[Dispatch=Lee Myung-ju] "I've returned as MBC's daughter-in-law from being MBC's daughter."
'Gong Hyo-jin' has made her return to an MBC drama after 15 years. She takes on a noir genre rather than romantic comedy, delivering a diverse mix of comedy, action, human drama, and thriller elements.
Instead of her signature warm charm, she exudes a cool charisma. She sets aside the title of 'rom-com queen' and becomes a 'one-shot, one-kill' sniper.
Gong Hyo-jin said, "Isn't revenge drama the trend, like Seo Ji-seop's 'Kim Bu-jang'? It seems 'Married Woman Killer' is riding a good wave," expressing her anticipation.
The MBC new Friday-Saturday drama 'Married Woman Killer' (screenplay Kim Eun-hee, directed by Yoon Jong-ho and Jihoon) held a production presentation on the 30th at MBC in Sangam, Seoul.
Directors Yoon Jong-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Jung Jun-won, Lee Sang-i, Moo Jin-sung, Choi Woo-sung, and Lee Eun-saem attended the event.
'Married Woman Killer' tells the story of a working mother with the world's most brutal profession who returns to active duty after a three-year parental leave.
The work's design is unique from the start. The premise is that a cold-blooded sniper is actually an ordinary married woman, and her absence was due to parental leave.
Director Yoon explained, "Unlike other crime thrillers centered on male protagonists, our drama focuses on a working mother with the profession of killer."
What gives credibility to this unique attempt is Gong Hyo-jin's capability. Gong Hyo-jin plays Yu Bo-na, department head of Doorumi Electronics Sales Team 3 and sniper 'Kingfisher'.
She is also a housewife with a newspaper reporter husband and a four-year-old daughter. She struggles to protect both her convictions and her family's happiness.
It was not easy work. Gong Hyo-jin revealed, "It was difficult to naturally navigate the dual gap of being a killer but having a daughter waiting at home and a loving husband."
"In my previous works, I mainly played characters driven by emotions, but this time it was really different. I had to hide emotions as much as possible and appear unknowable."
She also had to be mindful of the original webtoon. "The webtoon received so much love. We talked a lot with the production team about 'not disappointing the fans' expectations,'" she explained.
"I made an effort to create a Bo-na that fans might have imagined. I created it by referencing the expressions and dialogue in the webtoon."
The drama also gained attention as Gong Hyo-jin's return to MBC after 15 years. She has been part of numerous acclaimed works including 'Iris', 'Pasta', and 'The Greatest Love'.
Gong Hyo-jin said, "I can't believe the number 15 years," and reflected, "It seems there were many works where (MBC dramas in particular) allowed for character development."
"There was my first leading role (Snowman), I became 'Gong Pil-li' (Pasta). (laughs) There was also syndrome-level popularity (The Greatest Love)."
The drama's greatest appeal is Bo-na's double life. A married woman who is someone's mother, wife, and daughter-in-law transforms into a killer at work. Without a moment's hesitation, she takes private measures against corrupt criminals.
"Being a killer is a profession hard to imagine. There will be fun in following the process of 'she's like an ordinary neighbor sister, but how did she end up living this kind of life.'"
Another point to watch is the relationship between Gong Hyo-jin and her husband's actor Jung Jun-won. They are a loving couple, but it's precarious. The ending between the wife hiding her identity and the husband pursuing the truth raises curiosity.
Finally, Gong Hyo-jin said, "We filmed for over eight months, and that much is packed into it," and expressed confidence that "the MBC drama returning after 15 years will dominate this summer and fall."
Director Yoon also said, "We worked hard," adding, "I hope it becomes a work where we can reflect on the precious people by our side."
Meanwhile, 'Married Woman Killer' will air its first episode on the 31st at 9:50 p.m.
<Photo by photographer Lee Ho-jun>
