Eugene’s Comeback: 4 Years After ‘The Penthouse’
Eugene, formerly of iconic first-generation girl group S.E.S, is stepping back into the K-drama spotlight after a lengthy break. At a press conference held at The Link Seoul Tribute Portfolio Hotel on September 24, she opened up about returning to TV through MBN’s new drama ‘First Lady’.
The Pressure of Success
Best known for her role in the high-stakes makjang hit ‘The Penthouse’, Eugene admitted she felt immense pressure to pick the right next project. “That’s why this comeback took four years,” she said candidly. “The success of my last work made it hard to choose something I could feel equally confident about.”
Meet Cha Su-yeon: From Unknown to First Lady
In First Lady, Eugene plays Cha Su-yeon, a former activist whose husband, played by Ji Hyun-woo, unexpectedly becomes President. But just as she steps into the First Lady role, he delivers a shocking blow—he wants a divorce.
Eugene explained, “Cha Su-yeon is such a hard character to pin down. The fewer cast members also meant more responsibility on me, and I was surprised at how challenging it was to express her. I even wondered if I had prepared enough.”
Behind-the-Scenes Jitters
Despite early jitters, Eugene found her groove. “Once we got into shooting, I started to feel more confident,” she shared. “The director trusted me, and the cast were incredibly supportive. But I’m still nervous.”
She continued, “I’ve never been this anxious ahead of a premiere. I’m worried if audiences will find my portrayal convincing or if something will feel…off. But it’s meaningful—it’s my way of taking on a new challenge.”
Political Drama With a Twist
‘First Lady’ is far from your typical melodrama. It throws viewers into a 67-day countdown before the presidential inauguration. What begins as a standard political rise morphs into a nail-biting thriller packed with conspiracies, family secrets, and emotional warfare between spouses. The drama officially premiered in South Korea on September 24.
Can Eugene Carry the Crown?
‘First Lady’ asks a bold question: What happens when power, betrayal, and marriage collide at the very top? With Eugene playing the emotional core of the series, fans and critics alike are eager to see whether the former K-pop idol can reign once again—this time in the Blue House.
