‘Jung Yi’ unexpectedly challenges Kim Hyun-joo – Chosun Ilbo (English version): Hankook Ilbo

Netflix’s latest Korean hit, “Jung_E,” could propel Kim Hyun-joo to global stardom, but it wasn’t without its pitfalls for the actress who brushed her teeth on traditional TV soaps.

Working with CGI brought unexpected challenges. “Before, I could always look the other actors in the eye and exchange emotions, so it was difficult to imagine the scenes and act alone,” Kim admitted at a press conference this week.

Set in the 22nd century, when the Earth has become uninhabitable due to climate change, this sci-fi movie revolves around a group of people trying to build an AI-based combat robot.

The film was critically panned as cheesy and derivative, but has topped Netflix’s global charts since its release on January 20.

When asked to explain the surprise success, Kim said boldly, “World viewers may have found Korean emotions fresh and unique in the film.”

Kim plays a cloned AI warrior that looks very different from her previous roles. “Action scenes are of course important, but the director [Yeon Sang-ho] I wanted an actress who could express complicated emotions.”

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