[Nate] SON NAEUN, A FRESH TWIST TO 'MANAGER KIM'... WILL SHE BE ABLE TO SHAKE OFF HER "FOOT ACTING" LABEL?

Actress Son Naeun has found the perfect role, playing a pivotal character who drives a major plot twist in the drama Manager Kim.

Premiering on the 26th of last month, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama Manager Kim is a revenge-action series about an ordinary father who plunges into a dangerous underworld to win back his only daughter. It has captivated viewers from its very first week, sparking a massive hit sensation. After a strong start, surpassing 15.7% viewership ratings (nationwide, Nielsen Korea) in just two episodes, it achieved the remarkable feat of breaking its own records with 18.8% in the third episode and 21.6% in the fourth.

Son Naeun made her debut in the series as Jung Sang-ah, an assistant manager at Sangsaeng Savings Bank. Early on, she provided entertaining moments by clashing with the old-fashioned Manager Kim (played by So Jisub) over generational differences, while also serving as an "MZ generation trendsetter" who lightened the drama's atmosphere with her witty, playful demeanor. She drew attention with her realistic acting, such as making no secret of her displeasure at Manager Kim’s "dad-style" choices while recommending a luxury T-shirt for his teenage daughter.

However, as the plot unfolded, a twist revealed that Jeong Sang-ah was not merely an ordinary bank employee but an agent of the Special Mission Bureau tasked with monitoring General Manager Kim; this marked the beginning of a significant transformation in Son Naeun’s acting. Her sharp delivery of lines, keenly identifying clues, and her cool, composed gaze heightened the tension of the drama.

Son Naeun’s growth was particularly evident in the scene where she confronted the North Korean operative Park Kang-sung (played by Kim Sung-kyu). She left a strong impression by skillfully handling everything from the nuanced emotional control required to show a moment of human hesitation while aiming a gun, to executing high-difficulty action sequences involving a sashimi knife. By seamlessly portraying the stark contrast between an approachable office worker and a cool-headed agent, Son Naeun has demonstrated an expanded acting range and heightened the audience's immersion in the drama.

For Son Naeun, the role of "Manager Kim" serves as a proving ground to showcase a new side of herself as an actress. [...] Although she steadily built her filmography [...] she was persistently dogged by controversies regarding her acting ability.

[...]

This is the best // It's warm // Ridiculous // I'm upset // I'm mad

source: here

1. [+516, -28]

She's still just as bad in acting. Ironically, the one who stayed in Apink, Jung Eunji, is a better actress

2. [+486, -24]

I don't think she's shaking off that label ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Her acting is still as awkward as ever, to the point people wonder why even cast her. Her teeth are so weird now, she reminds me of Annoying Orange

3. [+353, -43]

Her acting is fine, but I can't recognize her face anymore..

4. [+45, -0]

Who's the person who keeps pushing her everywhere

5. [+45, -3]

Despite all her criticism, the fact that she keeps on popping out really shows the greed she has

6. [+44, -0]

I get frustrated at her "my face looks like a robot!" expression

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