Hello. This is Lucky Monster Entertainment.
Following the success of <Under the Queen's Umbrella>, actor Woo Jeong-won is having a busy start to the year filming <Battle for Happiness>. She shared her New Year's resolution for 2023 ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.
The 16-episode tvN weekend drama <Under the Queen's Umbrella> (written by Park Ba-ra, directed by Kim Hyeong-sik) concluded last December. The drama tells the story of Queen Hwa-ryeong (played by Kim Hye-soo) as she fiercely enters the royal education scene to guide her troublemaker princes. The final episode achieved its highest viewership rating of 16.9% (Nielsen Korea, national paid households), ending on a high note. Set in the Joseon dynasty, <Under the Queen's Umbrella> was popular for its delightful and at times touching portrayal of a mother's selfless devotion to her children through a fierce educational fervor.
In the drama, Woo Jeong-won played Consort Ko, the mother of Prince Simso (played by Moon Sung-hyun). Consort Ko was a royal consort who stopped at nothing for her son's success. Although her excessive ambition pushed Prince Simso to the brink, she was transformed into a person who truly cared for her son through the great generosity of Queen Hwa-ryeong. Woo Jeong-won elevated the drama's immersion with her three-dimensional portrayal of such a character.
She left a strong impression on viewers by capturing the character's transformation from a strict, greedy parent in the beginning to a person who eventually stands by Queen Hwa-ryeong, all through realistic expressions and delicate acting.
After building a wealth of experience on stage in plays and musicals, she officially began her on-screen career with the 2014 KBS 2TV drama <Big Man>. Since then, she has appeared in <SKY Castle>, <When the Camellia Blooms>, <Crash Landing on You>, <Hospital Playlist Season 2>, and <Green Mothers' Club>, and most recently made her mark on the small screen with <Under the Queen's Umbrella>.
She is now spending busy days after being cast as a lead actor alongside Lee El, Jin Seo-yeon, and Cha Ye-ryun in the new ENA drama <Battle for Happiness>. Based on her solid acting skills, her future endeavors are attracting great attention as she takes on her first leading role.
We met with Woo Jeong-won, who was beautifully dressed in a traditional hanbok, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday and talked about a variety of topics.
A Look Back and Ahead
- What are your plans for the Lunar New Year holiday?
▶ I'll probably spend it like everyone else—making food, doing dishes, and exercising if I have time. I'll meet my family; it's the same. If I have a shoot, I'll be on set, but they said I'll thankfully be able to take a break. I'm planning to make rice cake soup. Oh, I'm very good at making songpyeon (rice cakes) and dumplings. I majored in art, so I have a lot of pride in making things with my hands. I also like doodling and writing letters. When a project ends and there are a lot of people, I can't say goodbye to everyone individually. So, when I say my goodbyes, I often write letters or prepare illustrated cards.
- <Under the Queen's Umbrella> recently concluded with great popularity. What kind of work was it for you?
▶ I've done a lot of theater, but my on-screen career is relatively short. It will be remembered as the work that made me realize how much fun acting in front of a camera is. The senior actors and colleagues I worked with were a great source of strength. Before this, I was always nervous, scared, and trembling when I went to a shoot. While doing <Under the Queen's Umbrella>, it was the first time I looked forward to the filming days because I missed seeing my colleagues. It will be remembered as a project where I gained both the joy of acting and great people.
- How was the atmosphere on set?
▶ It was incredibly good and harmonious. The consorts I worked with were all kind. Senior Kim Hye-soo's influence is immense. She is a senior that everyone wants to work with at least once. She has a presence and charisma that transcends gender. I was happy to work with a person like that. Senior Kim Hye-soo takes good care of her juniors. For example, she will cheer for you while you're acting, give you hugs, and even kiss the back of your hand. When she gives advice, she never makes you feel bad or crosses any professional lines. She just cheers for you if she likes what you've prepared. She also provided a lot of material support by bringing in food trucks. The vibrant and harmonious atmosphere she created played a huge part.
- You had many scenes where you confronted Queen Hwa-ryeong as Consort Ko. How was your chemistry with Kim Hye-soo?
