Jung Chaeyeon is stepping into new territory with her latest role in JTBC’s upcoming weekend drama, Beyond the Bar.
She has opened up about the real thoughts and challenges behind portraying the lovable rookie attorney Kang Hyo-min.
Premiering on Saturday, August 2, Beyond the Bar is an office growth drama that follows the journey of Kang Hyo-min, a passionate yet socially awkward newcomer at the prestigious law firm Yullim. With righteous ideals and an unwavering sense of justice, she begins her legal career under the guidance of Yoon Seok-hoon (Lee Jin Wook), a top-notch lawyer known for his cool demeanor and razor-sharp skills. Together, they navigate the courtroom and corporate jungle, learning from each other in unexpected ways.
Speaking about what drew her to the role, Jung Chaeyeon shared her fascination with the script’s unique rhythm.
“The story felt refreshingly different. As I read, I kept thinking, ‘There’s another way to look at this,’ and ‘This is an interesting perspective.’ It made me want to dive into the character even more.”
What truly captivated her, however, was the layered personality of Kang Hyo-min. “She perfectly embodies the subtitle ‘Lawyers dreaming of becoming lawyers,’” Jung noted. “Even after achieving her goal of becoming a lawyer, she keeps growing, keeps dreaming. That continuous pursuit really resonated with me.”
Kang Hyo-min may come off as clumsy or overly emotional at times, but Jung sees those traits as part of her genuine charm. “She’s a rookie in society and sometimes lets her feelings cloud her judgment. But that’s also what makes her real. Her sincerity allows her to connect with people and situations on a deeper level. I find that part of her incredibly endearing.”
When asked what she hopes to gain through this project, Jung responded with quiet ambition. “I’d love for people to see me and think, ‘That’s someone I’d want to work with,’” she said with a smile. “Just like how you meet a colleague and think, ‘They’re good at their job and fun to be around’—I hope I can become that kind of actor.”
With her heartfelt performance and natural charm, Jung Chaeyeon is poised to bring warmth, wit, and relatability to Beyond the Bar. As viewers watch Kang Hyo-min stumble, grow, and shine in the courtroom and beyond, they’ll no doubt see pieces of themselves in her—and root for her every step of the way.
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