Lim Ji Yeon is set to take on a groundbreaking role in the historical drama The Tale of Lady Ok, marking yet another dramatic transformation in her acting career.
This time, she shifts from playing a slave to embodying a noblewoman, Ok Tae-young, in a story filled with intrigue, deception, and love. The drama, which premieres on JTBC, follows the intense journey of Ok Tae-young, a woman whose identity is a complete fabrication, and her relationship with Cheon Seung-hwi, a man who risks everything to protect her.
Set against the backdrop of the Joseon Dynasty, The Tale of Lady Ok offers a fresh take on historical dramas and promises to captivate audiences with its gripping plot and strong performances.
At the recent drama presentation held in Seoul, the main cast, including Lim Ji Yeon, Choo Young Woo, Yeonwoo, Kim Jae Won, and director Jin Hyuk, gathered to discuss the upcoming series.
The Tale of Lady Ok centers on the fierce survival battle between Ok Tae-young and Cheon Seung-hwi, set in a world where nothing is as it seems. Ok Tae-young, who has escaped slavery, is living under a false identity as a noblewoman, and she finds herself entangled in a high-stakes battle for survival. Her complicated relationship with Cheon Seung-hwi, a man who is willing to risk everything to protect her, forms the emotional core of the drama.
Lim Ji Yeon, who takes on the title role, is no stranger to transforming herself for her roles, but this project marks a significant challenge. Her character is a runaway slave with exceptional skills, and the transition from a lowly status to a position of nobility is central to the storyline. Director Jin Hyuk spoke highly of Lim Ji-yeon’s suitability for the role, describing her as a perfect fit for the complex character of Ok Tae-young.
“As soon as I saw Lim Ji-yeon, I knew she was the one for this role. She felt like a divine being sent to play this part. I couldn’t resist persuading her to take on this challenge,” Director Jin shared.
Lim Ji Yeon, reflecting on her initial hesitation in accepting a historical drama, admitted that she was once fearful of the genre. “I used to think I wasn’t suited for historical dramas. The sets, the costumes, and the sense of tradition felt intimidating. I had an inferiority complex about it. But when I read the script for The Tale of Madam Ok, I felt a strong desire to take it on. It gave me the courage to challenge myself and prove that I can do historical dramas well,” Lim Ji-yeon explained. Despite the fears, she found strength in her role and the opportunity to showcase her skills in a genre she had initially avoided. “It was intimidating, but also empowering,” she said.
The pressure of taking on the title role wasn’t lost on Lim Ji-yeon. She admitted that she felt a sense of responsibility, knowing that her performance would be central to the drama’s success. “There was a lot of screen time and physical work, but I was still happy. Playing the title role, I felt a natural burden, but I embraced it. During the script reading, I told my seniors, ‘Please trust me just this once.’ I wanted to show everyone what I could do,” she shared. Her determination to prove herself was palpable, and her sense of responsibility to the character was evident throughout the production.
Lim Ji Yeon also expressed her excitement at working on a historical drama and how it allowed her to explore new emotional depths. “Playing Ok Tae-young, I had to endure betrayal, face countless conflicts, and still rise above them. I was fully immersed in the historical setting, and I felt a strong thirst to do it justice,” she said. The actress also expressed her desire to become a queen of historical dramas. “I felt a lot of pressure with the title role, but I did my best because I found a good set and a strong team. I want to try being the queen of historical dramas,” she added with a determined smile.
Choo Young Woo, who stars as Cheon Seung-hwi, also faces a challenge in his role. As a character who risks everything to protect Ok Tae-young, his journey is filled with emotional depth and complexity. Choo Young-woo admitted that playing two roles in one drama was a big challenge but one that he embraced wholeheartedly.
“The script was long, but I read it with so much attention, like I was listening to a fairy tale from my mother. It was a huge challenge, but I wanted to take it on,” he said. He also shared how Lim Ji-yeon’s advice helped him feel more comfortable in his role. “Lim Ji-yeon told me to adjust and not make a big distinction between the two roles. She said, ‘Let it come naturally when you stand in front of the camera,’” he recalled. Choo Young-woo praised Lim Ji-yeon for her support, calling her a comforting presence on set. “She made me feel so comfortable. Even when there were no lines, I could tell from her eyes that she was telling a story without speaking,” he said.
Yeonwoo and Kim Jae Won also make their historical drama debuts in The Tale of Madam Ok. Yeonwoo plays Cha Mi-ryeong, a woman who learns from Ok Tae-young and desires to be like her. Kim Jae Won takes on the role of Sung Do-gyeom, a young man admired by noble families and devoted to Ok Tae-young.
Yeonwoo shared her excitement about joining the project, calling it a dream come true. “This is my first historical drama, and meeting with the director and writer was so emotional. It touched my heart, and I knew I had to be a part of it,” she said.
Kim Jae Won, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with director Jin Hyuk. “I wanted to work with him because I trust his vision. It’s my first historical drama, but I treated it as a modern drama set in the Joseon Dynasty. It made the experience less intimidating,” he explained. Kim Jae-won also thanked Lim Ji-yeon for creating a comfortable atmosphere on set, adding that he hoped his performance would be well-received.
Director Jin Hyeok, who is known for his diverse range of work, described The Tale of Lady Ok as a drama with humanism at its core. He emphasized that the series focuses on resilience, hope, and mutual support, offering warmth in contrast to the coldness of the current chaotic world. “Our drama is different from others. It’s not about revenge or cruelty. It’s about embracing each other, achieving goals together, and surviving harsh times,” he said.
With its premiere set for November 30th at 10:30 PM on JTBC, The Tale of Lady Ok is poised to offer a unique viewing experience. In a time when historical dramas are often marked by violence and vengeance, this series promises a refreshing, human-centered approach, with a focus on emotional depth, character development, and the triumph of the human spirit.
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