Webtoon phenomenon earns cash: Lim Soo-jung talks about her character in the blockbuster adaptation drama
In the gritty world of 1970s Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, Lim Soo-jung takes centre stage as the cunning and ambitious character Jung-sook in Disney+'s tentpole series "Low Life."
Adapted from a 2014 webtoon by Yoon Tae-ho, Jung-sook, a woman out to make money, is portrayed with a less explicit depiction of her ruthless nature in the adaptation. The character, initially a modest accounting clerk, evolves to become the wife of a company president and leads a syndicate of ruthless men with strategic brilliance and magnetic authority.
Fans have largely praised this less explicit portrayal, lauding Lim's ability to balance the calculating, money-driven persona with unpredictable vulnerability. Veteran actor Lim Soo-jung, who felt surprised at being offered the role due to Jung-sook's vicious, opportunistic, and clever nature, found the character exhilarating and fulfilling, as it was a rare opportunity for a female actor to play a bold, villainous role.
Jung-sook is also depicted as clumsy in matters of love, secretly yearning for it in her own way. Lim emphasized the importance of delivering the lines from the original webtoon faithfully to make the character convincing. Clips of Lim's performance have gone viral on short-form platforms, showcasing her captivating portrayal of Jung-sook.
The adaptation aimed for a slightly different portrayal of Jung-sook compared to the original webtoon. Notable changes include the removal of remarks that bordered on sexual harassment and intense lines about masculinity, which were present in the webtoon.
Lim believes that every line delivered by her character was powerful. She enjoyed the acting process, finding satisfaction in solving character-related challenges and the continued enjoyment of acting. All episodes of "Low Life" are streaming now on Disney+.
Despite the director of the series not being explicitly stated in the search results provided, it's clear that Lim's performance in "Low Life" is not to be missed. With her captivating portrayal of Jung-sook, Lim Soo-jung has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on audiences.
