"From the character Hong Hae In of the drama Queen of Tears, I learned how to always be honest and brave. Thanks to her, I think I learned to smile more and laugh often." Kim Ji Won is no stranger to the limelight.
After a string of successful K-dramas, including fan favorites The Heirs (2013), Descendants of the Sun (2016), Fight for My Way (2017), Arthdal Chronicles (2019), and My Liberation Notes (2022), the Korean actress has once again struck gold as the ice queen and heiress Hae In in Queen of Tears.
Ji Won recently opened up to Cosmopolitan Korea on what the project means to her, plus her thoughts on love, hardships, and finding success.
ALSO READ: 'Queen Of Tears' Finale Logs Highest Drama Ratings In tvN History
Kim Ji Won On Queen Of Tears, Love, and Success and Hardships, from her May 2024 Cosmopolitan Korea cover story
Before playing the role of Hae In, were you cautious at expressing yourself?
"I guess so. If I used to say, "I think it’s good," now I can already get myself to clearly say "I like it." When I say it, I also realized I feel a lot better."
I loved your character Hong Hae In in the drama Queen of Tears appeared as if she’s the type who’s sternly cold and unsympathetic, but she’s actually very warm and soft-hearted inside.
"I can say that it was my goal. I wanted to show through Hae In how I also eventually understood her, 'She looks so cold and strong but what’s with that move? What could she be not showing from her heart?' That was the process I went through to play the role, and that’s why I feel more like embracing Hae In."
Queen of Tears depicts the story of an estranged couple who’ve been married for 3 years, and then eventually realize their importance and begin to find love again. How does Kim Ji Won define love?
"I like the word "nevertheless." When it comes to love, “nevertheless" can be part of it. It’s often the case that each day feels very hard and occupied and we tend to prioritize love less or even forget about it. Nevertheless, I hope that there’s always love."
"In the script, there is this line, "I love someone who’s not pouring everything, but who stands by my side no matter what." I liked that line. I guess that’s love that gives us the strength be it during good times or even when we hit rock bottom."
How do you see yourself? Do you think you’re an alpha female?
"Me? Hmm, Am I? (ponders for a bit) Is alpha female still used to describe progressive and assertive women?"
It’s similar. But I think nowadays, it’s not limited only to "female."
"Oh, yes. I noticed that these days, the words "feminine" or "masculine" are rather barely used to define someone. So this is my answer. I’m simply a hardworking person (laughs)."
At times, success never comes without hardship.
"That’s right. So I also enjoy the hardships I experience. I believe that the difficulty I am facing right now will someday serve as my strong foundation and growing pains. If there’s one more thing I dream of, I wish to be a warm and caring person. I realized that to be caring requires quite a lot of effort and energy. I admire it whenever I see people being kind despite being busy and having their own struggles. So, I also want to be someone who never fails to care for others at all times."
Kim Ji Won’s full interview transcript is available in the May issue of Cosmopolitan Korea.
Fashion Editor: Jeon Sohee
Feature Editor: Chun Ilhong
Digital Editor: Song Unha
Photographer: Shin Sunhye
Art Designer: Byun Eunji
Hair: Dami (Kits)
Makeup: Cho Eunbi (Kits)
Stylist: Lee Boram (Trend)
Nails: Choi Jisook
Set Stylist: Hwang Ina
Assistant: Kim Moonyoung, Lee Shimje
Translation by: Ma. Kristina Carla Rico and Kyung-min Bae
