Singer-actor Jung Eun-ji poses during an interview with The Korea Times, Tuesday. Courtesy of IST Entertainment By Pyo Kyung-min For singer-turned-actor Jung Eun-ji, the recently concluded JTBC weekend drama, "Miss Night and Day," felt like a gift. "During filming, I met colleagues who really understood me.
The relationships I formed through this drama were a gift in themselves. The show's outcome was good, sure, but this series holds a special place in my heart because I can continue my connection with the actors I worked with," Jung said in an interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday. "Miss Night and Day," a fantasy rom-com series, drew its curtains last Sunday with an impressive viewership rating of 11.
7 percent, marking the highest for any JTBC drama aired this year. The drama follows the story of Mi-jin , a desperate job-seeker who suddenly finds herself trapped in the body of an old woman during the day and returning to her younger self at night. Jung played the young version of the character, alongside veteran actor Lee Jung-eun — known for her scene-stealing role in the Cannes-winning film "Parasite" (2019) — playing her older self.
Jung expressed more affection for her fellow actors than for her own achievements, especially spending most of the hour-long interview expressing her admiration for Lee. "I've always been curious about Lee since her previous works. Her ability to transform completely for each role intrigued me.
I wanted to know everything about her preparation process and her on-set presence," Jung passionately explained. "When I heard that Lee was confirmed for the cast, I immediately decided to take on the challenge after receiving the script and offer (for this drama)." Actors Jung Eun-ji, left, and Lee Jung-eun pose during a press conference for JTBC drama, "Miss Night and Day," at a hotel in Guro District, Seoul, June 13.
Yonhap Living up to her high hopes, Lee turned out to be a wonderful mentor and friend on set, according to Jung. "Lee is not only a senior in acting but also a great sister to me. Despite being 24 years older, she treated me so warmly and casually.
She remains an adorable and lovely presence in my life." In the drama, Jung also shared a romantic chemistry with actor Choi Jin-hyuk, who played competent prosecutor Ji-woong, sparking viewers' hopes for a real-life romance between the two. However, Jung awkwardly laughed off the possibility of a real romance during the interview.
"There's not even a 1 percent chance of a romance with Choi. After filming ended, Choi started treating me like a younger brother. He must have worked hard to maintain the romantic feelings during the shoot," Jung clarified, laughing.
A promotional image for JTBC drama "Miss Night and Day" / Courtesy of JTBC Debuting in the entertainment industry in 2011 as the main vocalist of K-pop girl group Apink, Jung initially captivated the public with her unmatched singing skills. She then ventured into acting a year later, taking on the notable lead role of "Reply 1997," in which she perfectly embodied the sentiments of early K-pop fandom intertwined with the trials of first love. Since then, she has steadily built her acting career with roles in various films and dramas, including KBS's school drama "Cheer Up!" (2015) and seasons 1 and 2 of the webtoon-turned-series "Work Later, Drink Now" (2021-2022).
Despite her considerable acting experience, Jung occasionally struggled to relate to her character Mi-jin, a young jobseeker in tough times. "I value rationality over emotions, so at first, I couldn't understand Mi-jin's life pace. Questions like 'Why is she so hesitant?' and 'Why can't she just be honest?' kept coming up to me.
" To better understand Mi-jin, Jung continuously questioned and explored her character. "During the process, I realized that everyone has their own pace in life. Though I couldn't relate wholly, people around me said they deeply empathized with Mi-jin's struggles.
From then on, I observed how these people approached life and learned that everyone's pace deserves respect." Singer-actor Jung Eun-ji poses during an interview with The Korea Times, Tuesday. Courtesy of IST Entertainment Jung attributed the drama's popularity to its central theme of time.
"I think this drama was loved by all generations because it deals with the theme of time. Older viewers reflected on their youth, and younger viewers enjoyed imagining what it would be like to suddenly age," she said. The actor added that she herself also contemplated youth and aging while filming the drama.
"I believe I won't change much as I age and will continue living as I do now. I think my everyday routine of cleaning the house, watching anime when I'm bored and wondering what to eat on a daily basis will remain the same," she said. "Though we can't control physical aging, I want to keep a youthful spirit.
I want to stay carefree with my friends and enjoy good food whenever I want. I hope many things remain unchanged.".
