Jung Eun-chae Sheds Elite Image for Gritty Factory Foreman Role in 'Mr. Kim's Story'

Actress Jung Eun-chae is making a surprising transformation in the JTBC drama 'Mr. Kim's Story'. Known for her fair skin and sophisticated image, often playing elite professionals, she has now taken on the role of Lee Ju-young, a factory foreman, donning a hard hat and work uniform, showcasing a completely different side.

In the drama, Jung Eun-chae portrays a complex character who engages in subtle power plays with Manager Kim (played by Ryu Seung-ryong), who has been sidelined by headquarters, while also showing subtle warmth to him as he becomes socially isolated. She is praised not just for shedding her beauty but for meticulously embodying the inner life of an ordinary citizen, perfectly capturing the face of a common person.

Her portrayal of leadership, showing consideration for foreign workers and caring for her colleagues, along with her willingness to take on difficult tasks, has left a deep impression on viewers. She has demonstrated growth as an actress by embodying the image of a leader that this era desires – someone who knows how to take 'responsibility'.

Jung Eun-chae's addition has also significantly contributed to the drama's rising ratings. The show, which started at 2.9%, climbed to 4.7% by its sixth episode, gaining word-of-mouth traction. With the inevitable conflict between Manager Kim and Foreman Lee on the horizon, anticipation is high for how Jung Eun-chae's successful transformation will heighten the drama's immersion.

Netizens are cheering for her transformation, commenting, 'I never knew Jung Eun-chae's acting spectrum was so wide,' 'The factory foreman role suits her so well, it feels like someone real,' and 'I'm looking forward to the chemistry with Ryu Seung-ryong.'