POPULAR South Korean actress and singer Krystal Jung takes on a physically demanding role in the new drama series Search.
An iQIYI Original exclusively available on the streaming platform, the 10-episode sci-fi thriller follows the adventures of an elite special forces search party that encounters monstrous creatures as they struggle to escape the demilitarised zone (DMZ) together.
In the midst of overcoming the creatures and other challenges, the members of the search party forms a bond that includes heart-warming moments as well as conflicts.
Jung plays Son Ye-rim, a senior lieutenant and an elite officer from the Women's University School Corps, who is currently an officer at the KCST Command Centre.
The highly skilled officer is sent on a special assignment after a mysterious incident takes place at the DMZ.
Search also stars Jang Dong-yoon, Moon Jeong-hee, Yoon Park and Lee Hyun-wook.
Born in San Francisco, California in the US, Jung has acted in various Korean drama series such as The Heirs (2013), My Lovely Girl (2014), Prison Playbook (2017), The Bride Of Habaek (2017) and Player (2018).
The 26-year-old artiste was formerly a member of SM Entertainment K-Pop group f(x) and the younger sister of Jessica Jung of Girls' Generation fame.
Below, Jung talks about her role in Search.
What preparations did you undergo for you role which is also a physical one?
To better portray this role as a female officer, I went to talk with real female officers.
I also learnt and practiced the various physical sequences we were going to carry out during the filming process.
To maintain good physical strength I had to workout a lot.
But I didn't go on a diet when we were filming. I just took more water than usual and had a more balanced diet.
What was the biggest challenge in playing the female officer?
Everything seems to have been a great challenge for me in portraying this character.
Do you have a different idea about military officers now after doing this drama?
It's rather a different experience than a different idea.
In the past I only knew that being a military officer was really tough.
Now that I've acted as one, I feel a deeper respect for them even more than before.
You once said that when you couldn't travel you would prefer having a stroll. Because of the pandemic this year, have you developed any other hobbies?
I'm like every other person in my daily life.
I'm a homebody and love to stay home to watch movies, listen to music and cook.
You were faced with lots of unknown and dangerous situations in the drama. In reality, are you a brave person who's ready to take on adventures?
I don't like adventures, or things that might get myself hurt or get myself in danger.
I would have to be thoroughly prepared if I were to do something dangerous.
You are an extremely decisive person in the drama. Were you faced with any challenges or difficulties when you were playing Son Ye-rim?
I think the greatest challenge in portraying this role as a military officer was that I had to remember and be familiar with lots of military jargon. Aside from that, as an officer, I had to remain calm the entire time and refrain from revealing my true feelings.
What do you think are the similarities and differences between your role Son Ye-rim and yourself?
We're both straightforward, which is what makes us similar.
In terms of our differences, I think she's more calm and composed, while I'm the complete opposite.
What made you decide to take on this role in this drama? What do you think makes this character attractive?
The script was interesting and this character as a female officer is quite unique.
Could you give us a brief idea about the difference between Search and the previous shows you've played in?
Lots of stories unfold in the military in Search and it's packed with scenes that deliver a strong visual impact. These are what my previous shows didn't have.
I hope to give the audience something different and fresh with this new show.
Your roles in Player and Search are both physically demanding. Do you maybe want to act in a romantic drama next time, so you can relax and have some romance?
I don't restrict the type of drama I play in. I love to try different kinds of characters.
From your previous shows, we've seen how your acting skills have improved. What expectations do you have for your career as an actress?
I have two upcoming movies – More Than Family and Sweet And Sour.
The roles I play in these two movies will give the audience a fresh idea about myself.
As an actress, I'm always hopeful that I'd be able to act in many more good works.
Courtesy of iQIYI
Watch Search on www.iq.com or via the iQIYI App.