▶ I was so scared before we started. I had to get into a heated argument with senior Kim Hye-soo. I wondered how our energies could clash with each other. But senior Kim Hye-soo told me what I prepared was so good and encouraged me to do everything I wanted. I was able to act with confidence.
- While acting as Consort Ko, what was the most memorable feedback you received?
▶ I was told that because my face would get distorted when I cried or got angry, I looked "more like a person you'd see around you" and "more realistic." That made me feel really good. It's the direction I want to take with my acting, so I was happy. I didn't care about how my face looked on camera; if I looked ugly, I just went with it. When I filmed the crying scenes, I didn't mind if I looked messy. I was so happy that the viewers' reactions were positive.
- Consort Ko was a very strict mother. What are you like in real life?
▶ I'm married, but I don't have children yet. I was raised by strict parents, even though I received a lot of love. The director kept explaining what kind of child Prince Simso was and what kind of mother Consort Ko was. Because of that, I naturally understood the character. I also understood Prince Simso because I had been a child who disappointed my parents from his perspective.
- How was your chemistry with Moon Sung-hyun, who played Prince Simso?
▶ Moon Sung-hyun is a great actor. There was a scene where Prince Simso smiled after receiving encouragement from Queen Hwa-ryeong. I also loved the scene where Prince Simso learns to drink with Queen Hwa-ryeong. The child looked so beautiful. He was in a lot of pain when he was with me, though. Haha. I felt that Moon Sung-hyun was a mature young man for his age; he only said what was needed, took responsibility for his acting, and was a hardworking friend. He was also very receptive to my discussions about our acting scenes. I had only seen him as Prince Simso, but then he appeared as a villain in <Reborn Rich>. I realized that he has a very diverse face.
- Your next project is <Battle for Happiness>. How did you get to be a part of it?
▶ I think director Kim Yun-cheol liked my performance in <Under the Queen's Umbrella>. I had a meeting with him and was ultimately cast.
- Looking back at your acting career...
▶ I've always worked consistently and hard at whatever I do. There are people who have only recently found out about me who say, "You've become successful," or "You're doing great," but that doesn't really resonate with me. That's because my goal has never been to gain popularity; from the moment I started acting, the most important thing for me has been the process of how I've carried out the work.
- What New Year's greetings would you like to give to your fans?
▶ I hope you all have a year where you live with the belief and hope that you'll be a little bit happier more often. Also, I hope you sleep soundly and eat delicious food as much as possible. I think the new year is just a continuation of yesterday. I hope you have a great day today and tomorrow, just as you did yesterday.
'슈룹'에 이어 '행복배틀'을 촬영하며 쉴 틈 없는 연초를 보내고 있는 배우 우정원이 설 연휴를 맞아 2023년 새해 포부를 밝혔습니다.16부작 tvN 주말드라마 '슈룹'(극본 박바라 연출 김형식)은 지난해 12월 종영했으며,
우정원은 극 중 심소군(문성현 분)의 모친 고귀인으로 분했으며,
그는 연극과 뮤지컬 무대에서 다양한 경험을 쌓은 뒤
한복을 곱게 차려 입은 우정원을 설 연휴를 앞두고 만나 다양한 이야기를 나눴습니다.
-올 설 연휴 계획은.
▶음식하고 설거지 하고 시간나면 운동하고. 다른 분들과 비슷하게 보낼 것 같다. 가족들 만나고 똑같다. 만약에 촬영이 있으면 촬영할텐데 그때 감사하게 쉰다고 하더라. 떡국 만들어 먹을 생각이다. 참, 저는 송편과 만두를 굉장히 잘 빚는다. 미술 전공했었어서 손으로 뭐 만드는 데 자부심이 있다. 낙서하는 것도 좋아하고 편지쓰는 것을 좋아한다. 작품 끝날 때, 사람이 많으면 인사를 개인적인 잘 못한다. 인사할 때 편지를 쓰거나 그림 카드를 준비하기도 한다.
-최근 '슈룹'이 인기리에 종영했는데, 본인에게는 어떤 작품인가.
