Some roles turn rising stars into household names — and this might be that moment for Jung Ye-na.
K-drama fans, take note: rookie actress Jung Ye-na is set to shake up weekend television in her new role as Jin Hong-mi in the upcoming KBS 2TV drama “Splendid Days.” The series premieres August 9 at 8 p.m., and from what we’re hearing — it’s not one to miss.
According to her agency, Anic Entertainment, Jung Ye-na’s role is anything but ordinary. As Jin Hong-mi, she plays the conflicted lover of Lee Ji-wan (played by Son Sang-yeon) — a character whose betrayal leaves deep emotional scars. It’s the kind of raw, human performance that could both frustrate and fascinate viewers, offering no easy answers and a lot of emotional gray areas.
I’ve followed Jung Ye-na’s work since Tomorrow, and one thing stands out — she doesn’t just play roles, she lives in them. Whether it was her magnetic screen presence in Gangnam Be-side or the subtle complexity she brought to Empress Woo, she’s always been the kind of actress who brings quiet power to every scene. And now, as Jin Hong-mi, she steps into her most emotionally turbulent character yet — one that might just change how audiences see her.
“Splendid Days” isn’t just another weekend melodrama. It’s a generational story about how “splendid days” — past, present, or future — shape us, heal us, and sometimes break us. Written by So Hyun-kyung and directed by Kim Hyung-seok, the show promises warmth, heartbreak, and healing in equal measure.
Jung Ye-na’s character, Jin Hong-mi, starts off as sweet and loving but eventually turns the story upside down with one devastating choice. It’s the kind of twist that will leave viewers asking, “Was she ever truly in love?” or “Can someone be both a heartbreaker and the one who’s hurting most?”
If you love character-driven K-dramas that blur the lines between right and wrong — Splendid Days might just be your new weekend obsession.
