Lim Ji-yeon opens up about controversial nude scene in 'Obsessed'

Lim's appearance on “You Quiz on the Block” / Captured from tvN

By Yoo Su-kyung

Actress Lim Ji-yeon had nothing but gratitude for her parents while reminiscing about her 2014 debut film “Obsessed” which was released long before she became a household name.

Appearing in an episode of “You Quiz on the Block” that aired Wednesday on tvN, Lim reflected on her acting career and the early struggles she had to endure on the road to stardom.

When asked by host Yoo Jae-suk if it was a difficult decision for her to accept the role for “Obsessed,” given the nude scenes in the film, Lim replied with a smile.

“I considered it a rare opportunity,” she said. “I loved the character in the script and was ready to take on the challenge. The director seemed to notice how determined I was to play this role.”

Lim however confessed to being a little apprehensive after shooting the film. “It was a very mature role for someone as young as I was back then, so I became very worried about my parents and how they might feel about seeing me on screen in such a way.”

Lim said her mother attended the premiere of the film and told her she looked beautiful while handing her a banquet. “That moment alone gave me the support I needed to continue pursuing a career in acting and to never give up.”

But she said there were also many moments of doubt.

“I was terrified after my first reading of the script for 'Obsessed.' I wondered if I could ever pull it off,” Lim said. “Moreover, I was concerned that my mom would be hurt and embarrassed by me. I am a daughter after all,” she added.

“But my mom had nothing but encouraging words, saying how beautiful I was and that I was a great actress. Some people criticized me for my acting, and it made me feel like a third wheel in the film. It was a painful experience to go through, especially at a young age. I only made it because of my wonderful parents who showed me their unconditional support. Whenever I have doubts in my mind, I try to picture my mom cheering me on,” Lim said, becoming visibly emotional and teary-eyed as she talked about her mother.

Lim also recalled, “I always wanted to act since I was a child, but my parents weren't thrilled about the idea initially. When I was in high school, I worked part-time jobs to save enough money for acting school, which I attended in secret.”

“My family had no background in the arts, so they were against the idea when I told them I wanted to be an actress. I don't blame them because I didn't have any connections in the industry to get me in through the door. I think my parents were worried about me giving up on school to pursue such an uncertain career.”

Yoo Su-kyung (uu84@hankookilbo.com) is a reporter at The Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times. This article, previously published in The Hankook Ilbo, has been translated as part of a news-sharing program.