▶제가 공연은 많이 했는데, 상대적으로 매체 경력은 짧다. 카메라 앞에서 하는 연기에 대한 재미를 느끼게 해준 작품으로 남을 것 같다. 같이 나왔던 선배 동료분들이 참 힘이 됐다. 그전에는 촬영하러가면 늘 긴장되고 무섭고 떨렸다. '슈룹'하면서 처음으로 촬영하는 날 동료를 만나는 것이 기다려지고 보고싶었다. 연기하는 재미와 사람을 동시에 얻은 작품으로 남을 것 같다.
-촬영장 분위기는 어땠나.
▶상당히 좋았다. 화기애애했고 같이 나오는 후궁 친구들이 다 착한 친구들이었다. 김혜수 선배님이 주시는 영향력이 굉장하다. 많은 분들이 누구나 한번씩 같이 작업해보고 싶어하는 선배님이다. 선배님은 성별을 떠난 존재감과 카리스마를 가지고 있다. 그런 분과 함께 해서 기뻤다. 김혜수 선배님은 후배들을 잘 챙겨주신다. 이를테면 연기하고 있을 때 응원을 많이 해준다거나 포옹도 해주시고 손등에 뽀뽀도 해주신다. 조언하시더라도 절대 기분 나쁘게, 연기자 대 연기자로서 선을 넘는 행동은 절대 안 하시면서 응원해주신다. 준비해온 게 마음에 들면 너무 좋다고 응원해주신다. 밥차도 불러주시는 등 물직적인 지원도 많이 해 주셨다. 그분이 만들어내는 활기차고 화기애애한 분위기가 크게 작용했다.
-고귀인 역할로 중전 화령과 맞붙는 장면이 많았다. 김혜수와 호흡은.
▶막상 하기 전에는 너무 무서웠다. 김혜수 선배님과 악다구니를 쓰면서 싸워야했다. 서로 에너지를 어떻게 부딪힐 수 있을까 고민했다. 이후 김혜수 선배님이 너무 좋다고 하시면서 준비해온 것을 마음껏 다 하라고 응원해주셨다. 자신감을 가지고 할 수 있었다.
-고귀인을 연기하면서, 인상 깊었던 반응은.
▶울고, 화내는 장면에서 표정이 일그러져서 그런지 '더 주변 사람같다, 더 현실감이 있다'는 피드백을 들었다. 그게 굉장히 기분이 좋았다. 제가 원하는 연기의 방향이기도 해서 기분이 좋았다. 제 얼굴이 어떻게 나오는 지에 상관하지 않고 못생겨보이면 못생겨보이는대로 찍었다. 우는 장면을 찍을 때 지저분해보이면 그런대로 찍었다. 시청자분의 반응이 좋았어서 기뻤다.
-고귀인은 자녀에게 굉장히 엄격한 엄마였다. 실제론 어떤가.
▶저는 결혼은 했는데 아직 아이는 없다. 저도 사랑을 많이 받았지만 엄격한 부모님 밑에서 자랐다. 감독님이 계속해서 신소군은 어떤 아이고 고귀인은 어떤 엄마라고 설명해주셨다. 그래서 그 인물에 대해 자연스럽게 이해가 됐다. 저 또한 심소군의 입장에서 부모를 실망시키는 자식이 충분히 되어왔기 때문에 심소군이 이해가 됐다.
-심소군 역을 맡은 문성현 배우와는 호흡이 어땠나.
▶문성현은 연기를 잘 했다. 화령의 응원을 받아서 심소군이 웃는 장면이 있엇다. 또 심소군이 화령한테 술을 배우는 장면을 볼 때 너무 좋았다. 그 아이가 예뻐 보였다. 저와 나올 때는 굉장히 괴로워했지만. 하하.
-모자 케미스트리는 어땠나.
