Veteran actress Oh Hyun-kyung, who debuted in 1988 and was born in 1970, expressed sincere gratitude for her role in MBC’s new daily drama First Man. At the drama’s press conference held on December 10 at MBC headquarters in Sangam, Seoul, Oh spoke about his character, the production and the state of the entertainment industry.
First Man is a revenge drama that follows two women: one who takes the life of another to take revenge, and the other who steals a life for her own desires. The intense life-and-death battle between the two forms the core of this gripping series.
Oh Hyun-kyung plays Chae Hwa-young, a character who appears to be a dutiful daughter-in-law in front of President Ma but is secretly condescending and devious. Speaking about his approach to the role, Oh said, “I believed the best thing was to stay true to the script, which was already detailed and thorough. The director also helped guide our emotions so we didn’t go astray.”
He reflected on a phrase that his character says: “I don’t want to be like a fish floundering on a cutting board, always chosen by others. I want to live a life where I can choose for myself.” Oh, I noticed while Hwa-young may have believed her ambitions were justified, they were ultimately rooted in the wrong beginning. “The script called her the ‘ultimate villain,’ so I tried to portray various shades of her, including the pain behind her actions.”
The actress also touched on the broader struggles within the entertainment industry, noting: “Right now, times are tough for everyone, and actors are no exception. That’s why I’m incredibly grateful to have been cast in such a big drama. At my age, it’s easy to settle, but this role is a real challenge for me. It requires a lot of energy and lines to memorize. Having the spirit to take on a new challenge at this point in my life feels like a blessing. I’m really happy with this opportunity.”
First Man will premiere on MBC at 7:05pm on December 15.
Sources: Daum
