Stars who focused on acting, such as Lim Ji-yeon, Kim Ok-bin, and Cynthia, are drawing attention by challenging themselves in entertainment shows one after another. They are boldly taking on challenges, leaving behind the ‘burden’ of appearing on entertainment shows, thanks to the advantage of being able to fully show their own charms rather than their characters in works.

Lim Ji-yeon, who rose to fame as the ‘Queen of Box Office’ through ‘The Glory’ and ‘Madam Ok‘s Story’, is appearing on a reality entertainment show for the first time since her debut.

She will appear as a ‘new worker’ in the second season of tvN’s new entertainment show ‘Sister‘s Farm Direct’, which will be aired for the first time on April 13. ‘Sister’s Farm Direct’ is a program that promotes a fishing village reality, experiencing various jobs at sea and preparing seasonal meals that can only be tasted there.

Lim Ji-yeon fills the spot left by Ahn Eun-jin, who appeared in the previous season, and continues the fishing village life with Yeom Jeong-ah and Park Jun-myeon.

Kim Ok-bin also catches the eye by making an appearance after a long time. She is showing her ‘raw’ just as she is in a variety show after two years since the 2023 drama ‘The Sword of Aramun’. She is the only woman in the SBS entertainment program ‘Jungle Bob 2’ that aired last month, and is acting alongside Ryu Soo-young, Choi Hyun-seok, and Choi Daniel.

She is radiating girl crush charm by experiencing the food culture of the indigenous people living in the jungle and spreading Korean food culture to them. After the broadcast was released, she was given the nickname “Kimi Ok-bin” due to reactions such as ‘the birth of a new entertainment character’ because of her previously unseen side.

Kim Ok-bin said at a recent production conference, “As someone who has been to the jungle, I can tell you that the labor intensity is really intense. I gradually let myself down”, and “It was the first time I slept in a house with only a roof over my head. I encountered all kinds of bugs and got many glorious scars. It was the first entertainment show that was more difficult than filming a movie”.

Cynthia, who left a strong impression in the movie ‘The Witch 2’, is the same. She is showing off her enhanced entertainment sense through ‘Edward Lee‘s Country Cook’, which first aired last month. In a program featuring a culinary journey in which ‘star chefs’ Edward Lee, Byun Yo-han, and Go Ah-sung go in search of their grandmother’s cooking, Cynthia is loved by the nickname ‘Muk-sia’ for her extraordinary passion for cooking and appetite.

After making her face and name known to viewers, Cynthia is determined to create synergy with the drama ‘Someday, the Life of a Smiley Resident’, which will be aired for the first time in April.



Reporter Lee Jeong-yeon annjoy@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.