Jun Ji Hyun Loved “Kingdom” So Much, She Asked To Appear In The Series — As A Zombie

Can you picture the A-List actress as a zombie?

The mega-popular zombie series, Kingdom shocked all of their fans with the ending of the second season, as a glimpse of Jun Ji Hyun left everyone on their toes. As viewers wondered how the actress would fit into the Netflix show, all the burning questions have been answered at the press conference for the series’ upcoming third season.

Jun Ji Hyun’s appearance at the end of “Kingdom Season 2” | Netflix

Kingdom: Ashin of the North is set to premiere on July 23, 2021 and with the upcoming release date, the cast of the series held a press conference to talk about the third installment of the series. Amongst the cast was Jun Ji Hyun, who was a newly added member for the third season. Due to her status as one of South Korea’s top-tier actresses, many were curious about her addition in the horror K-Drama and it was during the press conference that Jun Ji Hyun answered all of the questions.

Jun Ji Hyun in the poster for “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” | Netflix

When she was asked about her casting, the actress surprised everyone by responding that she was the one who reached out to Kingdom‘s scriptwriter Kim Eun Hee personally.

I am a fan of the ‘Kingdom’ series, as well as scriptwriter Kim Eun Hee. When I had the opportunity to meet her privately, I asked her personally if I could appear, even if it was just as a zombie. Because of that, I was grateful for this opportunity.

— Jun Ji Hyun

Zombie extra in “Kingdom.”

The A-List actress continued with her interview by admitting that she was nervous about joining the cast of such a mega-hit series.

I worked hard because I was really nervous about joining a series that everyone, including myself, loves.

— Jun Ji Hyun

Jun Ji Hyun in a still for “Kingdom” Ashin of the North” | Netflix

Jun Ji Hyun will be portraying the role of Ashin, who battles many internal pains, but appears strong and dangerous within the series. The scriptwriter of the series complimented the actress for portraying a character who is different from what she may be used to.

Jun Ji Hyun-sshi is an actress with a wide spectrum. She has been nicknamed the ‘Queen of Romantic Comedies,’ but she has played dark characters in ‘Assassination’ and ‘Berlin.’

I was worried that she wouldn’t accept the casting offer, but I am grateful that she took on the role of Ashin.

— Kim Eun Hee

Jun Ji Hyun at the press conference for “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” | Chosun

The actress continued with her interview by hilariously sharing that she didn’t realize there’d be a child actress portraying a young Ashin. Naturally, she began to worry about how she would act out a young child character. However, Jun Ji Hyun revealed her shock upon seeing child actress Kim Si Ah and her incredible portrayal and digestion of a young Ashin.

When I first received the script, I wasn’t informed that there would be a child actress. I thought that I would have to portray the character from start to finish so I felt a little burdened.

Not only did I have a hard time thinking about the difficult emotions I’d have to express, but I also wondered if I would be able to pull it off.

Seeing such a young actress portraying Ashin and digesting the role was shocking.

— Jun Ji Hyun

Child actress Kim Si Ah (left) | Chosun

Pumped is an understatement for how we feel about the upcoming third season of Kingdom! We can’t wait to see Jun Ji Hyun portray Ashin, which everyone will get to see this week on July 23. In the meantime, check out the trailer for Kingdom: Ashin of the North down below!

Source: JoongAng