Jeon Hye-jin Seeks a Fresh Start After Loss of Lee Sun-kyun: ‘I Want to Support All Moms’

Actress Jeon Hye-jin makes her long-awaited return to the screen with ‘Riding Life’, portraying a realistic working mom navigating the pressures of Korea’s competitive education system. At the press conference on February 25, she shared her personal connection to the role, expressing her desire to encourage all mothers.

The Genie TV original drama, directed by Kim Chul-kyu (‘Mother’, ‘Flower of Evil’), follows the struggles of a working mother, a grandmother, and a daughter, highlighting the intense reality of private education in Korea. The story revolves around Jung Eun (Jeon Hye-jin), a beauty industry marketer who entrusts her daughter’s "7-year-old entrance exam" (7세 고시) preparation to her own mother, sparking unexpected conflicts.

Discussing her motivation for taking on the role, Jeon Hye-jin shared how deeply she related to the character:

💬 "As a mother, it’s impossible not to be invested in education. The story, set in the Daechi-dong academy district, really struck a chord with me. Some moments were heartbreaking, even frustrating, but that’s why I was drawn to it."

She added, "I’m not as intense as my character, Jung Eun, but I do share her worries about my child’s future. I try my best, but I could never go as far as she does."

A Poignant Return After Tragedy

This marks Jeon Hye-jin’s first project since the passing of her husband, actor Lee Sun-kyun (known for his role in Oscar-winning Parasite), in December 2023. Following his sudden loss amid a drug investigation, she has kept a low profile, making her return to acting all the more significant.

Speaking about her comeback, she expressed, "It’s been a while since I’ve greeted everyone. I’m grateful to be back through this project."

A Message to Mothers Everywhere

Jeon Hye-jin concluded with a heartfelt message to mothers:

💬 "I want to support all moms out there. We all make mistakes, we have regrets, but just being a mother is an incredible feat. I hope our drama can offer even a little encouragement."

‘Riding Life’ premieres soon on Genie TV.