Girls’ Generation’s Yuri transformation in ‘Somebody’ Captivates Audiences
Girls’ Generation’s Yuri transformation in ‘Somebody’ has taken the Korean entertainment world by storm. The beloved K-pop idol has shed her polished image to embody a complex character in this psychological thriller, showcasing a side of herself fans have never seen before. Her portrayal of Kim Min, a trauma scene cleaner with a mysterious past, demonstrates her impressive range as an actress and marks a significant evolution in her career.
From Bright Idol to Dark Character
Girls’ Generation’s Yuri transformation in ‘Somebody’ required significant physical changes to distance herself from her idol persona. Known for her vibrant energy as a member of the iconic girl group that debuted in 2007, Yuri made deliberate choices to embody her character’s heaviness. She adopted blunt bangs to create an air of mystery, a stark contrast to the thin wispy bangs she wore during her early idol days. Perhaps most notably, she gained over 5 kilograms for the role, moving away from the strict dieting culture of K-pop where she once survived on “a small plate of food each day to stay slim”.
“When the story jumps 20 years forward and my character Kim Min appears on screen, I didn’t want the image of Girls’ Generation’s Yuri to be linked with her at that moment,” Kwon explained in a recent interview. This conscious separation from her idol image allowed her to fully immerse herself in the character’s psychological complexity.
A Psychological Thriller That Showcases Her Range
The film ‘Somebody’ follows a compelling narrative across two timelines. In the first, we meet Young Eun (played by Kwak Sun Young), whose life crumbles due to her daughter So Hyun’s disturbing behavior. Twenty years later, the story shifts to Yuri’s character Kim Min, who works for a solitary death cleanup company and experiences psychological fractures when she clashes with a new employee, Hae Young (Lee Seol).
Yuri’s performance is characterized by her cold, piercing gaze and subtle facial expressions that build the film’s tension. With her face partially hidden by bangs and a pulled-down cap, she masterfully conveys her character’s anxiety and distrust. This marks a significant departure from her previous roles in romantic comedies and lighter fare, proving her versatility as an actress.
The directors of ‘Somebody’ saw something in Yuri that many might have missed beneath her shiny idol exterior. They recognized “a lonely side” in her, despite her public image as a vibrant star. This perceived solitude aligned perfectly with Kim Min’s character, allowing Yuri to tap into deeper emotional territories.
See Also: NewJeans HYBE court petition for members’ freedom gains 30,000 signatures from angry fans
A New Chapter in Her Career Journey
Girls’ Generation’s Yuri transformation in ‘Somebody’ represents a turning point in her career trajectory. Since her debut with Girls’ Generation in 2007, Yuri has been pursuing acting alongside her music career. Over the years, she has appeared in various television dramas including ‘Fashion King’ (2012), ‘Innocent Defendant’ (2017), and ‘Bossam: Steal the Fate’ (2021). However, ‘Somebody’ offered her the opportunity to break away from the bright, refined characters she typically portrayed.
“There were times when I felt anxious, wondering why such raw, complex roles never came my way,” Yuri confessed. “Looking back, I realize it probably wasn’t the right time. But now, I feel like that time has finally come.”
The positive reception at the 29th Busan International Film Festival last year boosted her confidence and validated her decision to take on more challenging roles. Now, as ‘Somebody’ debuts at No.1 at the Korean box office, Yuri has proven that she’s not just one of SM Entertainment’s top visuals but a formidable acting talent.
Final Thoughts on Girls’ Generation’s Yuri transformation in ‘Somebody’
Girls’ Generation’s Yuri transformation in ‘Somebody’ demonstrates the evolution of K-pop idols in the entertainment industry. By successfully venturing into the thriller genre and delivering a compelling performance, Yuri has expanded her artistic horizons and challenged audience perceptions. As she continues to engage with fans through Guest Visits and stage greetings, it’s clear that this transformation marks just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.
What do you think about Yuri’s dramatic transformation? Have you seen ‘Somebody’ yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!