In light of the successful conclusion of her SBS youth romance drama series 'Cheer Up', idol-turned-actress Jang Gyu Ri held a roundtable interview to look back on her character Cho Hee, as well as on her own career thus far.
First, Jang Gyu Ri was asked how she got cast in the role of Cho Hee in 'Cheer Up'. The star smiled and revealed, "The director told me that he saw me on the YouTube series 'Workman', and that he enjoyed the episode. He especially liked my acrostic pun."
As many fans know, Jang Gyu Ri parted ways with her idol group fromis_9, as well as the group's management agency Pledis Entertainment, in July of this year. Regarding her decision to leave her idol career behind, Jang Gyu Ri stated, "It was always a dream that I had tucked away in the corner of my heart. I'm sure many people wondered why I chose to give up my idol promotions, when I could have carried on as both an idol and an actress. I think it was just because it was a dream of mine that I really want to pour my heart into."
Jang Gyu Ri continued, "I felt that there were restraints in trying to balance both, and personally, I just didn't feel like I was capable of doing both to the best of my abilities. The members [of fromis_9] were also doing so well, and we went through a lot and I trusted in them, so I thought, 'I think now is a good time to pursue my dream'."
Lastly, Jang Gyu Ri addressed the members of fromis_9 with, "There were many times when I wanted to apologize to the members, because of my two roles. I especially had to miss most practices because of the filming schedule for 'Cheer Up'. At the time, we were busy preparing for our comeback and our fan meeting, and even though I did my best, I could see with my own eyes that I was lacking. I felt sorry to the other members who were working harder, and I worried that I was getting in their way. These days, I see them at the hair and makeup shop, and they also contact me frequently to tell me that they're watching my drama."
Did you watch Jang Gyu Ri as Cho Hee in SBS's 'Cheer Up'?
You were never in their way gyuri. You leaving us made us, especially me, heartbroken. That shows how important you were and are for fromis and flover's. It's sad they barely see each other or talk but I'm glad they can atleast talk about each other without acting like each other didn't exist. I wish you the best gyuri but I just cannot watch kdramas. You were my ult with chaeyoung. It's rly sad.
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