Park Ji-hyun, 'Broker and Changyeon' Star, Opens Up About Playing 'Sang-yeon,' Her Bond with Kim Go-eun, and Dedication to Role

Actress Park Ji-hyun, who portrays the captivating character of Sang-yeon in Netflix's 'Broker and Changyeon,' recently shared her profound insights into embodying a character that, despite her flawed actions, elicits empathy from viewers. She also spoke candidly about the special connection she forged with her co-star, Kim Go-eun.

'Broker and Changyeon' delves into the intricate lives of two best friends, Eun-jung and Sang-yeon, whose relationship is a tapestry of love, admiration, jealousy, and animosity woven throughout their lives. The series has achieved significant global acclaim, securing the fifth spot on Netflix's Top 10 non-English series list, with Kim Go-eun as Eun-jung and Park Ji-hyun as Sang-yeon.

In stark contrast to Sang-yeon's tragic on-screen fate—choosing assisted death due to an incurable illness—Park Ji-hyun appeared with a bright demeanor, stating she is 'very healthy.' Reflecting on the drama, she shared, 'I've watched it four times now. Even though it's my project, I watched it as a viewer and truly enjoyed it immensely.'

Park Ji-hyun admitted to feeling a deep connection with Sang-yeon's emotional journey from the outset: 'I felt sorry for Sang-yeon from the beginning. I believe every character has its own reasons and justifications. When I received the role of Sang-yeon, I had a strong desire to embrace and understand this character.'

However, she voiced concerns about how viewers might perceive Sang-yeon, given that the narrative primarily unfolds through Eun-jung's perspective: 'I was genuinely worried. I hoped all viewers would side with Sang-yeon. Even if Sang-yeon had some actions that were difficult to comprehend, I felt I needed to be the one to understand her.'

When asked about the audience's reaction labeling Sang-yeon as 'the ultimate Sang-yeon,' Park Ji-hyun chuckled, saying, 'I think each viewer will have their own interpretation. We are the presenters, and the interpretation is up to the audience.' She added that such a reaction was perhaps inevitable, considering Sang-yeon's story is viewed through Eun-jung's lens.

Park Ji-hyun discussed her experience embodying the character across different age groups, from her 20s to her 40s: 'Fortunately, we filmed in chronological order, so I didn't find it particularly difficult to portray the emotions. Being able to depict a character over a long period is a great blessing for an actor.' She also noted that having the script readily available, detailing Sang-yeon's life and death, made her performance more straightforward.

Beyond the acting experience, the most significant takeaway for Park Ji-hyun from 'Broker and Changyeon' was the presence of her 'benefactor,' Kim Go-eun: 'If I had to pick the single greatest thing I gained from this project, it would be meeting Kim Go-eun. She has truly had a profound impact on my life.' She expressed deep admiration for her senior colleague.

Park Ji-hyun also revealed her meticulous preparation for the role of Sang-yeon, which included a stringent diet regimen: 'I went on a fast, consuming only water and Americano coffee for about 2-3 weeks.' This resulted in a noticeable puffiness in her face.

She further elaborated on preparing for emotionally charged scenes: 'I had to cry for about 2-3 hours before filming to achieve a more swollen appearance.' She stated, 'It was incredibly difficult to hold back tears, but I did my utmost to ensure the scene was portrayed as effectively as possible.'

Regarding the costumes and props, Park Ji-hyun invested her own money, particularly for Sang-yeon's outfits in her 40s: 'I personally purchased many items, including clothes, accessories, luggage, scarves, watches, and even earrings.' She felt a sense of pride when these details garnered appreciation.

Finally, Park Ji-hyun shared her reflections after completing the role: 'I feel I still carry a part of Sang-yeon's spirit with me. Playing this role made me contemplate 'life and death' extensively, a theme that is deeply intertwined with human existence.'

Park Ji-hyun is renowned for her immersive approach to acting. She underwent rigorous dieting to embody a character's physical state and personally funded expensive wardrobe pieces to enhance her portrayal. She considers her collaboration with Kim Go-eun a career-defining 'turning point,' marking a cherished and deeply influential relationship.