Cast of new K-drama Confidence Queen says it is “cathartic”, and all about “relationships”

When three con artists come together, you’d foresee that things are about to get wild. Prime Video’s newest K-drama, Confidence Queen, follows three con artists who devise elaborate and unconventional schemes to exploit individuals.

Led by Park Min-young (who plays Yoon Yi-rang), the K-drama, a remake of the original Japanese 2018 drama, Confidence Man JP (2018), is set against the backdrop of the real estate and financial sectors.

What adventures will the trio take on as they attempt to con others?

 

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Ahead of the series’ official release on 6 Sep (Sat), HallyuSG sits down with the main cast of the series, Park Min-young, Park Hee-soon and Joo Jong-hyuk, to find out more about what they think about their newest project. 

If you could describe Confidence Queen in one word, what would it be?

Park Min-young: Cathartic.

Park Hee-soon: “A riotous comedy where little rebels take down big villains”. If I had to sum it up in a single word, then “chaos”.

Joo Jong-hyuk: Relationships.

In line with the drama’s title, what are some moments when you feel the most confident?

Park Min-young: From the very first day of filming, I knew I had to become Yi-rang and start the journey as her. So, from the beginning, I tried to embody her completely, and that’s why I tried to be the Confidence Queen right from the start.

Park Hee-soon: When my costume and makeup were complete, I felt like I had transformed into an entirely different person. That’s when I get a real boost of confidence—almost like putting on a mask.

Joo Jong-hyuk: I would say it’s when I’m standing in front of the camera. If you lack confidence on set, it shows on screen. So when I trust in my preparation and throw myself into the role with confidence, my acting comes out better.

I always feel nervous before filming starts, but once the cameras roll, I trust my own energy and emotions and concentrate fully. That’s the true charm of acting.

 

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How similar are you to the characters you’ve played in the series, and what sides of your characters were the most difficult to portray?

Park Min-young: When I was younger, I used to be very outgoing, but now I’m more introverted. So, in that sense, I’m a little different.

However, one thing I share with the character is how I always plan and dig into problems persistently.

Park Hee-soon: In many ways, the character is very much like me. Regardless of age or gender, we get along, enjoy ourselves, and when problems arise, we help each other, share ideas, and work things out together.

The most difficult part was having to create new characters every time fresh storylines were introduced, especially since the scripts weren’t fully completed. Constantly having to adapt was the toughest challenge.

Joo Jong-hyuk: I think I’m similar in the sense that I’m empathetic and easily moved to tears. Gu-ho also sympathises with victims and helps them seek revenge, and I tend to connect deeply with the emotions of people around me, so Gu-ho’s emotional flow came out naturally.

The difficult part was finding the right level of comedy, especially since the genre is comedy. Comedy actually requires very delicate timing and energy, so I worked hard to keep my senses open at all times.

Over your 20 years of acting, you’ve played a wide range of characters, from Marry My Husband’s vengeful Kang Ji-won to the ill-fated Shin Chae-kyung in Queen for 7 Days. What differentiates Yun Yi-rang from such roles?

Park Min-young: Yi-rang is so different from the characters I’ve played before, and she gave me so much room to explore.

I felt a sense of freedom, and because the director and writer were open to listening to and incorporating my ideas, I was able to show a new side of myself as an actress.

This is your first time in a comedy series in a while. What can fans look forward to as you play James?

Park Hee-soon: For those who have enjoyed my noir-style roles in the past, this side of me might seem a bit unfamiliar.

But it’s still me, Park Hee-soon, and I hope fans will enjoy and have fun watching this new side of my acting!

You recently appeared in a Japanese drama, Slow Train, and was highly praised for your natural acting. How did you prepare for your role as Myung Gu-ho this time?

Joo Jong-hyuk: To portray Gu-ho, I first focused on his accent and manner of speaking. Even a small change in intonation can affect the character’s nuance, so I practised lines while repeatedly listening to real local accents to develop a natural tone.

I also paid attention to external elements, like hairstyle, costumes, and makeup, to fully embody his look and feel.