Jeon So-Nee Respected Her Curious Character In ‘Our Blooming Youth’

Jeon So-nee plays a woman ahead of her time in the historical k-drama Our Blooming Youth. Her character Min Jae-yi is able to skirt around the restrictions placed on women’s lives during Joseon Era Korea. A talented amateur detective, she’s lucky to have a supportive family that encourages her unconventional pursuits. Jeon enjoyed playing this smart determined character and experiencing the era in her first historical drama.

“A historical drama is appealing in the sense that we experience a setting that we cannot experience in our daily lives,” said Jeon. “The hanbok and props were beautiful as well, so it was wonderful and exciting to be within them. At the same time, it was challenging because when we wear the clothes of the past, we become more aware of our words and actions. It took some time to adjust as I was cautious of all my expressions. As I adjusted, I enjoyed each and every scene because it was an experience that cannot be found in another genre.”

Jeon’s character Jae-yi is a member of a noble family. She’s about to make an enviable marriage when her entire family is murdered and she becomes the prime suspect. Without her loving family, she’s alone and in danger, so Jae-yi decides to visit the palace to plead her innocence. To do so, she must dress like a man, first pretending to be a soldier and later a palace eunuch. Jeon could not help but be attracted to such a resilient and resourceful character.

“Ever since she was young her curiosity has left her in various situations,” said Jeon. “She is left with no choice but to hide within the walls of the palace by pretending to be a eunuch. I respect her for finding her own path while staying true to her values, even though it was a difficult time period for women. To do this, she masters literary and martial arts. Action scenes in a historical drama proved to be a challenge, but I wanted to accomplish them myself.”

Pretending to be a man offers Jae-yi opportunities to show off her archery and sword-fighting skills, which Jeon really enjoyed. Much of the character’s swordplay involves her efforts to protect the crown prince, played by Park Hyung-sik.

“There were numerous sword-fighting scenes,” said Jeon. “It was difficult not to rush them as I tend to put my mind ahead of my body. I had to coordinate with the other actors so that no one gets hurt. Such scenes were challenging, but this was what made them thrilling and fascinating. I remember I had to run through the mountains, roll in the dirt, and fight with a sword in my hand. The day went by without even the time to think about how tiring it was. I enjoyed working in harmony with action teachers, fellow actors, horses and even the weather.”

The actress filmed some episodes of Our Blooming Youth at the same time as she filmed the sci-fi series Parasyte: The Grey. In that sci-fi series she plays a woman who is infected by an extraterrestrial parasite, but is somehow able to resist possession.

“The start of Parasyte: The Grey overlapped with the finale of Our Blooming Youth,” she said. “I worked on both dramas for about two weeks. I found it a little difficult as I did not expect an overlap and it was my first time experiencing it.”

Jeon, who previously appeared in the dramas Encounter, When My Love Blooms and Scripting Your Destiny, can also be seen in a new film this year, Soul Mate.

“It’s a story about two childhood friends,” she said. “At times their lives overlap and at times they grow apart. I play the role of Go Ha-eun, born and raised on an island, who fears changes and challenges.”

Portraying a character who fears challenges will present an interesting contrast to her bold female character in Our Blooming Youth. Produced by Studio Dragon the drama airs on Viki.com in the US.