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Jeon Hye Bin shared feelings about returning to the small screen with legal K-drama Beyond the Bar following childbirth.
On July 31, a press conference for Beyond the Bar was held. In attendance were director Kim Jae Hong, actors Lee Jin Wook, Jung Chae Yeon, Lee Hak Joo, and Jeon Hye Bin.
Beyond the Bar is an office drama about Hyo Min (Jung Chae Yeon), a rookie lawyer at the Yulim Law Firm who is righteous and determined but inexperienced in social life. The story follows her journey of growth as she clashes with Yoon Seok Hoon (Lee Jin Wook), a partner attorney at Yulim Law Firm.
Another Miss Oh actress Jeon Hye Bin plays Heo Min Jeong, an associate lawyer at Yulrim Law Firm's litigation team. After marrying in 2019 and welcoming her first son in 2022, Jeon Hye Bin made her comeback last year with an MBC short drama and subsequently appeared in Beyond the Bar.
Jeon Hye Bin described her character, saying, "She's someone who became a late-blooming lawyer after overcoming a lonely and painful past. She's about my age — in her 40s. She's like a mother figure in the litigation team, a character who can convey a message of dreams and hope to everyone."
When asked how she felt about returning to a long-format drama after giving birth, she said, "Last year, I greeted viewers briefly through a short drama, and Beyond the Bar was also filmed over a short period, almost like a one-act play. On set, not once was there any delay [in schedule]. The director was so considerate of both the staff and actors that I found myself thinking, 'So this is what it's like to film [in such an environment].' It felt like I had just come back from a short spring break. While working on the project, I was excited and happy every day, and it didn't even feel like I was returning after a long time away. Time just flew by. It was so much fun, and I got to work alongside so many actors."
Talking about her character, she said, "Min Jung is very multifaceted. As her past is revealed, various aspects [of her] will be shown. Min Jung's story shows her growth, starting from her past and how she changes over time. I hope that when women see me in this role, it will help them make the decision, 'It's not too late yet.' I'm waiting for my turn to appear [on screen] with the hope that it will resonate and create that kind of empathy."
Beyond the Bar is premiering on August 2. Stream the K-drama on Netflix.
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