For fans of Disney’s 2021 masterpiece Encanto, a recent Korean drama offered a taste of familiar magic. The Atypical Family, which recently concluded its run on Netflix, took viewers on a journey with the Bok family, a village clan with fantastical abilities not unlike the Madrigals. However, this family’s magic faced a unique challenge – it was fading. Premiering on May 4, 2024, and concluding on June 9, 2024, the 12-episode series explored the themes of family bonds, loss of power, and the discovery of unexpected strength. Much like Mirabel Madrigal, the seemingly ordinary member of her family, the Bok family’s hope rested on Bok I-na, the only child without a known talent yet. Could she be the key to saving their magic? The series boasted a stellar cast led by Jang Ki-yong and Chun Woo-hee along with Claudia Kim, Goo Doo-shim, Oh Man-seok and Park So-i. Chun Woo-hee, a familiar face in Korean dramas since her debut in 2004, took on the role of Do Da-hae in the recently concluded Netflix series The Atypical Family. Chun’s performance garnered praise for its charm and determination.
EXCLUSIVE: Chun Woo-hee unpacks complexities of The Atypical Family; dynamic chemistry with Jang Ki-yong & her favourite Indian movies: “I like The Lunchbox and The White Tiger”
Do Da-hae is a complex character introduced as a scammer who infiltrates the Bok family, each member possessing a unique superpower. Initially approaching the family to exploit them, Da-hae’s motives shift as she develops feelings for the grieving widower, Bok Gwi-joo (played by Jang Ki-yong).
Produced by SLL Production Company, The Atypical Family ventured beyond a typical superhero narrative. It explored a multitude of themes within its short run, including family dynamics, overcoming bullying, coping with grief, and battling addiction. While juggling these themes, the series excelled in its visual presentation. The special effects and set design were impressive, creating a believable world for these unique superheroes to inhabit.
But the heart of the show resided in its characters. The undeniable chemistry between Jang and Chun made their love story a highlight of the series. While the ending left viewers with a bittersweet feeling, it was a testament to the show’s ability to evoke a range of emotions. Chun delivers a beautiful performance ranging from humour moments to emotional scenes. Chun Woo-hee’s performance as Da-hae is a highlight. Her charisma and screen presence elevate the material, showcasing her talent and range as an actress.
Following episode four of the series, Bollywood Hungama had the opportunity to speak with Chun Woo Hee about the challenges of portraying Da-hae, and the unique aspects of being part of an ensemble K-drama.
The series title, The Atypical Family, suggests a departure from the traditional family unit. While your character does not have a family, she is attached to two dysfunctional families now – one is the loan shark and the second family is Bok. What was your approach to blending into a character with different lifestyles for two different families? What initially drew you to this unique project?
Although Da-hae approached the family with bad intentions, the best way to win the favour of the Bok family is to be genuine. So, I acted with sincerity in every scene. I was drawn to this series because it is a fantasy, but it also reminds modern people in current times of the meaning of family and love and can give us empathy and comfort.
Do Da-hae seems to have a past trauma related to fire? This experience shapes her actions and reactions throughout the story, atleast in the first 4 episodes, which also shows her hidden agenda for the Bok family. However, as the story progressed up until episode 4 hints at a more sympathetic side to Da-hae. Will we see her motivations and backstory explored further as the series progresses?
At first, Da-hae seems to be suspicious and has impure intentions, but as viewers learn more about her past and traumas, they will come to pity her. In fact, as the story unfolds, people will find themselves wishing for her happiness.
The drama explores themes of family, loss, and second chances. What resonated most with you personally about Da-hae’s journey?
For Da-hae, this journey was about recovery. Whether it’s the desire to live life again, to overcome painful wounds, or to restore the family that has always been missing in her life, the biggest theme is for Da-hae to be saved and restored by true love.
The series explores the concept of a found family. Did you develop any special off-screen bonds with your fellow cast members that mirrored the on-screen family dynamic?
It’s only been about a month or so since we finished filming, and we’re all taking our own time. I haven’t been able to meet with the cast separately due to the promotion of two shows, but we always get together in the group chat on air days to talk.
How was your collaboration with Jang Ki Yong on set? There’s an intriguing dynamic between Gwi-ju and Da-hae, with moments of both tension and tenderness. How did your conversations Jang Ki-yong shape your portrayal of this complex relationship? What was it like collaborating and building that dynamic with her to develop the initial distrust and then the evolving relationship between the characters?
The chemistry with Jang Ki-yong couldn’t have been better. He was full of tension and motivation, and he was a very considerate person. Both of us take consideration important, so we comfortably shared our thoughts on moves and emotions.
In episode four, Gwi-ju’s father narrates a past story about the scholar and shape-shifting woman which seems to foreshadow Gwi-ju and Do Da-hae’s relationship. How do you interpret this allegory?
I interpreted it to mean that when you find true love, your essence and your true self are revealed, and when you find someone who truly recognizes and loves you for who you are, you can be yourself.
Park So-i portrays the youngest member of the Bok family. Did you find it fun to build a connection with her on-screen, and how did it impact the portrayal of their family dynamic? Any anecdotes you would like to share?
It was my first time acting with a child actor, and I really enjoyed working with her. Park So-i has an innocence that fits her age and an acting skill that transcends her age. I realized that we acted in harmony. Thanks to the good chemistry, it seems like the scenes between I-na and Da-hae where they recognized each other’s minds and had a good feeling for each other were conveyed well to the viewers. So-i might have had a hard time in the scene where she had to maximize her emotions. I think it was a difficult scene even for an adult to pull off, so I was concerned about her and admired her.
Veteran actress Go Doo-shim plays the formidable Bok Man-hum, Gwi’ju’s mother. How was your experience working with her, and did she offer any advice that helped you develop your character?
When it comes to shooting with her, there is no need for words. It was like we gelled with each other. When we were acting, we didn’t even need to talk to each other, but rather, we shared conversation a lot in the waiting time. She is a positive, enthusiastic, and open person. She is a woman with a wonderful personality and acting demeanour.
The Atypical Family blends fantasy with everyday life. Can you share a funny or touching behind-the-scenes moment you had with a co-star while filming a scene that required special effects or acting outside the ordinary?
There was a time warp setting in the drama, so Gwi-ju had to play two roles, and everyone had to play one scene multiple times. In particular, I had to build up emotions and act together with Jang Ki-yong’s stand-in actor in many scenes, which was a strange yet fresh and fun experience.
What was the most physically or emotionally demanding scene you filmed for The Atypical Family?
The fire scene was a challenging scene for everyone: we had to keep making fire and smoke with special effects, and we had to keep the dramatic emotions going. It feels good to see that everyone’s hard work paid off.
Korean dramas have captivated audiences worldwide, including India! Have you come across any Indian films? If so, is there a particular actor or actress whose work resonated with you?
I like The Lunchbox and The White Tiger. I’ve seen Dev Patel’s work and look forward to his next projects and acting.
The drama leaves us with many questions about Da-hae’s past and the future of the Bok family. Can you tease what viewers can expect as the story unfolds? Will there be more heartwarming family moments or surprising plot twists?
Many viewers have been enjoying The Atypical Family, saying that they didn’t expect what would come next at all. The episodes are filled with fun, humour, emotion, twists, and even tears, so please look forward to each episode.
ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Jang Ki-yong unpacks the role of time-travelling superhero in The Atypical Family; building dynamic with Chun Woo-hee & admiration for Park So-i: “The acting chemistry was good”
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