[Limelight] Passion for Acting as the Driving Force Behind Creating Great Works

Movie 'Haechiji Ana' Jeon Yeo-bin

"Wearing an animal costume in my first lead commercial film was comfortable" ? Paying attention to the rhythm in drama and comedy acting

Two hours of exercise a day, nickname 'Bbangsuni'... When feeling stifled, I go to see the sea in my hometown Gangneung

Having an agency strengthened my professionalism... I want to be an actor who fulfills all responsibilities

Actress Jeon Yeo-bin (30) looks like a woman who stepped out of a painting by Joseon Dynasty artist Shin Yun-bok. Her sideways elongated eyes with slightly upturned single eyelids exude a pure aura. Her black pupils sparkle like jewels. When emotions are reflected, she has a charm that rarely lets the audience go.

She seems to know her own charm and never overacts. Young-hee from the independent film "Guilty Girl" (2017) is a representative example. She focuses on restraining emotions and internalizing the character’s psychology.

Kim Hae-kyung in the movie "Secret Zoo" is no different. Jeon Yeo-bin wears a sloth costume and hangs comically from a tree, yet her eyes portray an inexplicable loneliness and compassion. Even emotions that could be simply expressed are freely varied to bring depth to the role. This is why many filmmakers are paying close attention to her career this year.

- You wore a sloth costume in your first lead commercial film...

"I’ve never actually seen a sloth in real life. The only exposure was through the animated film 'Zootopia' (2016). But when I saw the costume brought by the wardrobe team, I was suspicious. It looked like Chewbacca from the 'Star Wars' series (laughs). After checking with animal documentaries, I realized real sloths are much smaller. Their eyes are pretty too. You could say I played a giant sloth (laughs)."

- Compared to other actors who played a lion, gorilla, and polar bear, you seemed less physically active...

"The costume weighed about 10 to 15 kg, so I was worried, but since I was just hanging from a tree, it was comfortable to act. We filmed in winter, but I never shivered from the cold. The inner fur wrapped my body warmly. It was so warm that I even dozed off briefly while resting my chin in one scene (laughs). I thought it was a lucky animal."

- 'Secret Zoo' has a fresh setting, but it’s not quite a comedy or B-movie, right?

"My character Kim Hae-kyung isn’t a comedic role. There’s more room to explore it dramatically. But considering the whole film, comedic acting was necessary. I struggled a lot with that balance. I was worried the role might be portrayed too lightly. I avoided provocative laughter and paid close attention to pacing."

- While playing a sloth, you must have thought deeply about the plight of animals trapped in cages...

"In the film, the polar bear Kkaman-ko shows abnormal behavior. It reminded me of animals I saw as a child. Wolves and hyenas kept banging their heads on concrete floors, and back then I thought they did it because their heads were itchy. Looking back, I think those animals were in pain too. I hope this film encourages many people to think about ways humans and animals can coexist."

- Being an actor is also a profession that attracts public attention...

"It’s not burdensome yet. Of course, as I continue, I might face unpleasant situations. Each time, I will try to find my true self. Before being an actor, I am Jeon Yeo-bin, a human. I don’t want to push myself to the point of self-destruction. Recently, there have been many sad news in the entertainment industry. Such tragedies must not happen again."

- How do you keep yourself grounded?

"I minimize time alone. When I face a problem, I tend to get deeply absorbed, which is risky. I ask for help from those around me and talk about my difficulties. It seems easy but requires great courage. Physical strength is also important. A healthy body helps keep the mind clear. So when I don’t have projects, I try to live a regular life based on my own plans."

- For example?

"I exercise at least two hours a day. I take walks around the neighborhood feeling the sunlight and wind. When I’m mentally stressed, I write a diary. It also helps a lot to wash away the aftereffects of acting. When I feel suffocated, I go to my hometown Gangneung to see the sea. I eat delicious food too. My nickname is 'Bbangsuni' (bread lover). Eating coffee and bread together makes me indescribably happy."

- It seems you might be hard to see in independent films going forward...

"You don’t have to worry. I always keep my heart open regardless of scale or genre. If the script is good, I’m always okay. Shooting independent films isn’t easy. I appeared in several short films, but most didn’t even pay pocket money. Sometimes they only covered transportation costs. When that pattern repeated, the future looked bleak. So I acted in 'Guilty Girl' thinking it would be my last work. I didn’t know then that this film would change my life so much."

- While appearing in independent films, you must have knocked on the door of commercial films many times.

"Of course. I went to many auditions. But it wasn’t easy to get roles with lines. Even in my late twenties, there was no sign of change, so I was very stressed. I often fell into regret, wondering if I had taken the wrong path. The reality where I couldn’t even take responsibility for myself was harsh. I felt ashamed in front of my family. The acting profession felt like a selfish desire."

- Recently, you settled at J-Wide Company and seem relieved...

"Senior Moon So-ri, who appreciated my acting, introduced me. Having a new opportunity helped me regain focus. Of course, my personal life hasn’t changed much. Only my professionalism as an actor has strengthened. I want to be an actor who fulfills all responsibilities. The weight of the burden on my shoulders is different from when I was doing independent films. I want to repay the kindness of those who helped me by performing my roles smoothly."

- What advice would you give to juniors working hard on independent film sets?

"I’m not really in a position to give advice (laughs). Many friends are probably enduring tough times with just their love for acting. That ultimately becomes the driving force to create good works. I hope they cherish and nurture that affection. A good day will surely come someday."