▶문성현은 나이에 비해 괜한 소리를 하지 않고, 필요한 말을 하고, 어른스럽고, 연기에 책임을 질 줄 알고, 열심히 하는 친구라는 생각이 들었다. 저와 연기적인 합을 의논할 때도 잘 받아들여줬다. (문)성현이가 심소군의 모습만 봤는데 '재벌집 막내아들'에서 나쁜 역할로 나오더라. 성현이에게 이굉장히 다양한 얼굴을 가지고 있다는 것을 느꼈다.
-차기작은 '행복배틀'인데, 어떻게 참여하게 됐나.
▶김윤철 감독님이 '슈룹'을 좋게 보신 것 같다. 김윤철 감독님과 미팅을 하고 최종 캐스팅이 됐다.
-그간의 연기 생활을 돌아본다면.
▶예전부터 뭐든 꾸준히 열심히 해왔다. 요즘 저를 알게 된 분들은 '너 잘됐더라' '잘나가더라'라고 말씀하시는 분들이 있는데 그게 와닿지는 않는다. 왜냐면 연기를 시작할 때부터 지금까지 저에게는 인기를 얻는 게 목표가 아닌, 연기를 어떻게 수행했냐는 과정이 중요했기 때문이다.
-팬들에 하고 싶은 설 인사는.
▶올해는 조금 더 자주 행복할거라는 믿음과 희망을 가지고 지내시길 바란다. 그리고 잠을 푹 잘 주무시고 되도록 맛있는 것을 해서 드셨으면 좋겠다. 새해도 어제와 이어진 날이라고 생각한다. 어제와 이어진 오늘, 그리고 내일을 잘 지내셨으면 좋겠다.
Hello. This is Lucky Monster Entertainment.
Following the success of <Under the Queen's Umbrella>, actor Woo Jeong-won is having a busy start to the year filming <Battle for Happiness>. She shared her New Year's resolution for 2023 ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.
The 16-episode tvN weekend drama <Under the Queen's Umbrella> (written by Park Ba-ra, directed by Kim Hyeong-sik) concluded last December. The drama tells the story of Queen Hwa-ryeong (played by Kim Hye-soo) as she fiercely enters the royal education scene to guide her troublemaker princes. The final episode achieved its highest viewership rating of 16.9% (Nielsen Korea, national paid households), ending on a high note. Set in the Joseon dynasty, <Under the Queen's Umbrella> was popular for its delightful and at times touching portrayal of a mother's selfless devotion to her children through a fierce educational fervor.
In the drama, Woo Jeong-won played Consort Ko, the mother of Prince Simso (played by Moon Sung-hyun). Consort Ko was a royal consort who stopped at nothing for her son's success. Although her excessive ambition pushed Prince Simso to the brink, she was transformed into a person who truly cared for her son through the great generosity of Queen Hwa-ryeong. Woo Jeong-won elevated the drama's immersion with her three-dimensional portrayal of such a character.
She left a strong impression on viewers by capturing the character's transformation from a strict, greedy parent in the beginning to a person who eventually stands by Queen Hwa-ryeong, all through realistic expressions and delicate acting.
After building a wealth of experience on stage in plays and musicals, she officially began her on-screen career with the 2014 KBS 2TV drama <Big Man>. Since then, she has appeared in <SKY Castle>, <When the Camellia Blooms>, <Crash Landing on You>, <Hospital Playlist Season 2>, and <Green Mothers' Club>, and most recently made her mark on the small screen with <Under the Queen's Umbrella>.
She is now spending busy days after being cast as a lead actor alongside Lee El, Jin Seo-yeon, and Cha Ye-ryun in the new ENA drama <Battle for Happiness>. Based on her solid acting skills, her future endeavors are attracting great attention as she takes on her first leading role.
We met with Woo Jeong-won, who was beautifully dressed in a traditional hanbok, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday and talked about a variety of topics.
A Look Back and Ahead
- What are your plans for the Lunar New Year holiday?
▶ I'll probably spend it like everyone else—making food, doing dishes, and exercising if I have time. I'll meet my family; it's the same. If I have a shoot, I'll be on set, but they said I'll thankfully be able to take a break. I'm planning to make rice cake soup. Oh, I'm very good at making songpyeon (rice cakes) and dumplings. I majored in art, so I have a lot of pride in making things with my hands. I also like doodling and writing letters. When a project ends and there are a lot of people, I can't say goodbye to everyone individually. So, when I say my goodbyes, I often write letters or prepare illustrated cards.
