Lee Young-ae to Showcase Dramatic Transformation in 'A Day of Joy', Tackling Complex 'Motherhood vs. Desire' Role

Veteran actress Lee Young-ae is set to deliver a groundbreaking performance in the upcoming KBS 2TV weekend mini-series, 'A Day of Joy'.

Premiering on the 20th, the drama tells the story of Kang Eun-soo, a parent determined to protect her family, who inadvertently gets entangled in a dangerous partnership after obtaining a bag of drugs, and the two-faced teacher Lee Kyung. Lee Young-ae will portray Kang Eun-soo, a seemingly ordinary housewife who dives into the forbidden world, navigating a desperate journey to safeguard her loved ones as she undergoes a profound transformation.

In the initial episodes, viewers will see Lee Young-ae as a typical, devoted mother and wife, exuding a relatable and comforting presence. However, as her husband's health deteriorates and financial hardships arise, Kang Eun-soo faces temptations that begin to erode her core values, evolving into a character grappling with survival at the edge.

Beyond a conventional maternal figure, Lee Young-ae's portrayal will delve into the raw survival instincts of an individual pushed to the brink. Her performance is expected to resonate deeply with audiences through a wide emotional spectrum and intricate inner turmoil.

Director Song Hyun-wook praised Lee, stating, "Lee Young-ae possesses a rare ability to embody both desire and determination beneath a gentle facade. In 'A Day of Joy,' she will showcase more action and nuanced emotional acting than in any of her previous works." He further added, "During filming, Lee actively contributed ideas to shape the character's evolution, brilliantly capturing the descent from an ordinary housewife into one consumed by desire and confusion. Kang Eun-soo, encompassing both motherhood and desire, is a character only Lee Young-ae could complete."

Lee Young-ae's new persona, venturing from a normal housewife into the world of taboo with intense emotional acting and diverse action sequences, is poised to heat up the small screen this fall.

Lee Young-ae debuted in 1993 through a commercial and has since solidified her status as a versatile actress with acclaimed roles in dramas like 'Dae Jang Geum,' 'Sympathy for Lady Vengeance,' and 'Saimdang, Memoir of Colors.' She married Korean-American businessman Jung Ho-young in 2009 and has two children. More recently, she launched her own beauty brand, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.