Kang Jiyoung To Make Acting Debut In Adaptation Of Japanese Manga Series

Former KARA member Kang Jiyoung is going from idol superstar to acting queen.

Kang has been cast in a Japanese drama that is set to air this fall, officially making her debut as an actress in Japan, according to the Korean publication Osen Entertainment.

"Kang Jiyoung will be taking on the role of Yuki for the Japanese TV program Jigoku Sensei Nube, which will start airing in October," stated the Japanese media outlet Oricon Style.

According to the report, Kang will be working alongside well-known Japanese actors, including, Kiritani Milai, Maruyama Luhai and Chinen Yuri. The character that the singer will be playing is that of a dramatic, free-spirited troublemaker.

The upcoming television series will be an adaption of Takeshi Okana and Sho Makura's manga collection, according to the website Animenewsnetwork.com.

"I've always been interested in Japanese monsters when I was young so I enjoyed reading the original version. I found that I'm very similar to my character in that when we start something, we become very focused on finishing it successfully. I'll try my best so that Yuki gets all the love from fans," stated Kang Jiyoung before beginning production.

The producer for the project has reportedly stated that they will be keeping crucial elements of the original while recreating the characters.

This will be the first time that a Korean performer will be involved in the production of a Japanese drama without the help of a translator, which makes Kang Jiyoung all the more popular amongst Japanese industry professionals.

Kang Jiyoung wrapped up her days as a member of the K-pop group KARA after her contract with their management agency DSP Media ended in April. Kang originally left for England to study English and acting, but then signed onto the Japanese agency Sweet Power in August.

After only two months of being associated with the agency, it seem that Kang has found a role that's perfect for her.

"We're trying to get the character of Yuki to appeal to those who are and aren't familiar with her. Yuki's innocence is beautiful, but she has a playful streak to her that really draws people in. We think that Kang Jiyoung fits the character very well," stated the producer regarding the decision to cast the former idol member.

Tags
KARA
Kang Jiyoung
Jigoku Sensei Nube
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