If you’re a fan of the murder, mystery, and suspense genres, then “Cheongdam International High School” is definitely worth checking out. Originally titled “BITCH X RICH”, the K-drama has been renamed as “Cheongdam International High School” for the local audience. The 10-episode drama centres on Kim Hye-in, who gets enrolled into the prestigious Cheongdam International High School after witnessing a murder.
In this interview, Lee Eun Saem (이은샘) talks about what drew her to this project and the role of lead character Kim Hye-in. In addition, she also shares about her experience starring alongside Red Velvet’s Yeri (Yerim) and what her favourite scene “Cheongdam International High School” was. Honestly, if we had that much cash, we’d be static too. Scroll down to read more:
1. How is “Cheongdam International High School” different from the other series or acting projects you’ve done?
Lee Eun Saem: I think Kim Hye-in is a role that consumes a lot of emotional energy from other people and shows the two sides of a person. Also, she depicts the ironic characteristic of a human; firm but fragile, hate but love, and bold but timid.
2. What lessons would viewers get from this drama?
Lee Eun Saem: Everyone would get different messages, so I don’t want to limit or set a specific message for this title. Rather, I hope audiences can be satisfied and thrilled through Kim Hye-in. This title deals with a story where nonsense things can happen to people in real life. Considering stories of “Cheongdam International High School” may also be an experience for someone, I would be grateful if you can look at it from a wider perspective.
3. How was it like working with Ye-rim in this series? How did you build your chemistry with her?
Lee Eun Saem: From the first meeting with Yerim, we got along very well and we laughed whenever we made eye contact. It’s too bad that we got to know each other only much later. Even if we laugh out loud before the shoot, we were able to concentrate once the shoot starts, and I believe our chemistry is well reflected in the result.
4. What was an unforgettable scene that stood out to you from the drama?
Lee Eun Saem: There is a scene that Kim Hye-in throws out 50,000 won bills to Baek Jenna in the classroom. It was real cash and my first time scattering that much cash in my life, so I was very thrilled to act it out. And it was the scene where I could immerse in Kim Hye-in the character.
5. Having starred in thriller genre dramas like “All of Us Are Dead” – which scares you more; humans or zombies?
Lee Eun Saem: Maybe it’s because I won the fight against the zombies, I think humans are scarier. I think humans can be the ones that prey on others as well as themselves. It is very sad and heartbreaking to see the reality of hurting oneself for many reasons, such as depression or own unspeakable secrets. There may be many reasons, but I hope you know how to boldly give up on things that make you hard, and enjoy your one-time life as your heart desires. I want everyone in the world to have confidence in them.
7. You have acted as a student in many of your works, what do you think is your charm as an actress? What other roles or genres would you like to try next?
Lee Eun Saem: I often hear that I look young for my age, and my way of speaking is completely different from when I’m in front of camera, so I think that’s why I often take on the role of a student.
I think my unique charm is that my image is very different depending on my hair and makeup. The characters from my works are all different, so I am very grateful that I can show a different charm in each work. The next role I wish to act is a sweet romance that makes people feel comfortable or a cute and lively high school drama. Recently, after watching “XO, Kitty”, I wanted to play a role like Kitty. I also would like to try a fantasy genre like “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”.
Catch “Cheongdam International High School” every Wednesday night on tvN.
