Yeonwoo, a former member of the idol group Momoland, has expressed her determination to be recognized for her acting, without relying on her idol background.
In the recently concluded JTBC drama The Tale of Lady Ok, which aired its final episode on the 26th of last month, Yeonwoo took on the role of Cha Mi-ryeong, a woman harboring a secret past. Her nuanced portrayal, seamlessly transitioning between good and evil, deeply engaged viewers.
The Tale of Lady Ok follows the journey of Gu Deok-i (played by Lim Ji-yeon), a slave who endures a harsh life until one day she creates a noblewoman persona named Ok Tae-young, which changes her destiny. The drama gained popularity due to its compelling storyline and fresh approach, with viewership ratings rising from an initial 4.2% to an impressive 13.6% for the finale, according to Nielsen Korea.
In an interview, just before the drama’s conclusion, Yeonwoo shared her thoughts on the experience.

“It was my first historical drama, so I was extremely nervous, but I was also incredibly eager to take on the challenge,” she admitted.
She elaborated on the challenges of adapting to a historical setting, explaining, “Since I haven’t lived in that era, preparing my speech and mannerisms was difficult. I watched various historical dramas, practiced extensively, and put in a lot of effort.”
This role marked a significant turning point in Yeonwoo’s transition from idol to actress. While she had previously portrayed strong, confident characters in modern dramas, her performance as Cha Mi-ryeong required her to convey a layered complexity—balancing vengeance against Ok Tae-young with inner turmoil.
Yeonwoo acknowledged that many viewers have misunderstood her personality based on the roles she has played. However, she also received feedback that her acting has revealed new dimensions to her abilities. “I’m not actually as strong-willed as some of my characters,” she clarified. “Through this role, I wanted to showcase my versatility.”

While Yeonwoo still cherishes her time as an idol, she finds acting uniquely fulfilling. “The thrill of acting is something I can’t forget. I love that even if I make a mistake, I can try again. I also enjoy the deep focus that comes with fully immersing myself in a character.”
Determined to surpass the label of ‘idol-turned-actress,’ Yeonwoo remains committed to refining her craft. “I wanted to grow beyond my idol past and truly establish myself as an actress, so I gave this role my all. Although I still have regrets about my performance, I continue to reflect on my journey and the valuable advice I received when I first debuted.”