by Hazel Jung, June 25, 2023
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In the tvN Monday-Tuesday drama Delightfully Deceitful, which weaves a diverse and rich story through characters with unique personalities and backgrounds, Lee Tae Ran stands out as the formidable villain in the role of Jang Kyung Ja, the CEO of Navi's Wellbeing.

In the drama, Lee Tae  Ran skillfully portrays the multi-dimensional nature of her character. On the surface, she is the successful female CEO, wearing a façade representing Navis Wellbeing. However, she subtly reveals Jang Kyung Ja's deceptive and selfish nature beneath the surface.

In episode 7, her delicate and vulnerable appearance from ten years ago, contrary to her current villainous image, captivated the audience. She showcased the image of a fragile woman who couldn't leave her loved one behind, eventually making an ill-fated choice. The transformation of Jang Kyung Ja, who was unimaginably weak, into a malicious figure over the years, became a subject of curiosity. Additionally, the confrontation scene with Lee Ro Um (played by Chun Woo Hee) in episode 8, where Jang Kyung Ja's villainous instincts exploded while attempting to steal a notebook, provided a significant moment to witness Lee Tae Ran's new transformation.

Lee Tae Ran flawlessly embodies the three-dimensional villainous character of Jang Kyung Ja, combining empathy and fierceness, injecting both irresistible excitement and tension into the drama. Director Lee Soo Hyun explained, "Jang Kyung Ja is also a character with a sad backstory, like other characters in the drama. Although her actions cannot be justified, in a way, she is a warrior who can't help but feel empathy." He hoped that Jang Kyung Ja would not be portrayed as a one-dimensional villain whenever she appeared on the screen.

From this perspective, Lee Tae Ran was a perfect fit for the role of Jang Kyung Ja. He stated, "I believed that her beautiful appearance, warm yet powerful voice, and the combination of Jang Kyung Ja's backstory and determination would create synergy when juxtaposed with her villainous acts. It became more intense and poignant. While she has already proven her acting skills, Lee Tae Ran's portrayal of Jang Kyung Ja will showcase a new side we haven't seen before." The director expressed his unlimited trust in the actress.

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