Actress Lim Soo-jung, who takes the lead in Disney+ series 'Fine: Country Folks', shared her thoughts on transforming into the character Jang Jeong-sook, revealing insights into her motivation and on-set experiences.

In a recent interview at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Lim Soo-jung discussed her role as Jeong-sook, an ambitious former accountant who secures her place as the matriarch of Heungbaek Industries. Known for her innate ability to sniff out money, Jeong-sook expertly manipulates those around her to fulfill her desires.

Lim Soo-jung described Jeong-sook as an “honest and independent character,” saying, “She acts solely for her own desires. While her convictions may not be ‘righteous’, there is a certain charm in her strong will, which I found compelling as an actor.”

Despite being the wife of a corporate chairman and enjoying substantial wealth and prestige, Jeong-sook is portrayed as never fully satisfied, constantly plotting her next move. Lim recalled extensive talks with director Kang Yoon-sung, stating, “The director and I agreed that Jeong-sook is inherently and instinctively attracted to money and power—there are people like that in the world. I focused on this aspect, portraying her as someone whose love for money is almost primal.”

Set in the 1970s, the series required Lim to channel the style and mannerisms of women from that era. Having previously starred in the period film 'Cobweb' (2023), she found it easier to embody the character again, saying, “Playing a 1970s actress in 'Cobweb' helped me internalize the speech and demeanor of that time, and some of it naturally stayed with me.”

Jeong-sook’s complicated relationships with Chairman Chun (Jang Kwang), Im Jeon-chul (Kim Sung-oh), and Oh Hee-dong (Yang Se-jong) add further intrigue. Although her interactions sometimes reveal glimpses of love, it is often ambiguous whether her connections are sincere or merely tools in pursuit of ambition—a subtlety heightened by Lim’s nuanced portrayal.

Comparing her character to the original series, Lim said, “In the original, Jeong-sook is indifferent towards love, far more adept at handling relationships and unbothered as she chases power or wealth. However, our adaptation shows her as less skilled and more vulnerable when it comes to matters of the heart.”

Asked which man Jeong-sook truly cared for, Lim replied, “From Jeong-sook’s perspective, I think she was most drawn to Hee-dong. What started as a fleeting event gradually grew into genuine feelings.” She elaborated, “When Hee-dong comes to borrow money for Seon-ja (Kim Min), Jeong-sook doesn't calculate her usual gain or loss. She gives him the money readily and even says he doesn’t need to pay her back, which I think reveals her true feelings.”

The much-talked-about bedroom scene with Hee-dong also drew attention. Lim revealed a deliberate homage to Wong Kar-wai’s film 'In the Mood for Love' (2000), stating, “The scene was set up with stifling air and a crimson-tinted, sultry atmosphere—there was a feeling of being overwhelmed by the mood itself.”

Still, Lim clarified, “For Jeong-sook, I don’t think it was about love; it was more about being swept up in the atmosphere and expectation of the moment. For Hee-dong as well, it must have come naturally in that setting. Later, Hee-dong comes to see Jeong-sook through a lens of compassion, while Jeong-sook quietly nurtures her feelings for him.”

All eleven episodes of 'Fine: Country Folks' were released simultaneously on August 13.

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

Photo=Walt Disney Company Korea