Actor Lim Ju-hwan Delivers a Touching Message in 'Three Bold Siblings' about Family Sacrifices and Pursuit of Happiness

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Actor Lim Ju-Hwan. ©KBS

The KBS 2TV weekend drama 'Three Bold Siblings' has concluded, depicting a Korean-style family where the eldest son and daughter navigate sacrifices and compromises in pursuit of their own happiness. Actor Lim Ju-hwan received favorable reviews for his portrayal of Lee Sang-joon, a top star in the drama who carries the responsibility of supporting his family as the eldest son and skillfully portrays the struggles of being an actor.

Originally planned as a 50-episode series, the drama premiered in September last year but was extended to 51 episodes, including a special episode. Lim Ju-hwan expressed gratitude to the production team in a post-drama interview, acknowledging the enjoyable experience and personal growth during the past seven months.

Following a two-year hiatus from "The Spy Who Loved Me," Lim Ju-hwan returned to the screen with "Three Bold Siblings" as his first lead role in a weekend drama. He was drawn to the character of Sang-joon due to the similarities with his own age, being an eldest son with a younger sister and also an actor. Viewers were captivated by Sang-joon's charming and cheeky personality, which struck a balance between aggressiveness and likability. In an interview, Lim Ju-hwan expressed that this role has contributed to his personal growth and conveyed his gratitude to the production team for the delightful experience.

In the drama, Sang-joon harbors a one-sided love for his first love from elementary school, Tae Joo (played by Lee Ha-na), until she becomes an adult. They eventually marry, but when Sang-joon learns of a possible rival in her life, he decides to divorce her in order to protect her from getting hurt. Many viewers were touched by Sang-joon's selfless and enduring love for Tae Joo. Lim Ju-hwan also admired his character's commitment to prioritizing Tae Joo's well-being, even when it meant taking on undesired roles to lend money to her uncle. Despite the challenges they face, their love story concludes with a happy ending, leaving the audience content and fulfilled.

​Lim shared that there were occasional differences in direction or acting styles between him and actress Lee Ha-na during filming. However, as they are of the same age, they were able to establish comfortable communication and successfully portray the chemistry between Sang-joon and Tae Joo, which helped him immerse himself in Sang-joon's story. Lim also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to learn from senior actors on the set, further enriching his experience.

©KBS

​The drama 'Three Bold Siblings' incorporated various elements such as birth secrets, amnesia, love triangles, and conflicts between characters, resulting in a mix of reviews and criticism. The plot development was sometimes seen as messy and illogical, earning the nickname "sweet potato." Despite not achieving record-breaking ratings like 28%, the drama concluded with a disappointing average viewership rating of 22%. Nevertheless, as the lead actor, I consider it a valuable experience to have carried the drama.

"While it's understandable to focus on individual aspects, I believe we shouldn't solely dwell on them when considering the overall picture. Given that it's a family drama with multiple characters and requires conflict and communication, these elements were necessary to resolve the conflicts. I supported the choices made by the writer and director and gave my best performance as the lead actor."

In traditional Korean families, the eldest daughter has always shouldered responsibilities and made sacrifices for her family, exhibiting maturity and perfection in her role. While the eldest son faces similar obligations in supporting parents and younger siblings, their burden of responsibility is heavier as they share in their parents' power as the firstborn. 'Three Bold Siblings' introduced the new concepts of "K-Eldest Daughter" and "K-Eldest Son," which extend from older generations to those in their 20s and 30s. To what extent can actor Lim Ju-hwan empathize with the character of K-Eldest Son, Sang-joon, in the drama?

"Rather than adhering strictly to the drama's definition of a K-Eldest Son, I perceived the character of 'Sang-joon' as someone with a strong sense of responsibility towards his family, willing to sacrifice and accommodate his younger sibling. However, through his journey of meeting 'Tae Joo' and pursuing their mutual happiness, we were able to convey a message to many eldest sons and daughters that it's acceptable to prioritize their own happiness."

In this drama, Lim Ju-hwan indirectly experienced married life. The portrayal of the eldest daughter and son sacrificing for their families and finding happiness in their married lives brought the greatest comfort. Therefore, it was crucial to present a harmonious image. Although Lim Ju-hwan, playing the character of 'Sang-joon,' is of the same age, an eldest son with a younger sister and a top star, he has no plans for marriage.

©KBS

The main reason why he feels unprepared for marriage is because he believes he lacks a solid foundation that meets his own standards. Lim Ju-hwan started his acting career in 2004 with the SBS drama "Magic," and this year marks his 20th anniversary as an actor. Throughout his 20s, 30s, and 40s, he has remained dedicated to his craft, maintaining his conviction as an actor.

"I aspire to be someone who can proudly carry the title of 'actor.' I want to continue acting consistently and challenge myself with diverse characters and genres. Lately, I've been considering taking on a historical drama as a new challenge. I'm ready to put in the effort and work hard in any role, so please keep an eye on my future endeavors."

Even while filming the drama, Lim Ju-hwan took on the role of a collaborative director for the play "Hello, the Hell: Othello" and appeared on the reality show "I Live Alone," showcasing his cheerful side. He mentioned, "It seems that through reality and variety shows, people are getting to see different sides of me," and shared that he has been receiving numerous offers to appear in variety programs. He expressed his willingness to participate in any program, stating, "I'm always open to the idea of reality and variety shows, and I'm ready to give my all to any program."

"I am grateful for the long journey with 'Three Bold Siblings.' Thanks to the viewers and fans, we were able to successfully conclude the drama. My greatest goal and plan is to meet you again in my next project. I will strive to bring you joy through various means in the future. Please look forward to it with high expectations, interest, and love!"

​Interview by Glenda Park, Editor-in-Chief at Avec G.
*This article is simultaneously published in Seoul Wire's 'Glenda Park's Blue Ocean'.

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