Lee Young-ae returns as housewife pulled into forbidden world in new KBS drama

Poster for KBS2's drama "Walking on the Thin Ice" / Courtesy of KBS

Actor Lee Young-ae will return to the small screen in the upcoming KBS weekend drama “Walking on the Thin Ice,” taking on the role of a housewife whose ordinary life is upended when she steps into the dangerous world of drugs.

The drama, premiering Sept. 20 on KBS2, marks Lee’s comeback to television four years after JTBC’s “Inspector Koo.” Earlier in May, she returned to the stage for the first time in 32 years with Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler,” underscoring her appetite for bold artistic challenges.

Directed by Song Hyun-wook and written by Jeon Young-shin, “Walking on the Thin Ice" (titled "Eun-su’s Good Day" in Korean) follows Kang Eun-su, a devoted mother who stumbles upon a bag of drugs and partners with a duplicitous teacher in a desperate attempt to protect her family.

As Eun-su’s choices push her deeper into crime, she undergoes a harrowing transformation that tests her resilience and morality.

Lee said she was drawn to the character’s duality. “At first, I thought I could play her naturally, like myself. But as Eun-su moves beyond her essence and transforms, I found the process fascinating,” she said.

The project also marks Lee’s first KBS drama in 26 years, since “Invitation” (1999). “The strength and message of the script convinced me to join,” she said. “I hope this work becomes a turning point, not only for KBS dramas but for me as well.”

Although she admitted concerns about the heavy theme of drugs, Lee expressed trust in Song’s ability to balance realism with accessibility.

“I believe this drama can offer both entertainment and a chance to reflect on social issues,” she said.

The character’s evolution demanded physical preparation. With numerous chase and action sequences in the latter half of the drama, Lee trained with strength workouts and running to maintain stamina.

Actors Kim Young-kwang, left, and Park Yong-woo star alongside Lee Young-ae in “Walking on the Thin Ice.” Courtesy of KBS

“There’s a scene where Eun-su’s calm emotions explode. I hope viewers will feel catharsis through that moment,” she said.

Lee also praised her co-stars. “I was delighted to work with actors I’ve always admired. Kim Young-kwang’s energy and spontaneity gave me synergy, while Park Yong-woo’s dedication made me reflect on myself,” she said.

Lee described the keyword for Eun-su as “hope.”

“Eun-su starts with a life as calm as blue, but as the story unfolds, she turns gray. She may be both a perpetrator and a victim, but I want her to leave viewers with a glimmer of hope,” she said.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.