Actress Park Bo Young recently revealed her initial fears about starring in Netflix’s hit series, “Our Unwritten Seoul,” confessing she even wanted to “run away” on the first day due to the pressure of her extensive screen presence.
The Daunting Task of Dual Roles
In “Our Unwritten Seoul,” Park Bo Young took on an incredibly challenging role, portraying not just twins, but four distinct versions of the same person. She skillfully differentiated between Mirae and Miji, and also their “future” and “unknown” counterparts, even when they swapped identities.
This was a significant departure from her well-loved romantic comedy roles, like “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon.” Park Bo Young admitted that despite her many years in the industry, this was a difficult feat. She worried deeply that viewers might not be able to distinguish between her characters.
She meticulously crafted each twin. Mirae was the responsible one, hiding her pain, with neat hair and heavy eyeliner, always composed. Miji, on the other hand, was her wilder counterpart: loose-haired, light-lined, outspoken, and free-spirited. Even their body language and voices were uniquely distinct, a testament to her dedication.
Overcoming On-Set Struggles
Park Bo Young openly shared her struggles during production. “I really felt a lot of pressure. It was only after I agreed to do it that I thought, ‘What have I done?’ I wasn’t sure I could pull it off,” she recalled, admitting to feeling like a “failure” on set.
Filming twin scenes presented significant technical hurdles. She often had to act against stunt doubles or even just her imagination, matching eye levels to nothing. This was a completely new experience for her, but she believes it ultimately led to immense personal and professional growth.
Thankfully, the hard work paid off. After a break from TV dramas, the show garnered overwhelmingly positive responses, dominating global streaming charts.
A New Chapter in Her Career
This complex role in “Our Unwritten Seoul” follows other critically acclaimed performances in projects like “Concrete Utopia” and “Morning Comes to the Mental Ward.” These roles highlight a clear shift in her career, moving beyond the softer, more straightforward characters she was once known for.
Fans can also look forward to her next series, “Goldland,” which is set to premiere on Disney+.
Two Decades of Dedication
Park Bo Young has been captivating audiences for two decades, starting her acting journey as a teenager. Reflecting on her early days, she recalled directors scolding her to the point of tears, making her question if she was cut out for the profession.
However, those early doubts only fueled her determination. Now, after 20 years, she feels she has grown considerably. She humbly states that acting feels like her destiny and that her goal is to simply keep conveying her heart through the scripts she chooses.
