Chae Rim Devotes Her Time and Art to Television Drama Series

Chae Rim was just a shy high school student whose only ambition was to become a kindergarten teacher when she was discovered by a casting agent three years ago. Soon after her acting debut, the sleek 172.5 cm (5'9") star became one of Korea's most sought-after actresses. With her dreamy eyes and innocent smile, she mesmerizes audiences.

For nearly three years Ms. Chae has played a variety of roles on television dramas from a single mother facing tough times to a television journalist who uncovers a scandal at a broadcasting com-pany.

Having just taken a five month break, Chae Rim is back on television in two different shows: "Hurray Women" and "Air Force," both featured on SBS. In "Hurray Women," which follows several women's lives, Ms. Chae plays the competent young businesswoman Chae-young. Blessed with beauty and intelligence, her character works in a prominent new-economy company.

"Chae Rim is one of the few young actresses who can work under pressure yet still remain cool-headed at the same time." said Oh Se-gang, the director of "Hurray Women."

In the other drama, "Air Force," she plays a trainee fighter pilot aspiring to become the best and in doing so finds herself in competition against men who dominate the field.

"In spite of the intense physical training that's required, I'm just happy to be expanding my range of roles."she said.

"I really try hard not to consider myself different from others. I want to enjoy my everyday life in show business without too much pressure and stress. Although I'm very busy, I do my best to live
like any other 21-year-old." she said.

Ms. Chae has also been dubbed the "queen of TV commercials." She has earned over 200 million won ($166,000) for appearing on just three television commercials for clothing, cosmetics and a snack food company. However, the actress isn't taking her recent string of successes for granted.

"I don't want to get caught up in fame and success because I know that it won't last long," she said. "There will be times when I'm busy and times when I'm not."

Ms. Chae also says she realizes that she has a good deal yet to learn about the acting craft and hopes to always remain loyal to her artistic vision while continually strengthening her repertoire of talents. "A sincere and accomplished actress, like Cameron Diaz, is what I wish to become – some-one who embroiders every moment of her life with passion and dreams."

by Kim Jae-seon