Jang Gyuri recently shared her aspirations to take on soldier characters and historical genres following the conclusion of her latest project.
On the 4th, the tvN Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Four Hands’ (scripted by Shin Yi-won, directed by Park Hyun-seok, produced by Studio Dragon, Studio N, and Namoo Actors) successfully wrapped up its 12-episode run.
‘Four Hands’ is a youth drama depicting the friendship, love, competition, and growth of young people who met at an art high school exclusively for musical geniuses. Featuring actors Song Kang, Lee Jun-young, and Jang Gyuri, the series brought together director Park Hyun-seokβknown for ‘Uncontrollably Fond’, ‘Stranger 2’, and ‘Hometown’βand writer Shin Yi-won of ‘Green Mothers’ Club’.
Jang Gyuri played Hong Jae-in, a viola major with a sensitive sense of hearing. As a character with exceptional musical perception capable of instantly catching beautiful melodies, Jang delivered a nuanced performance by naturally shifting the gaze, tone, and behavior of 17-year-old and 27-year-old Hong Jae-in according to the flow of time, enhancing audience immersion.
In particular, Jang was praised for perfectly growing into a next-generation leading actress by delicately expressing everything from bright, sunshine-like energy to serious, emotionally complex scenes.
Having debuted as an actress in 2019 through the tvN D STORY web drama ‘Compulsory Dating Education’ and now reaching her 7th year since debut, Jang stated that she genuinely felt her growth through ‘Four Hands’. While humbly remarking that she still has a long way to go, she shared, “Previously, I showed only one period or one side of a character, but this time I experienced various emotions and different ages, making me feel that I am moving forward step by step.”
Addressing her past remarks about feeling awkward with the title of ‘actress’, Jang noted, “Now, rather than feeling awkward, I wonder if titles even matter. I just hope people will see me as I am and how they want to see me.”
Regarding her tendency to play unconventional occupations such as cheerleader, classical manager, and weather caster, she explained, “I didn’t deliberately choose those professions; it just happened because I chose roles I wanted to do.” When asked if she wanted to break away from her proactive image, she expressed her firm belief, saying, “If the character and script are good, I want to play them all. I haven’t really thought about wanting to break away from it.”
As for genres she wants to challenge next, she named ‘soldier’ and ‘historical drama’. Jang Gyuri shared her ambitious aspirations, saying, “My mom worked in music so I did a musical drama this time, and now I want to follow my dad, who was a soldier, and try playing a soldier role. Whatever is entrusted to me, I have the confidence to do well.” When asked if she feels ready to lead a series, she replied, “I always worry and doubt, and I’ve never felt like I was completely ready. I just do my absolute best when entrusted with a role.”>
Much like Jae-in, who cherished a 20-year unrequited love in the drama, Jang’s affection for acting is also ongoing. With sparkling eyes, she expressed, “Loving something for 20 years isn’t an easy thing. I am taking it step by step, but I want to act for 20 more years, even 200 years.” She recalled listening to Oohyo’s ‘Dandelion’ whenever she had a hard time in her youth and thinking, “I want to give this kind of love and comfort to someone.”
Jang Gyuri’s next chapter, moving forward without setting limits, has already begun. She will meet audiences in the latter half of this year through the occult film ‘Perfect House’. With comments like, “I appear with almost no makeup, so I think I’ll be able to show many new sides,” anticipation is high for the diverse comfort Jang Gyuri will bring to the public over the next 200 years.
