[Photo &] Gong Hyo-jin Returns to MBC Drama as a “Wife Killer” in 15 Years After Sweet Newlywed Days at a Press Conference

Actor “Gong Hyo-jin” is returning to her hometown network, MBC, after 15 years. The experience of a sweet honeymoon has become a powerful asset that completes her character in the new Friday-Saturday miniseries “Wife Killer”.

The Perfect Killer Persona Crafted by a “Reality Love” Husband

At a production-presentation event held at the MBC headquarters in Sangam-dong, Seoul, on the 30th, “Gong Hyo-jin” said that real-life married life played a decisive role in immersing herself in the work. Having tied the knot with singer “Kevin Oh” in 2022, she said, “I’m currently enjoying a sweet honeymoon, and my understanding of the role of a married woman has grown deeper.”

She especially emphasized that the unrealistic tenderness of the husband depicted in the drama connects with his real-life counterpart. “In real life, my husband also calls me ‘my treasure’ and expresses his affection without holding back. Thanks to that, I was able to naturally blend into the character’s emotional arc,” she explained.

The perspective she gained after getting married also added depth to her acting. “Gong Hyo-jin” said, “In the past, I imagined my mother-in-law only in my head, but now I can clearly feel what it means.” She added with a cheerful behind-the-scenes note, “In the drama, I have to endure my mother-in-law’s scolding, but in real life I actually get along better with her than with my husband in terms of personality.”

A Deadly Transformation for a “Roco Queen”… A Comeback to Prime-Time TV in 15 Years

“Wife Killer”, which will unveil itself on the 31st, is a comic action drama based on a popular webtoon of the same name. It captures an unpredictable story about a working mother who returns to her secret life as a killer again after a three-year parental leave.

“Gong Hyo-jin” takes on the role of Yubona, a legendary sniper “Kingfisher” who kills criminals, while also being the mother of an ordinary 4-year-old daughter—anchoring the drama at its core. Expressing the identity of extremes—a ruthless killer and a warm mother—was never a simple challenge. She said, “It was a big acting concern because I had to cross and blend two sides: the killer who is quiet in speech and cold in thinking, and maternal love.” Still, she added, “While meeting fans’ expectations for the original, I studied intensely to add my own charm.”

This comeback marks a full 15 years, since “The Best Love”, which triggered a national syndrome in 2011. “Gong Hyo-jin” shared her feelings, saying, “Facing the number 15 made me feel the flow of time once again.” She then smiled comfortably, saying, “In the past, through MBC works like “Do It as You Please” and “Pasta”, I was loved greatly by the public and was called the ‘daughter of MBC.’ Now, I’m coming back as the legitimate ‘daughter-in-law of MBC.’”

She also did not hide confidence in the revenge-drama boom that has recently swept prime-time TV. “Gong Hyo-jin” said, “I believe that “Wife Killer” will successfully carry forward the trend of satisfying revenge dramas that the public is going wild for,” previewing the birth of a well-made production.

The Next Project of a “Syndrome Maker”… Synergy Forged by a Powerful Supporting Cast

The lineup of strong actors that raises the work’s level of completion is also impressive. Actor “Jung Joon-won” has taken the role of Kwon Tae-seong, a passionate reporter who hunts the identity of “Kingfisher” and also the husband who is lovingly devoted to Yubona.

As an unmarried man, he said, “It wasn’t easy to play a devoted lover who looks only at his family, but thanks to direction from the senior “Gong Hyo-jin” and the director, I found my way.” He added, “I focused on bringing out the dimensionality of a domestic and righteous character.”

Joining them is a cast of supporting actors you can trust, including “Lee Sang-yi”, “Sung Dong-il”, “Moo Jin-seong”, “Choi Woo-sung”, and “Lee Eun-saem”, rounding out the drama. “Lee Sang-yi”, playing Detective Lee Dong-jin, a tough and relentless force criminal investigator who tracks “Kingfisher”, said, “It’s a work packed with diverse genre fun like a feast spread with 20 side dishes.” He also showed strong confidence.

“Sung Dong-il” plays Bong-pal Kim, Yubona’s reliable boss. “Moo Jin-seong” plays Kyeong-woo, a genius hacker, and “Choi Woo-sung” and “Lee Eun-saem” also add energy as the youngest detective and Tae-seong’s younger sister, respectively.

Above all, the presence of director “Yoon Jong-ho”, who holds the megaphone, is a key factor that heightens expectations for “Wife Killer”. After igniting a massive syndrome with his previous work “Carry Me, Run”, he left behind a weighty note on directing, saying, “Under the burden that comes with the success of my previous work, I prepared the project intensely.” He added, “I hope viewers can once again reflect on the value of the precious people they have alongside them through the drama.”