Rookie Actress Choi Yoon-ji Successfully Concludes Lead Role in 'For the First Love', Showcasing Youthful Growth

Rookie actress Choi Yoon-ji has successfully wrapped up her first lead role in the tvN 월화드라마 '첫, 사랑을 위하여' (For the First Love), deeply portraying the pains of youth and growth.

In her role as 'Lee Hyo-ri', who drops out of medical school after a brain tumor diagnosis and starts a new life in Cheonghae with her mother (played by Yum Jung-ah), Choi Yoon-ji showcased her presence by meticulously unfolding a diverse range of emotions. Her performance drew significant praise for its depth and nuance.

In the final episodes, Hyo-ri worried about those around her and her mother before her surgery, delivering warm inspiration and resonance. Her heartfelt video message to her mother, full of emotions she had suppressed since learning of her illness, and the line, 'Mom, you are my first love,' particularly moved viewers to tears.

Furthermore, her decision to return to school, her warm comfort to a female student facing similar circumstances, and her journey with her mother painted a three-dimensional picture of adolescent growth, earning widespread empathy. Choi Yoon-ji's ability to seamlessly blend the excitement of young romance, realistic mother-daughter conversations, and natural chemistry with any character brought both laughter and tears.

Her portrayal of a mature individual finding her path after a period of wandering resonated strongly with viewers in their 20s and 30s. Building on her proven versatility across various genres, Choi Yoon-ji proved her infinite potential for growth with her clear visuals and vibrant expressiveness in this series. With previous notable appearances in tvN's '사랑은 외나무다리에서' (Love on a Wooden Bridge), '언젠가는 슬기로울 전공의생활' (A Life of a Resident Who Will Study Hard Someday), and the Netflix series 'Trunk', anticipation for Choi Yoon-ji's future endeavors is high.

Choi Yoon-ji took on the challenging role of Lee Hyo-ri, a medical student diagnosed with a brain tumor, in 'For the First Love.' She convincingly depicted the emotional turmoil and personal growth of a young woman navigating a life-altering diagnosis. Her portrayal of the heartfelt relationship with her mother resonated deeply, creating memorable and touching moments for the audience.