From Juvenile Justice to Squid Game Season 2, Park Bo-kyung has consistently stolen scenes across a range of hit series, most recently taking home Best Supporting Actress at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards for her role as Jeong Yeo-jin in The Art of Sarah.
Having previously spoken with her husband, actor Jin Sun-kyu, we finally caught up with Park Bo-kyung for an exclusive interview. Read on as she reflects on her recent award win, her work on The Art of Sarah, and where she hopes to take her craft next.
| Q: Congratulations on your Best Supporting Actress win at the 5th Blue Dragon Series Awards for ‘The Art of Sarah’! It was a wonderful recognition of your performance as Jeong Yeo-jin. When you heard your name announced, what was the very first thought that went through your mind? |
| Park Bo-kyung: I was so shocked that my mind went completely blank, and all I could think was, “What am I going to do? I didn’t prepare an acceptance speech.” |
| Q: Your husband, actor Jin Sun-kyu, was visibly emotional as he watched you receive the award, and that moment resonated with many viewers. In a career where there are inevitably difficult and uncertain periods, did that moment remind you of any particular part of the journey you have taken together? |
| Park Bo-kyung: I was reminded of the moment my husband won an award at the Blue Dragon Film Awards for the first time. I was grateful to my husband, who was even happier than I was and cried like a child, and I was happy to have the chance to express my gratitude to him. |
| Q: When you first encountered ‘The Art of Sarah’, what was it about the story or the world of the drama that made you think, “I want to be part of this”? |
| Park Bo-kyung: I really liked how each character compellingly explores the things people may lack in life – such as money, status, recognition, or health. I also thought the casting was excellent. That’s what made me want to be a part of The Art of Sarah. |
| Q: ‘The Art of Sarah’ explores complicated relationships between people who may not always be honest with one another. Was there a relationship in the story that you found particularly interesting to watch unfold, even from an actor’s perspective? |
| Park Bo-kyung: Naturally, I found the character of Jeong Yeo-jin very intriguing. I felt both sympathy and empathy for Yeo-jin’s sense of lack and desperation. Although she longs for wealth and status, she relies solely on Sara Kim, the only person who truly recognizes and accepts her. |
| Q: Was there a scene that looked very serious on screen but was actually extremely difficult not to laugh through while filming? |
| Park Bo-kyung: I remember a scene by the Han River on a cold winter day, where we were eating cream cake and drinking ice-cold soju. It was so cold that you could see my breath, but I still had to smile as if I were happy. |
| Q: You have shown such a wide range across ‘Juvenile Justice’, ‘Squid Game Season 2’, and ‘The Art of Sarah’. Is there still a particular kind of character or story that you feel curious to explore as an actress? |
| Park Bo-kyung: There are two films that I consider the films of my life: Billy Elliot and Life Is Beautiful. Just like those films, I’d love to be part of a project—even in a small role—that could become someone’s all-time favorite. |
| Q: Imagine your characters meeting for dinner. Who would be most likely to start an argument, and who would be trying to keep the peace? Please tell us why. |
| Park Bo-kyung: The character who seems like she’d start a fight is Go Su-im from Little Women. She’s good at fighting, after all ^^ Go Su-im is also the mediator. She’s good at fighting, after all. |
| Q: Your performances have connected with viewers far beyond Korea, with audiences bringing their own perspectives and interpretations to the characters you play. Have you ever encountered an international fan’s interpretation of one of your characters that made you think about your performance differently? |
| Park Bo-kyung: Through the messages of love and support for Korean dramas, I came to feel the power of empathy and connection. I think that encouraged me to approach every role with a sense of responsibility, whether I was playing a villain or a good-hearted character |
| Q: Finally, do you have a message for your Singapore fans who have been following and supporting your work? |
| Park Bo-kyung: I still have a lot to learn. But there are so many incredible actors and crew members I get to work with on set. I draw strength from them, and I’ll do my very best in every role I take on so that I don’t let them down. Thank you so much for supporting me and showing interest in my work from afar. |
We would like to thank L’July Entertainment for the opportunity for this interview!
Photo courtesy: L’July Entertainment