- <Under the Queen's Umbrella> recently concluded with great popularity. What kind of work was it for you?
▶ I've done a lot of theater, but my on-screen career is relatively short. It will be remembered as the work that made me realize how much fun acting in front of a camera is. The senior actors and colleagues I worked with were a great source of strength. Before this, I was always nervous, scared, and trembling when I went to a shoot. While doing <Under the Queen's Umbrella>, it was the first time I looked forward to the filming days because I missed seeing my colleagues. It will be remembered as a project where I gained both the joy of acting and great people.
- How was the atmosphere on set?
▶ It was incredibly good and harmonious. The consorts I worked with were all kind. Senior Kim Hye-soo's influence is immense. She is a senior that everyone wants to work with at least once. She has a presence and charisma that transcends gender. I was happy to work with a person like that. Senior Kim Hye-soo takes good care of her juniors. For example, she will cheer for you while you're acting, give you hugs, and even kiss the back of your hand. When she gives advice, she never makes you feel bad or crosses any professional lines. She just cheers for you if she likes what you've prepared. She also provided a lot of material support by bringing in food trucks. The vibrant and harmonious atmosphere she created played a huge part.
- You had many scenes where you confronted Queen Hwa-ryeong as Consort Ko. How was your chemistry with Kim Hye-soo?
▶ I was so scared before we started. I had to get into a heated argument with senior Kim Hye-soo. I wondered how our energies could clash with each other. But senior Kim Hye-soo told me what I prepared was so good and encouraged me to do everything I wanted. I was able to act with confidence.
- While acting as Consort Ko, what was the most memorable feedback you received?
▶ I was told that because my face would get distorted when I cried or got angry, I looked "more like a person you'd see around you" and "more realistic." That made me feel really good. It's the direction I want to take with my acting, so I was happy. I didn't care about how my face looked on camera; if I looked ugly, I just went with it. When I filmed the crying scenes, I didn't mind if I looked messy. I was so happy that the viewers' reactions were positive.
- Consort Ko was a very strict mother. What are you like in real life?
▶ I'm married, but I don't have children yet. I was raised by strict parents, even though I received a lot of love. The director kept explaining what kind of child Prince Simso was and what kind of mother Consort Ko was. Because of that, I naturally understood the character. I also understood Prince Simso because I had been a child who disappointed my parents from his perspective.
- How was your chemistry with Moon Sung-hyun, who played Prince Simso?
▶ Moon Sung-hyun is a great actor. There was a scene where Prince Simso smiled after receiving encouragement from Queen Hwa-ryeong. I also loved the scene where Prince Simso learns to drink with Queen Hwa-ryeong. The child looked so beautiful. He was in a lot of pain when he was with me, though. Haha. I felt that Moon Sung-hyun was a mature young man for his age; he only said what was needed, took responsibility for his acting, and was a hardworking friend. He was also very receptive to my discussions about our acting scenes. I had only seen him as Prince Simso, but then he appeared as a villain in <Reborn Rich>. I realized that he has a very diverse face.
- Your next project is <Battle for Happiness>. How did you get to be a part of it?
▶ I think director Kim Yun-cheol liked my performance in <Under the Queen's Umbrella>. I had a meeting with him and was ultimately cast.
- Looking back at your acting career...
▶ I've always worked consistently and hard at whatever I do. There are people who have only recently found out about me who say, "You've become successful," or "You're doing great," but that doesn't really resonate with me. That's because my goal has never been to gain popularity; from the moment I started acting, the most important thing for me has been the process of how I've carried out the work.
- What New Year's greetings would you like to give to your fans?
▶ I hope you all have a year where you live with the belief and hope that you'll be a little bit happier more often. Also, I hope you sleep soundly and eat delicious food as much as possible. I think the new year is just a continuation of yesterday. I hope you have a great day today and tomorrow, just as you did yesterday.