In 2005, a young girl with an innocent face made her debut in the drama 'Sharp 2.' Fast forward 20 years, and Im Se-mi is finally in the spotlight as the leading actress in the SBS Friday-Saturday series 'Try: Becoming Miracles' (written by Lim Jin-a, directed by Jang Young-seok). Though she has made her mark in numerous productions as an impressive supporting actress, it took two decades for her to become the main protagonist of a major terrestrial drama. This makes her steadfast performance in 'Try' especially meaningful.

A 'turtle’s pace' of 20 years, finally meeting her own stage

Im Se-mi once compared herself to a turtle. True to her words, her career spanning two decades is a testament to steady diligence—never hasty but always persistent, she has quietly forged her own path. From the charming villainess in 'Shopping King Louie' to the stylish older sister in 'True Beauty,' and the charismatic police officer in 'The Worst of Evil,' Im Se-mi has brought her own unique color to each role, building a formidable reputation as an actress that audiences can trust.

While she often played roles that supported the lead actors and made them shine, her own presence was never small. On the contrary, many critics highlight that her involvement has often enriched the depth and nuance of the works she joins. With 'Try,' she now finally stands on a stage where she can freely showcase the skills honed over 20 years.

The power behind 'Try,' the grace of a prepared lead

In 'Try,' Im Se-mi plays Bae I-ji, a shooting coach. More than just a romantic counterpart to the male lead, Bae I-ji is a multidimensional character: struggling with being underappreciated as a coach, wrestling with lingering dreams as an athlete, and candidly expressing her emotions when confronted by an ex-lover returning after three years. Im Se-mi’s nuanced portrayal holds the narrative’s core with poise and subtlety.

Her strong performance is complemented by seamless chemistry with her co-star Yoon Kye-sang, who returned to SBS after 18 years. Im Se-mi’s candid admission at the press conference that she had been "Yoon Kye-sang’s biggest fan in the Gangnam area," and Yoon’s response, calling her "the most comfortable actress I have ever worked with," highlighted their deep mutual trust. This supportive partnership created the ideal environment for Im Se-mi to overcome first-lead jitters and focus wholeheartedly on her craft.

The philosophy of 'sincerity'—the force that sustained 20 years

The strength that carried Im Se-mi through two long decades to this starring role ultimately comes from her philosophy of sincerity. She has always spoken about wanting to be a 'growing character,' refining her acting essence through theater and expressing her commitment to environmental protection via her personal YouTube channel 'Semi’s Seasonal Living.' By living and acting without separating the two, her authenticity adds real depth to her performances and resonates with viewers.

'Try' denotes a challenge. Now, after 20 years, Im Se-mi embarks on her most dazzling challenge yet. Her true 'Try' may have only just begun. For countless actors quietly walking their own paths, Im Se-mi’s successful breakthrough stands as a beacon of hope and encouragement.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=MHN DB, tvN, Im Se-mi SNS