The actress shares what she has been doing since the drama ended and looks back on her experience playing a dual role.
Lim Ji Yeon recently sat down with Cosmopolitan Korea for a pictorial and interview. She spoke about her hit drama “My Royal Nemesis,” which finished its run in June. The actress also gave fans an update on how she has been spending her time after the series wrapped up.
“My Royal Nemesis” is a romantic comedy where Lim Ji Yeon plays Shin Seo Ri, a struggling actress. Her character gets possessed by the spirit of a famous villainess from the Joseon era. The show was a big success. It reached a peak viewership rating of 14.1% for its final episode. It also made it into the Global Netflix Top 10 and stayed on top of TV-OTT buzz rankings for three weeks.
What Lim Ji Yeon Has Been Doing After the Drama Ended
Fans often wonder what actors do after a project finishes. Lim Ji Yeon gave a simple and honest answer. She said she has not been doing anything out of the ordinary.
“I haven’t been doing anything special. I’ve just been taking a good rest. I’ve been working out and meeting a lot of people. I think I was able to send off Seo Ri with a smile.”
She also talked about how she now handles saying goodbye to her characters. This is something she has learned over time.
“I think I’ve finally learned how to let go of my characters in my own way. Even after the drama ended, I had many opportunities to meet with the ‘My Royal Nemesis’ team, so we spent time laughing and having fun together. I’ve come to realize that once you’ve given a role your all without any regrets, you can say goodbye to it wholeheartedly without feeling sad.”
The actress also mentioned that she has been focusing on low-impact exercises and meditation during her break.
“I cut back on weight training and focused on low-impact exercises, partly for that reason. I also started meditating, and training myself to closely observe my body and mind while focusing on my breathing has been very helpful. I’m currently figuring out how I can maintain this routine when I’m filming.”
The Challenge of Playing a Dual Role
One of the biggest talking points of “My Royal Nemesis” was Lim Ji Yeon playing two characters. She played the modern-day actress Shin Seo Ri and the Joseon villainess Kang Dan Shim, whose soul takes over Seo Ri’s body.
The actress called this the most challenging part of the project. The setting of the drama is highly exaggerated. She had to use her imagination to make the story feel real for viewers.
“The setting is highly exaggerated, so making viewers believe in the story required imagination. I communicated extensively with the director and writer, relying on the script and trusting the imagery I envisioned. I focused on embodying the emotions as they came naturally.”
She also said that playing a dual role was not easy. Switching between a Joseon villainess and a shy future actress required a lot of effort.
Her First Time Doing Comedy
Lim Ji Yeon is known for roles in serious dramas like “The Glory” and “The Tale of Lady Ok.” But “My Royal Nemesis” was different. It was her first time taking on a full comedy. She said this was the main reason she chose the project.
“The biggest reason I chose My Royal Nemesis was because it’s a comedy. At the time, I was really eager to take on the genre.”
She also shared her thoughts on what makes comedy work. She does not believe in doing over-the-top antics just for the sake of being funny.
“The character itself was charming, and thankfully, the script left me no choice but to have fun with it. That doesn’t mean I went into the set thinking that I had to make a fool of myself. Over-the-top antics don’t automatically make something funny when there’s no need for them. You simply work hard toward your goal in a way that fits the character and the situation.”
She explained that acting requires letting go of yourself. When she steps into the character of Shin Seo Ri, viewers see Seo Ri, not Lim Ji Yeon.
Working with Heo Nam Jun
Lim Ji Yeon also spoke about her co-star Heo Nam Jun. He played Cha Se Gye, the wealthy heir and love interest. Their chemistry was a big reason for the drama’s success.
Lim Ji Yeon said she felt lucky to have him as her partner.
“I’m lucky Heo Nam-jun plays Cha Se-gye. Shin Seo-ri truly shines when Cha Se-gye is present. Beyond their acting synergy, Heo Nam-jun steadfastly supported me on set during tough moments. His presence was comforting, and he left a strong impression.”
The director of the show even revealed that their off-screen chemistry was so strong that they had to tone down some romantic scenes.
Her 15-Year Journey with Acting
Lim Ji Yeon has been acting for 15 years. She reflected on her long relationship with her profession.
“My relationship with acting is one of love and hate. I love it deeply but sometimes resent it. It brings immense joy, confidence, and purpose, yet it can also lead to frustration and despair. I still adore acting—it’s inseparable from my life and my greatest reason for living.”
She also shared how her perspective has changed over the years. She used to feel pressure to always show something new. Now, she values trust above all else.
“For years, I felt pressure to constantly showcase new aspects of myself. But now, hearing ‘I trust your work’ is the best compliment. My goal is to become an actress who earns trust, even if progress is slow.”
She also talked about learning to control her emotions as an actor.
“I’ve learned how to control my emotions, and I’m still studying how to do it better. Being an actor is a profession that naturally requires you to expend a lot of emotion, so I think it’s inevitable that you can become sensitive.”
What the Production Team Said About the Ending
The drama ended with a happy ending. The two main characters overcame all their problems and shared a romantic kiss by the sea.
The production team also shared their thoughts on what life would be like for the characters after the show ended.
Director Han Tae-seop said, “Even in the wide shot as the ending credits rolled, Seori was hitting Seolgye. The same might be true for the two outside the frame. Their lifelong relationship will likely be like the script—tiki-taka and affectionate exchanges every five minutes”.
Writer Kang Hyun-joo added, “Since both are stubborn and strong characters, clashes will be frequent in their daily lives, but there will be no instability in their relationship. They know each other so well that fighting and making up will become part of their lives”.
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What’s Next for Lim Ji Yeon?
Fans are already looking forward to her next project. Reports say she is considering a new drama called “Allike” (working title). The drama is said to be a modern reinterpretation of “The Prince and the Pauper.” She would play dual roles again in a thriller genre.
However, nothing has been confirmed yet. For now, Lim Ji Yeon is enjoying her break and spending time with the people she cares about.
Her full interview and pictorial are available in the September issue of Cosmopolitan Korea.
Also Read: Lim Ji Yeon & Heo Nam Jun’s ‘My Royal Nemesis’ Drops Time-Bending Posters Ahead of May 8 Premiere
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