Yoon Seo-ah on 'Chef Detective' Chemistry with Im Yoon-ah: 'She's an Entertainer's Entertainer'

Actress Yoon Seo-ah spoke about her strong "womance" chemistry with co-star Im Yoon-ah, following the conclusion of the tvN weekend drama 'Chef Detective' on the 28th.

In 'Chef Detective,' which aired its finale on the 28th, Yoon Seo-ah garnered attention for her captivating performance as Seo Gil-geum. The drama, centered on a chef (Im Yoon-ah) who time-slips to the past at her peak moment and encounters an absolute-palate tyrant king (Ahn Jae-wook), successfully concluded with a viewership rating of 15.8% for its final episode.

Yoon Seo-ah portrayed Seo Gil-geum, a girl with an absolute sense of smell, embodying the innocent and curious 18-year-old with her rustic dialect and vibrant expressions. She brought vitality to the potentially heavy court survival genre and heightened the drama's immersion by playing a pivotal role in helping Im Yoon-ah's character, Yeon Ji-yeong, adapt and showcase her abilities in the Joseon era.

Notably, Yoon Seo-ah's dazzling "womance" chemistry with lead actress Im Yoon-ah amplified the drama's entertainment value. Yoon Seo-ah shared, "I was a big fan of Im Yoon-ah sunbaenim, who is like an entertainer's entertainer," adding, "When we met before the first shoot, she proactively asked for my number, and I was so happy thinking, 'I have Girls' Generation's number right now.' Just like her kind and warm demeanor shown on screen, she was a generous giver, living up to her nickname 'Yoongprodyte,' which deepened my admiration."

She further recalled, "Since I had many scenes with Im Yoon-ah sunbaenim from the beginning, I really hoped we'd have good chemistry. We rehearsed our lines extensively, and she readily accepted my ad-libs, allowing us to collaborate and create good ideas together. I was thrilled when director Jang Tae-yoo praised on the first day of shooting, 'Your chemistry is so good, it doesn't feel like you're acting together for the first time.'" She revealed their current closeness, stating, "Now, we've become so close that we can communicate with just a look, without needing to plan."

Meanwhile, Yoon Seo-ah had previously worked with Kang Han-na (playing Kang Mok-ju) in the drama 'Bloody Heart,' where she played Kang Han-na's closest aide. Upon joining 'Chef Detective,' Yoon Seo-ah contacted Kang Han-na, who congratulated her heartily and took good care of her on set.

Reflecting on her role, Yoon Seo-ah analyzed, "I thought my slightly sharp voice could be a strong asset as a supporting character. When the main characters needed to convey a heavy tone or deep emotions, I often played the role of speaking the words the protagonists wanted to say. I think that aspect was well-expressed through my voice and character." She also smiled and added, "I really like older women, and the actresses I worked with took care of me like a younger sister, so I could approach them comfortably. Our personal closeness likely led to synergistic chemistry in our acting."

/elnino8919@osen.co.kr

Netizens reacted warmly to Yoon Seo-ah's heartwarming "womance" with Im Yoon-ah, commenting, "Yoon Seo-ah and Im Yoon-ah look like real sisters!" "I really enjoyed 'Chef Detective,' and their chemistry was the best!" and "I'm really looking forward to actress Yoon Seo-ah's future work!"