[인터뷰] “Victory” Zhao Yalan “made her screen debut and honed her bones in the cheerleading team”

news/cms/202408/12/news-p.v1.20240808.93c4530f607444bab2d2f416075da443_R.jpeg" data-width="600" data-height="900"/> Enlarge the photo

Zhao Yalan reveals how she joined her screen debut ‘Victory’. Photo | Thinking Mark

Actress Zhao Yalan (24) made her screen debut with ‘Victory’.

The movie ‘Victory’ (directed by Park Beom-soo) tells the story of the passionate new cheerleading club ‘Millennium Girls,’ who uplift everyone with exciting dances and songs. Jo A-ram’s character, Se-hyun, started a cheerleading club on campus with the encouragement of Pil-sun (Lee Hye-ri) and Mina (Park Se-wan), who needed a place to practice dancing, and taught cheerleading to the Millennium Girls.

Jo A-ram, a member of the group Gugudan, debuted in the 2022 TV series ‘Murderer’s Shopping List.’ She later gained popularity by portraying surgical resident Jeon So-ra in the JTBC series ‘Dr. Cha Jung-sook,’ showcasing her feminine charm. Currently, she stars in the tvN series ‘Thank You.’

Before the release, Jo A-ram said, “I was nervous but also excited at the same time. I told myself to do my job well because I received a good role. I believe I was able to shoot until the end thanks to the great help from the director and senior actors.” She smiled shyly and added, “It’s really embarrassing to see my face on the big screen.”

Jo A-ram, who auditioned for the role of Se-hyun in ‘Victory’ while filming ‘Dr. Cha Jung-sook,’ shared, “I filmed dance and performance videos and submitted them for the audition. I had never learned cheerleading, but since I often stretch my arms and legs and perform large movements, I practiced the dances separately and sent those videos. Later, I learned from the director that when he saw my audition, he thought I was Se-hyun. I am very grateful for that.”

“I was shy at first, but the other actors said that once they saw this side of me, they immediately identified it as Se-hyun,” she explained. “At first glance, she appears cold and quiet, but as you get to know her, she resembles Se-hyun a lot with her big smile and playful nature,” she revealed, emphasizing how well she connected with the character.

news/cms/202408/12/news-p.v1.20240808.015a2c101d6149ac954f41ae6b41d2a6_R.jpeg" data-width="600" data-height="900"/> Enlarge the photo

Zhao Yalan said that her experience as a girl group member helped her portray Shixian. Photo | Thinking Mark

Although she was previously a girl group idol, she fully immersed herself in the role by honing her cheerleading skills during the three months leading up to filming.

“I practiced so intensely that I felt like my bones were breaking,” Jo A-ram stated. The other actors had to learn dialects, but as I was a friend from Seoul and hadn’t learned any dialects, I felt the need to excel in cheerleading. Even prior to filming, I practiced five times a week for eight hours a day and continued additional individual training. Once filming began, I constantly practiced while being monitored. I aimed to maintain sharp angles, and even after filming, I focused on building my strength by running on a treadmill,” she elaborated.

She added, “Since I was the leader of the dance club throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I could relate more to the Millennium Girls. Being part of an idol group helped me in various ways, including teamwork and effective choreography practice—how to present ourselves well on screen and overall movement. However, cheerleading differs from traditional dance; I view it as a sport, so I learned new details and technical skills from my teacher,” she confessed.

Zhao Yalan expressed gratitude towards her co-stars, including Lee Hye-ri and Park Se-wan, whom she met during her first film, ‘Victory.’

She stated, “This is my first film, but I didn’t face any difficulties. My co-stars made me feel comfortable. Since we are the same age, there were no challenges during filming. It was enjoyable to create the movie. The atmosphere on set was truly positive. I love traveling, and witnessing the beautiful scenery while filming made me feel as if I were on a school trip. We lived, ate, explored tourist spots, and shot scenes together,” she joked, adding, “I believe the ‘real laughs’ came naturally on screen.”

“Since it was my first time on a movie set, I asked Hyeri about the things I didn’t know and learned a lot from her. I’m thankful that she has become a pillar of support for me. Before we started filming, we played a truth game, and Hyeri cried as it brought back memories from filming—then we all ended up crying together. I believe our bond is deep and the memories we created are beautiful,” she shared, expressing her affection for the ‘Victory’ team.

news/cms/202408/12/news-p.v1.20240808.e851a079cca249d2bfff90c876eb8a51_R.jpeg" data-width="600" data-height="900"/> Enlarge the photo

Zhao Yalan stated that she and Gugudan members stay in frequent contact and support one another. Photo | Mind Mark

Zhao Yalan, who transitioned to acting after leaving Gugudan, is gradually establishing her own film works and forging her own path.

“I’ve always aspired to be a singer, but my first experience with acting was in high school,” she mentioned. “I encountered acting while preparing for college entrance exams, and through performing, I gained diverse experiences that strengthened my determination to act. Acting is perpetually new. It’s enjoyable because there are no clear answers, which is also what makes it challenging. I find it thrilling to search for those answers,” she admitted.

When asked about any regrets regarding her singing career, she responded, “It’s still a positive memory rather than a regret or a pity. Because of my experiences back then, I want to portray Se-hyun even better. If the opportunity arises and there are fans who wish to see my performance again, I would gladly accept the challenge.”

