Source: Sina.com + Baidu
Translation by shuky @ soompi, soompi + aspire@AF (title)



So Ji Sub acting with his soulful gaze, attracts deep discussions

According to Korean media reports, since episode 6 of Cain and Abel went on air on Mar 5, actors So Ji-sub, Shin Hyun-joon and Park Seong-woong's (playing Young-Ji's older brother) acting skills, particularly their eyes, had become a talking point for viewers.

In the broadcast on Mar 5, the scene in which Park's character, Oh Kang-cheol, was about to die and the exchange of looks with So Ji Sub had become a classic scene for the episode. After the episode was aired, viewers flooded the internet with comments like: "watching that scene felt as though my breath would stop". Such comments served as an endorsement of So Ji Sub and Park Seong Woong's superb acting technique.

Meanwhile, the scene in which Shin's character, Lee Sun-woo, cruelly and most cold-heartedly abandoned his brother in the detention centre won praise from the viewers. Specifically, it was the ever so slight shift in the expression of his eyes that won Shin kudos. Episode 6 also marked the exit of Park from Cain and Abel, whose previous works include East of Eden, much to the regret of viewers as his outstanding performance had given him good reviews from viewers.

After all the hard work put in by So Ji Sub and others, the Mar 5 broadcast achieved a rating of 15.3%.



Han Ji-min is suitable for innocent as well as plain Jane roles

Previously, Han Ji-min's projects were defined by pure and innocent roles. As a result, she had built an image of a hapless damsel in distress whom most men would absolutely love to protect. A case in point would be her role as Song-yeong in Yi-San.

HJM's role in Cain and Abel however, is a complete departure from the norm and surprisingly, she fits the new role to a tee. A North Korean defector making a living in China, with the long-held dream of stepping on South Korean soil, Oh Young-ji is like a weed - singularly determined and independent.

In Cain and Abel, Young-ji comfortably switches between the North Korean dialect and Mandarin. A realistic portrayal would undeniably entail a certain degree of difficulty and pressure. However, under the guidance of her tutor and through sheer hardwork, HJM's performance has garnered nothing but praise from the viewers. Some might even say that compared to Gyu Hye-sun's (better known as Geum Jandi from Boys Over Flowers) performance in Pure 19/Heart of 19, HJM's interpretation of a North Korean refugee is one notch higher. When she said "My English is not very good", HJM comes across as more adorable.

A management rep added:" HJM didn't just pick up the North Korean dialect superficially. Thorough research was also done to understand rehabilitated North Koreans, now turned South Korean citizens' new way of life and their inner world - all of these to raise her acting to a higher level." Crying scenes are also HJM's forte, not surprising then that viewers have praised her performance as convincing and realistic.

In Yi-San, even though HJM was cast as the lead actress, her screentime was limited as it was a male-dominated drama; the first half focused on Emperor Yeongjo and the second half, Emperor Jeongjo. Just as limited is her screentime in Cain and Abel. All the same, it didn't stop her from bringing unlimited joy and pleasure to her viewers.