Eugene Explains Her Return to Dramas with 'The First Lady': A Bold New Role

Actress Eugene has revealed the reasons behind choosing the drama 'The First Lady' as her comeback project after a four-year hiatus. The press conference for MBN's new Wednesday-Thursday drama 'The First Lady' was held on the afternoon of the 24th in Seoul.

'The First Lady' tells the story of a woman who becomes the First Lady after her husband, a former activist, is elected President. However, their lives take an unexpected turn when the newly elected President demands a divorce from his wife.

Eugene takes on the role of Cha Soo-yeon, a 'kingmaker' who masterminds her husband's rise to the presidency. Director Lee Ho-hyun praised Eugene's casting, stating, "Her fairy-like image taking on the role of a First Lady seemed intriguing. Knowing her dedication and serious approach to acting, even as a former idol, I was confident she would greatly benefit our drama."

Eugene herself expressed her excitement for the project. "The storyline, starting with a divorce request, was fascinating. The character of Cha Soo-yeon, who is strong, ambitious, and perhaps even ruthless in pursuit of her goals, is completely different from roles I've played before, making her very appealing," she explained. "While it's my first political drama, the engaging narrative drew me in, even though I'm not particularly interested in politics."

'The First Lady' is set to premiere tonight, the 24th, at 10:20 PM KST.

Eugene debuted in 1997 as a member of the legendary K-pop group S.E.S., quickly becoming a beloved icon. After transitioning to acting, she garnered critical acclaim for her powerful performances, most notably in the highly popular drama series 'The Penthouse'. She is married to actor Ki Tae-young and they have two daughters together.