She also mentioned that she and her Gugudan members frequently keep in touch, saying, “We often send messages of encouragement to one another when we embark on projects. Recently, Mimi, one of the Gugudan members, got married, and we all gathered to congratulate her. Regarding future reunions, I don’t think we’ll have the chance to discuss much in-depth because we each have our own activities,” she explained.

Jo A-ram, who gained recognition on the small screen last year with ‘Dr. Cha Jung-sook,’ expressed, “I aspire to explore coming-of-age dramas and romantic comedies. I enjoy physical acting, so I want to embrace opportunities in that direction,” showcasing her enthusiasm.

“In fact, I have a lively, cheerful, and curious personality,” she mentioned. “I find it fun to portray characters that contrast with my nature, yet I also desire to play a vibrant character that aligns with my personality. The happiness I experience these days excites me about the future and what lies ahead. I want to continue doing my best and be courageous,” she concluded with a smile.

[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]

Actress Zhao Yalan Makes a Dazzling Debut in “Victory”

Zhao Yalan reveals how she joined her screen debut ‘Victory’. Photo | Thinking Mark

Actress Zhao Yalan (24) has officially made her screen debut in the film “Victory”, directed by Park Beom-soo. This exciting new film follows a cheerleading club, the Millennium Girls, as they uplift everyone around them with engaging dances and songs.

Plot Overview of “Victory”

The film portrays the journey of Jo A-ram’s character, Se-hyun, who creates a cheerleading club on her campus with the encouragement of her friends, Pil-sun (Lee Hye-ri) and Mina (Park Se-wan). This narrative arc highlights the importance of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance as they tackle challenges together.

Jo A-ram’s Journey from Idol to Actor

Jo A-ram, a former member of the girl group Gugudan, debuted in the 2022 TV series “Murderer’s Shopping List”. She gained recognition for her role as surgical resident Jeon So-ra in JTBC’s “Dr. Cha Jung-sook” and is currently featured in the tvN series “Thank You”. Expressing her excitement, she noted, “I was nervous but thrilled. I was determined to do my best with the help from the director and my seniors.”

The Audition Process

During her audition for “Victory,” Jo A-ram filmed dance and performance videos while juggling her commitments for “Dr. Cha Jung-sook.” Though she had no previous cheerleading experience, she dedicated herself to mastering the routines. “I practiced dance separately and sent the videos to the director,” she shared.

Jo A-ram’s hard work paid off when the director recognized her potential for the character, Se-hyun. “When he saw me, he thought it was Se-hyun. I’m extremely thankful,” she said.

Casting and Character Development

Delving into her character, Jo A-ram describes Se-hyun as someone who initially comes across as cold and reserved. “Once you get to know her, you’ll see her warm smile and playful nature,” she reflected, revealing her strong connection to the role.

Zhao Yalan said that her experience in a girl group helped her play the role of Se-hyun. Photo | Thinking Mark

The Rigorous Training for “Victory”

Jo A-ram dedicated three intense months before filming to train in cheerleading. “I practiced diligently, and at times it felt overwhelming,” she admitted. While her fellow cast members learned new dialects for their parts, Jo A-ram concentrated her energy on perfecting her cheerleading performance. She trained five times a week, with each session lasting about eight hours. In addition to group practices, she maintained individual exercise routines to enhance her skills.

Integration of Dance and Cheerleading Skills

Having been the leader of her school’s dance club, Jo A-ram found similarities between her past experiences and her role in Victory. “Being in an idol group equipped me with vital teamwork skills,” she noted. However, she emphasized the distinct nature of cheerleading compared to traditional dance. “I treated it as a sport, requiring a new set of techniques and strategies. My coach provided invaluable assistance during this learning process,” she added.

A Supportive Cast and Filming Experience

Jo A-ram expressed immense gratitude for her co-stars, Lee Hye-ri and Park Se-wan. “This being my first feature film, I had no hurdles as my co-stars made me feel comfortable,” she remarked. The camaraderie extended beyond the filming, as they frequently engaged in bonding activities like traveling and visiting local attractions.

Zhao Yalan said that she and Gugudan members are in frequent contact and support each other. Photo | Mind Mark

Maintaining Connections with Gugudan

Transitioning from music to acting has not severed Jo A-ram’s ties with her girl group roots. She frequently communicates with her Gugudan members, providing mutual support in their respective careers. “We keep in touch and cheer each other on, especially with significant life events like marriage,” she remarked.

Future Aspirations and Acting Goals

With her first film under her belt, Jo A-ram is eager to explore different genres. “I’m enthusiastic about trying roles in coming-of-age dramas and romantic comedies,” she said.

Jo A-ram’s journey illustrates the beauty of pursuing passions. “Acting is an adventure. Each role brings its challenges, but that’s where I find joy,” she concluded, expressing her excitement for what lies ahead in her career.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Dedication Pays Off: The extensive preparation for her role in “Victory” emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving success.
• Past Experience Matters: Jo A-ram leveraged her experience as an idol to enhance her performance as a cheerleader.
• Supportive Networks: Maintaining connections with former colleagues can provide emotional and professional support.
• Future Exploration: Exploring diverse genres can enrich an artist’s portfolio and skills.

Skills and Technicalities

Skill	Description
Cheerleading	Requires teamwork, coordination, and physical fitness to execute routines effectively.
Acting Techniques	Understanding character backstory and emotional depth to deliver authentic performances.
Dancing	Involves rhythm, timing, and physical expression to convey a story through movement.