Actress Lim Ji Yeon, best known for her chilling portrayal of school bully Park Yeon-jin in Netflix’s The Glory, is once again at the center of public discussion—this time, not for a role, but for her unexpected exclusion from the nominations for the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards.
A Career Defined by Versatility
Lim Ji-yeon made her acting debut in 2011 with the film Dear Catastrophe and quickly made her mark with notable performances in Obsessed, The Treacherous, Luck-Key, Tazza: One Eyed Jack, and Netflix’s Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area. However, it was her villainous transformation in The Glory that cemented her as a powerful force in the acting world.
Taking on her first antagonist role, Lim Ji-yeon delivered a compelling performance as Park Yeon-jin, a weather presenter with a dark past of inflicting brutal school violence. Her performance garnered widespread acclaim and marked a pivotal moment in her career.
Praised by ‘The Glory’ Creator
Writer Kim Eun-sook, the creator of The Glory, publicly lauded Lim Ji-yeon for her role. Speaking on the casting process, Kim Eun-sook revealed, “When I heard that Lim Ji-yeon had never played a villain before, I thought, ‘If this goes wrong, let me be the first to ruin her.’ “.
Kim Eun-sook further noted that while Lim Ji-yeon’s angelic appearance fit the image of a weathercaster, it was her ability to portray the “devil hidden behind a smile” that truly captivated her. At their initial meeting, Lim Ji-yeon reportedly smiled sweetly while confidently asserting she could embody a villain—a contrast Kim Eun-sook found perfect for the character.
Lim Ji-yeon herself recalled the direction she received from Kim Eun-sook on the variety show You Quiz on the Block, “She told me that Yeon-jin should look kind on the outside but have the heart of a complete devil.” The role was to remain unapologetically evil from start to finish—a direction Lim Ji-yeon wholeheartedly embraced.
Controversy Surrounding Baeksang Arts Awards
Despite her ongoing success, Lim Ji-yeon’s recent omission from the Best Actress nominations at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards sparked disappointment among fans and critics alike. This came after her leading role in JTBC’s The Tale of Lady Ok, where she carried the series as the central protagonist.
What intensified the backlash was the fact that The Tale of Lady Ok was nominated for Best Drama, and co-star Choo Young-woo received a nomination for Best New Actor in the Television category. Many questioned how the lead actress who anchored the drama was left off the list, prompting criticisms of an “incoherent selection process” from some viewers.
While the Baeksang snub was a disappointment, Lim Ji-yeon is not slowing down. She remains one of Korea’s most in-demand actresses, with appearances in The Killing Vote, Lies Hidden in My Backyard, and the upcoming film Revolver further showcasing her dynamic range.
Known for her ability to fully embody diverse characters, Lim Ji-yeon continues to evolve as a performer. The recent controversy may serve as fuel for even greater performances in the future. As audiences eagerly await her next transformation, one thing remains certain Lim Ji-yeon has firmly established herself as one of the most compelling actresses of her generation.
