Yum Hye-ran on Portraying 'Ara' in 'Unpredictable': 'Sensual Charm' Worries to 3D Past Photos

Actress Yum Hye-ran shared her thoughts on portraying the unconventional character 'Ara' in the film 'Unpredictable' (Director Park Chan-wook).

In an interview held at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Yum Hye-ran frankly admitted her initial concerns about the role, stating, "I thought Ara, a free-spirited and beautiful aspiring actress, needed to exude a sensual charm just by sitting, which I felt I lacked, so I worried about it."

She revealed that after receiving the offer from director Park Chan-wook following her role in 'Mask Girl,' she initially doubted if the director had truly considered her due to the significant difference between her past roles and Ara. However, she decided to take on the challenge, inspired by the trust from the director and staff.

Yum Hye-ran explained, "The director said it would be interesting if I played the role, rather than an actress he could easily predict. That's when I decided I needed to trust myself and approach the character." She also expressed her worries about public reception, saying, "I was concerned about how much the audience, who have seen me in a certain way, would be able to accept Ara, given the gap between my accumulated image and the character."

She also focused on external transformations for the character. "I focused on her maintaining her long hair and continuously loving herself, even at her age," she explained, detailing efforts like manicures, eyelash extensions, wearing wigs, and carefully selected costumes.

Her younger self in the film was realized using 3D technology, with the director reportedly paying close attention and even referencing her old photos. Yum Hye-ran happily shared, "I received a photo of myself when I was young with Beom-mo (played by Lee Byung-hun) as a gift, and I've displayed it prominently at home."

Yum Hye-ran has built a solid filmography with memorable performances in numerous popular dramas and films including 'When the Camellia Blooms,' 'She Knows Everything,' 'The Uncanny Counter,' 'The Cursed,' 'Hospital Playlist,' 'Juvenile Justice,' 'The Glory,' and 'Mask Girl.' She particularly established herself as a 'scene-stealer' by embodying unique supporting characters with her own distinct color, receiving widespread acclaim for her transformative role in 'Mask Girl.' Based on her extensive experience in theater, she is recognized for her strong acting skills and has become a sought-after actress in both film and television.