Actress Lim Ji-yeon has candidly reflected on the struggles she faced after her highly publicized debut, revealing that success did not immediately translate into steady opportunities. The actress shared her thoughts during a preview for her upcoming appearance on You Quiz on the Block, which aired at the end of the show’s June 10 episode.

Lim Ji-yeon has recently been enjoying renewed popularity thanks to the SBS drama My Royal Nemesis. Referencing the drama’s success, host Yoo Jae-suk joked that it must be hard for the actress to stop smiling these days. Lim Ji-yeon responded with humor, saying she is currently trying to make the most of the momentum. “ This is the time to row when the tide comes in.”

She also surprised viewers by revealing her desire to take on more comedic roles. “I really want to do comedy. I think I’m actually pretty funny, and I want to make people laugh.” Yoo Jae-suk praised Lim Ji-yeon’s comedic instincts and recalled a memorable scene from My Royal Nemesis that made him laugh. The actress revealed that the scene was actually her own idea.

According to Lim Ji-yeon, she frequently suggested new ideas during filming to the point where the director eventually became overwhelmed by her enthusiasm. Her comments offered fans a glimpse into her active involvement in shaping her performances beyond simply following the script.

The actress also discussed working with her co-star Heo Nam-jun, who stars opposite her in the romantic comedy. With her trademark sense of humor, Lim Ji-yeon joked about sacrificing her own lighting to make sure her leading man looked his best on screen. “In a romantic comedy, the male lead has to look handsome. I gave up the backlighting. Do you realize you’re getting all the good lighting right now?”

Despite becoming known for acclaimed projects such as The Glory and The Tale of Lady Ok, Lim Ji-yeon revealed that her early career was far from smooth. The actress recalled the uncertainty she experienced after making her acting debut in the 2014 film Obsessed. “I made a glamorous debut as a rookie actress through Obsessed, but the next day there was nothing for me to do.”

She continued by explaining that the gap between public attention and actual opportunities left her feeling lost. “I had to get through each day, and I often wondered whether I was in an awkward position as an actress.” Her remarks shed light on the realities many performers face, even after receiving significant attention from a successful debut project.

Over the years, Lim Ji-yeon has transformed those early challenges into one of the most notable success stories in Korean entertainment. Her performances in The Glory and The Tale of Lady Ok earned widespread acclaim, while My Royal Nemesis has introduced her to a new wave of viewers and showcased her comedic talents.

Now enjoying another career high, Lim Ji-yeon’s reflections serve as a reminder that even seemingly overnight success can be followed by years of uncertainty, perseverance, and growth before an actor truly finds their place in the industry.

Sources: Daum | OSEN