a woman with a family—a mother and a husband, but there’s more beneath the surface. Her past as an orphan and the hardships she’s endured make her complex and intriguing. Every time I think I’ve revealed her fully, she surprises me again.”
Jeon also played a pivotal role in shaping Eun-soo’s visual identity.
“The script called for flashy costumes, which seemed odd given her tragic situation. I thought, shouldn’t we add some color? Even though Eun-soo isn’t outwardly flamboyant, I wanted her to appear free-spirited, so we aimed for a hippie vibe.”
Emotional Depth and Challenges | The Thrill of the Script
For Jeon, the emotional journey of Eun-soo was equally complex.
“She struggled to accept reality at first. Gradually, the reality of her husband’s death and the responsibility of caring for her child began to settle in.”
She reflects on the role’s challenges, not as technical difficulties, but as explorations of societal pressures.
“Eun-soo isn’t challenging because of the role itself. She’s challenging because society’s prejudices trap her. She longs for a family, yet that desire isn’t fully seen or acknowledged, which made portraying her inner life delicate and demanding.”
Jeon explains what drew her to the project:
“I don’t choose projects based on genre, but thrillers have always fascinated me. And this story focuses on two women, which was compelling and rare.”
Collaborating with Kim Go-eun
A highlight of the series is the relationship between Eun-soo and Mo-eun (Kim Go Eun). Jeon recalls the challenges of filming this connection:
“Before filming, understanding how Eun-soo and Mo-eun would emotionally connect was difficult. We shot out of sequence, so I wasn’t sure how the bond would fully develop. But seeing the final scenes, like the prison moment where Mo-eun shouts, ‘Unnie, fighting!’ I realized the connection had taken root beautifully.”
She praises Kim Go-eun’s precision and consistency:
“Maintaining Mo-eun’s tone and demeanor throughout the series is not easy. Kim Go-eun did it flawlessly. I was genuinely impressed and told her she did an incredible job.”
On the Physical Demands of Acting, Addressing Criticisms
Filming wasn’t just emotionally taxing—it was physically demanding.
“We shot in extreme conditions, from the hottest to the coldest days, often in thin costumes. I didn’t anticipate how intense it would be. But it was worth it to tell Eun-soo’s story authentically.”
Some viewers questioned the plausibility of Eun-soo’s struggles. Jeon is philosophical:
“The story reflects the harsh reality women face when society judges them. The hardships aren’t arbitrary—they’re the result of prejudice. That’s what makes the story both real and necessary.”
Theater, Stage, and Growth
Jeon is no stranger to challenges beyond the screen. She recently returned to theater with an international tour of “The Cherry Orchard.”
“Theater terrified me at first. Filming allows you to hide behind the camera, but on stage, there’s nowhere to hide. I cried during rehearsals, worried I wouldn’t perform fully. But stepping on that stage, facing that fear, left me grateful for the experience and the growth it brought.”
Balancing Femininity and Professionalism
At 50, Jeon reflects on maintaining her presence as an actress and her femininity:
“Femininity is crucial as an actress because it helps you connect with the audience. I don’t force it; I protect it carefully. It’s part of the craft, not just an appearance.”
Philosophy on Acting and Success
Jeon shares her approach to her career:
“I don’t act to satisfy others or deceive anyone. I work to fulfill myself and address my own shortcomings. Acting is as much about personal growth as it is about performance.”
On her innate talent and hard work, she adds with a smile:
“I definitely have natural ability, but I put in extra effort to refine it. Acting is both a gift and a discipline.”
Reflections on The Price of Confession
Finally, Jeon reflects on the personal significance of the series:
“This project was meaningful not only for the story but because I reunited with Kim Go-eun after ten years and worked again with director Lee Jung-hyo. Collaborating with people I respect and admire made it special.”
Jeon Do Yeon continues to exemplify the dedication, curiosity, and artistry that define a master of her craft. With each role, she doesn’t just perform—she transforms, bringing depth, emotion, and authenticity to every story she tells.
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