"Having Lived It, I Was More Confident": Kim Hee-sun's Irreplaceable Performance in 'No Next Life'

Recent
Hountrix on Grammy Nomination: "We Hope They Know Anyone Can Do It"
Singer Sung Si-kyung Stunned by Ex-Manager's Betrayal, Questions Status of Year-End Concert
"A New Genre, A New Challenge": Miyeon Confident in Solo Return (Showcase)
Rapper D.Ark Arrested on Marijuana Charges, Denies Allegations Amid Negative Preliminary Test
Bride’s Vow: Kim Yoon-hye Pledges to Pursue ‘Love and Work Happily’

"If I hadn't gotten married, would I have been able to play this lead role?" (Kim Hee-sun)

Actress Kim Hee-sun is set to portray a woman going through her second adolescence. She takes on the role of a housewife raising two sons—a familiar combination for a woman in her 40s: a mother, a 'CWE' (Career-Woman-on-Break). She is embracing a challenge to break the stereotypes surrounding this familiar profile.

She infused her own post-marriage emotions into the role, recalling a past where she was exhausted from childcare and desperately missed her life as an actress. She immersed herself deeply, building a subtle and sincere emotional performance.

"I took a six-year break after getting married," she confessed. "Every time I watched TV, I missed acting terribly. Because I had the experience of putting my work on hold for childcare, I felt even more confident [in this performance]."

TV Chosun’s new Monday-Tuesday series, 'No Next Life' (written by Shin Yi-won, directed by Kim Jung-min), held its production presentation on the 10th at the Stanford Hotel in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Kim Hee-sun, Han Hye-jin, Jin Seo-yeon, Yoon Park, Heo Joon-seok, and Jang In-seop were in attendance.

'No Next Life' is a comedic growth drama that tells the realistic stories of three women in their 40s. Jo Na-jung (Kim Hee-sun), Goo Joo-young (Han Hye-jin), and Lee Il-ri (Jin Seo-yeon) race towards completing their life's journey.

Kim Hee-sun plays Jo Na-jung, who was once a high-earning show host but is now a mother. To shed the 'CWE' title, she leaps back into the workforce as a show host intern.

Kim Hee-sun revealed what drew her to the project: "As soon as I received the script, I read all 12 episodes in a single day. Every episode was entertaining, and beyond that, I strongly empathized with Na-jung."

She meticulously incorporated her life experience into her acting. "After restarting work, I realized the value of my career even more deeply. I thought Na-jung would feel similar emotions after finding reemployment," she explained.

She also paid attention to external details. "A mother of two sons has to be strong," she noted. "She doesn't have the luxury of dressing up. So, I wore clothes that were as similar as possible to what I wear at home."

Kim Hee-sun pairs up with Yoon Park as her husband. Yoon Park plays 'Won-bin,' Na-jung's former colleague and a PD. Na-jung and Won-bin met as an office couple and successfully married.

Kim Hee-sun explained, "When they are busy raising their children, they forget how important they are to each other. But as Na-jung restarts her career, they begin to lean on each other more."

The drama also features the couples of Na-jung's friends. Goo Joo-young and Byun Sang-gyu (Heo Joon-seok) are a couple desperately trying to conceive, while Lee Il-ri and Oh Sung-min (Jang In-seop) are preparing for a late marriage.

While the other couples showcase a sweet, romantic love, Na-jung and Won-bin are slightly different. Yoon Park described their relationship as "a love akin to comradeship."

Kim Hee-sun further emphasized the distinct narratives of the three couples. She stated, "You will see stories that feel like they belong to someone you know. This drama will serve as preparatory viewing for marriage."

A key viewing point is the genuine chemistry between Kim Hee-sun, Han Hye-jin, and Jin Seo-yeon. They boasted a close relationship even off-camera, often chatting non-stop until the director called 'Action.'

Kim Hee-sun recalled, "Seo-yeon created a group chat and named it 'The Three Beauties,' inviting us first. Thanks to that, we maintained a friendly atmosphere regardless of seniority."

Jin Seo-yeon joked, "The Unnies (older sisters) knew they were pretty, so there was no jealousy. I am also very satisfied with my own face. So, we filmed enjoyably without any trouble."

Han Hye-jin shared a funny anecdote: "All three of us are famous for changing clothes quickly. I'm fast, but I was surprised that Hee-sun Unnie was even faster. Thanks to that, we always clocked out on time," she laughed. "I thought that if we could just capture the laughter and chatter we had on set, this drama would be a success. That's how much fun we had."

The actors expressed confidence in the series until the very end. Notably, 'No Next Life' is the Monday-Tuesday mini-series that TV Chosun is reviving after a 13-year hiatus.

Kim Hee-sun passionately declared, "It must be incredibly entertaining if they chose it as the first Monday-Tuesday series in 13 years! We hope our drama can help the Monday-Tuesday slot become established again."

They also proposed a viewership rating pledge. "If we surpass 5%, we will hold a free hug and coffee truck event. Please refer to future announcements for details," she teased.

Han Hye-jin added, "We will show the future to those in their 20s and 30s, and provide comfort to those in their 40s. Just as much as we connected with it, many viewers will relate to it."

Meanwhile, 'No Next Life' premieres tonight at 10 PM KST and will be available to stream on Netflix.