Kim Go-eun Expresses Gratitude for Director Jang Jae-hyun's Tearful 'Blue Dragon' Acceptance Speech

Actress Kim Go-eun has expressed her deep gratitude for director Jang Jae-hyun's emotional acceptance speech at the 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' for their collaboration on the film 'Exhuma'.

In an interview following the release of the Netflix original series 'Jealousy Games' (literal title) on the morning of the 12th in Seoul, Kim Go-eun shared her thoughts.

'Jealousy Games' is a mystery thriller that depicts the events unfolding between Yoon-soo (Jeon Do-yeon), who is framed for her husband's murder, and Eun-mo (Kim Go-eun), an enigmatic figure known as a witch.

When asked about the praise for her acting after the release of 'Jealousy Games,' Kim Go-eun remarked, "The projects I've worked on from last year to this year have received so much love and critical acclaim. I realize how incredibly difficult it is to have such consecutive successes, so these past year and this year feel like a miracle to me."

She continued, "When 'Exhuma' was a box office hit, the surge in viewership felt unreal, like it wasn't a movie. I've lost count of how many times I doubted my ears during stage greetings. For 'Love in the Big City,' while the box office numbers were somewhat disappointing, I received so many messages from people, and there were many positive reviews and articles. With 'Eun-joong and Sang-yeon' as well, it feels like the world is telling me, 'You've done well.' I believe I'll draw strength from this praise for my future endeavors. I will always work hard, but there will be ups and downs, won't there?" she said shyly.

Specifically mentioning director Jang Jae-hyun's tearful words at the 'Blue Dragon Film Awards' last year, where he said, "I'm so glad you're a Korean actress," Kim Go-eun stated, "I consider it the highest compliment a Korean actress can receive. In that moment, I thought, 'Will I ever hear such words again in my acting career?'"

"I believe it wasn't just about my performance being good, but also about the journey we've walked together. It was very rewarding to know that I had become a good actress to him," she confessed.

She added, "To hear such words from someone I worked with, someone I spent months going through thick and thin with, signifies that I navigated that time well. I consider it a complex and precious statement." "It was such a significant statement that I've resolved to overcome difficult times by remembering, 'I'm someone who has heard such words,' and it will be a moment I remember for life," she conveyed, moved.

Regarding actress Park Ji-hyun's compliment of being a "blessing to the Korean arts scene" for their work on 'Eun-joong and Sang-yeon,' Kim Go-eun shared, "Ji-hyun tends to express things in such extremely positive ways. Even when we're just the two of us, once she starts complimenting, she does it so intensely that I tell her, 'Thank you, please stop.' She radiates good energy on set, and I was grateful to receive that energy."

"Ji-hyun faced many emotionally challenging situations due to the character Sang-yeon. I think she felt grateful just for my quiet, steady presence by her side," she explained.

Kim Go-eun also spoke about the growing number of juniors who aspire to become actresses after seeing her, saying, "It's difficult being a senior. When I was a junior, I felt excited. I could joke around and be playful, and they'd see it as cute, which was thrilling. But when I face juniors now, I feel a bit flustered. They treat me with so much respect that I also become reserved. I'm constantly thinking, 'How did the seniors do it? How did they act?' I even wonder, 'Would it be easier if I became a 'grand senior'? Would I get more playful juniors like myself?' It might be because a one-year senior at school felt the most intimidating, so perhaps that's why I'm acting this way. Ji-hyun and I grew closer because she was playful while complimenting me. If someone likes me with too much formality, I don't know how to respond," she admitted honestly, eliciting laughter.

Netizens commented, "Director Jang Jae-hyun's acceptance speech was truly touching ㅠㅠ It's the highest praise for actress Kim Go-eun," "You can feel the strong bond between the two who created the 'Exhuma' syndrome together," and "Cheering for actress Kim Go-eun's future endeavors too!" showing support for their friendship.