Internationally acclaimed Korean actress, Lim Ji Yeon, talked about her initial struggles in the acting industry, particularly her debut role in the 2014 film Obsessed. In an episode of the popular South Korean television show You Quiz on the Block, Lim took a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The Glory star recalled the challenges she faced and the invaluable role her parents played in her journey to stardom.
Responding to a question from host Yoo Jae Suk about her “controversial” debut role, which featured explicit scenes, Lim answered with an assuring smile.
I considered it a rare opportunity. I loved the character in the script and was ready to take on the challenge.
— Lim Ji Yeon
Yet, despite her eagerness, The Glory star confessed to initial trepidations, especially about how her parents would react to her on-screen portrayal.
I was terrified after my first reading of the script for ‘Obsessed.’ I wondered if I could ever pull it off.
— Lim Ji Yeon
The actress added that the potential of causing embarrassment or pain to her mother was another source of concern, considering the explicit scenes in the film.
Lim’s role in Obsessed carried particular weight because of its explicit scenes. The 2014 South Korean erotic romance film — penned and directed by Kim Dae Woo — narrates the tale of a couple embarking on a passionate affair within a tightly monitored military camp in 1969.
Lim breathed life into the character of Ga Heun, the wife of a military captain, who succumbs to her heart’s desires and engages in an intense affair with another celebrated war hero, Colonel Kim Jin Pyong (played by Song Seung Heon).
Despite the controversy and criticism that followed the nude scene in the movie, a significant moment for the actress came after her mother attended the premiere of the film.
It’s Time For “High Society” Actress Lim Ji Yeon To Work On Her Acting, Instead of Nude Scenes.
— Headline from June 2015
Lim fondly remembered her mother telling her she looked beautiful and presenting her with a banquet, an affirmation that boosted her confidence and encouraged her to persevere in her acting career.
Lim’s journey to acting wasn’t smooth sailing from the start. Determined to chase her dream, she worked part-time jobs in high school to save money for acting school, which she attended secretly.
I always wanted to act since I was a child, but my parents weren’t thrilled about the idea initially. They had no background in the arts, so they were against the idea when I told them I wanted to be an actress.
— Lim Ji Yeon
Despite this, she didn’t harbor any resentment towards her parents for their initial disapproval. The actress admits she understood that they were worried about her giving up on a traditional education to pursue an uncertain career.
Lim’s story of humble beginnings and her rise to prominence is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Her parents’ transformation from initial skeptics to her biggest supporters underlines the essential role that a nurturing environment plays in the success of an artist. Her journey is an inspiration to many aspiring actors who, like her, are embarking on this demanding yet rewarding path.
