Kim Hee-sun Breaks Free from 'Career Break Woman' Status in 'Our Blooming Youth'

Actress Kim Hee-sun is embarking on a determined journey to shed the label of a 'career break woman' in the TV CHOSUN Monday-Tuesday miniseries ‘Our Blooming Youth’.

The second episode, aired on the 11th, depicted the protagonist Na-jeong (played by Kim Hee-sun) facing harsh realities as she rekindled her desire to return to work. Despite facing a string of rejection letters from initial applications and even having a no-pay offer turned down, she refused to give up hope.

Her challenge intensified as she applied for a re-employment program at her former workplace, Sweet Home Shopping. While she passed the first round as an experienced candidate, her path was fraught with obstacles, including opposition from her husband Won-bin (played by Yoon Park), a frosty reunion with her old classmate Mi-sook (played by Han Ji-hye), and condescending remarks from her junior colleague Ye-na (played by Ko Won-hee). Na-jeong’s poignant remark, "We studied the same things, but after getting married, only I've stayed in the same place," resonated deeply with viewers, capturing the frustrations of many.

Despite the setbacks, Na-jeong showed resilience. A particularly moving scene showed her practicing her interview in front of a bathroom mirror, her voice shifting as she reconnected with her identity beyond being a mother and wife. Her transformation on the blind test stage, embodying the role of a show host once again, conveyed a powerful mix of earnestness, nervousness, and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Netizens are rallying behind Na-jeong's comeback, commenting things like "Kim Hee-sun's acting is so immersive!", "Go Na-jeong! I'm cheering for you too!", and "The depiction of a career break woman's reality made me cry."