Shin Ye-eun finds period drama charm in 'The Secret Romantic Guesthouse'

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

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Sat, September 23, 2023 | 13:35

Shows & Dramas

Shin Ye-eun finds period drama charm in 'The Secret Romantic Guesthouse'

Posted : 2023-05-17 17:16

Updated : 2023-05-17 20:36

Actress Shin Ye-eun played the role of Yoon Dan-oh in the SBS series "The Secret Romantic Guesthouse." Courtesy of SBS

By Lee Gyu-lee

Actress Shin Ye-eun shared her experience taking part in the first period series of her acting career, as she bid farewell to SBS' romantic comedy series "The Secret Romantic Guesthouse."

The period series set in the Joseon Dynasty, revolves around a high-spirited woman, Yoon Dan-oh (Shin), who runs a guesthouse called Ihwawon Inn. Since her parents died, she took over the family business to offer rooms to people traveling to the capital city to take the national exam for government official positions.

While running the inn, she comes across three completely different men who come to stay ― charismatic Kang San (Ryeoun), friendly Kim Shi-yeol (Kang Hoon), and shrewd Jung Yoo-ha (Jung Gun-joo) ― and is caught in complicated romantic relationships.

The 18-part series, based on the web novel of the same name, wrapped Tuesday with a happy ending where Kang and Yoon finally get married.

"Because Dan-oh was the type of person I wanted to be like, it felt great and satisfying to live as her," Shin said through her agency, Npio Entertainment.

"At first, the set, costumes and lines were all interesting and unfamiliar, so it felt like I was putting on a theatrical play. I've felt I should fully live in the moment and learned that this is the charm the period projects have. I will cherish the memory of my first scene (of the series) in which everything felt awkward."

The actress plays the hard-working, energetic woman, forced out of a comfortable life to face a tougher reality when her parents pass away.

A scene from the series "The Secret Romantic Guesthouse" / Courtesy of SBS

She said her focus in creating the character was to portray her as lovely and wise. "I wanted to do a good job in depicting Dan-oh as lovely, smart and determined as described in the script and I tried hard to do so," she said.

"Also, because my character interacts with other characters the most, I tried my best to make her blend in with different roles."

She said working with co-star Ryeon was a comfortable experience. "Ryeon is a very considerate person so he is good at supporting fellow actors' opinions and getting along together. In real life, we are the same age so it was comfortable to play the characters together," she said.

Ryeon also thanked the viewers on the series' wrap through his agency Lucky Company.

"'The Secret Romantic Guesthouse' is a meaningful project as it allowed me to grow a step more. As this was my first period series, there were difficulties. But thanks to the director, writer and staff, who led me, I was able to finish it on a good note," he said. "It has been such a blessing and happy time to work with such considerate fellow actors … I thank all the viewers who have loved every part of Kang San."

gyulee@koreatimes.co.kr