Actor Hwang Jung-eum. [Herald Muse]
Actor Hwang Jung-eum. [Herald Muse]

Actor Hwang Jung-eum has opened up about her longing to return to acting.

A video titled "The Day I Treated Unni Jiyoung and Oppa Subin to a Meal" was posted to Hwang's YouTube channel Wednesday. Hwang sat down for a meal that day with fellow actors Kim Ji-young and Bae Su-bin.

During the conversation, Hwang said she wanted to act, prompting Bae to suggest, "You and Jeongeun could do something together." When Hwang immediately replied, "Then cast me," Kim shot back, "Me?"

Hwang then asked, "I wonder when I'll be able to work on a project again," to which Bae replied, "I haven't been able to either." Hwang added that she hoped good things would come her way and that she would land a project that felt uplifting. "I want to film something like a warm, human family drama series," she said.

The three also reminisced about filming the 2013 KBS2 drama series "Secret," in which Hwang and Bae appeared together. Bae recalled that Hwang had a really hard time during the early days of shooting.

Hwang said Bae had told her at the time, "You're too instinctive as an actor," adding that he had encouraged her by saying that pairing instinct with reason could bring out something even better in her performance.

Reflecting on Hwang's performance in the drama series, Bae said she acted "like someone riding a blade — you just got pulled in." He noted it was a story that had never made it into any behind-the-scenes footage.

Hwang also expressed gratitude to Bae. "Do you remember calling me when I was going through a hard time and saying, 'Jeongeumah, come out for a drink'?" she said. "I really wanted to go because you said unni was there with you. I think of the people who didn't leave me alone during those times."

Bae said he could never forget about her. "I think it's because you're so unfiltered and honest — you say things other people can't bring themselves to say, and there's a catharsis in that," he said. Kim added, "I happened to be there at the time, and somehow I ended up being someone you're grateful to as well."


dbsdn1110@heraldcorp.com