According to Hankook Ilbo, ITZY’s Ryujin (real name Shin Ryujin) has been cast in the leading role of the upcoming Korean independent film Night on Earth, marking a new chapter in her career as an actress.
On the morning of November 6, it was confirmed that Ryujin had not only been cast as the lead but had already completed filming for the movie. This project is expected to serve as a major stepping stone for Ryujin’s future acting endeavors.
Night on Earth is set in a chaotic society disrupted by the sudden appearance of a mutated species of jellyfish. The story follows a reclusive young man named Su, who avoids life by hiding in a bathtub, until he finds himself at an illegal medical facility called “Manbok Guesthouse,” where he encounters various individuals that begin to shift his perspective on life. Ryujin plays the role of Kang, a staff member at the facility.
Ryujin first rose to public attention in 2017 after winning first place among female contestants on the JTBC audition program MIXNINE. She officially debuted in 2019 as a member of JYP Entertainment’s girl group ITZY, which quickly gained popularity with hits like DALLA DALLA, WANNABE, and SNEAKERS.
Although this is Ryujin’s first lead role, it’s not her first time acting. She previously had a minor role in director Han Jae-rim’s 2017 film The King. During an episode of SBS’s Access Showbiz Tonight, she shared a memorable moment from the set, saying, “Even though I was just an extra, Jo In-sung gave me a lot of advice. That’s when I understood why everyone speaks so highly of him.”
Night on Earth is directed by Jung Soo-hyun, who won the BH Entertainment Award earlier this year at the 26th Jeonju International Film Festival’s industry program for this very project raising even more anticipation for the film’s release.
Ryujin’s role in Night on Earth not only demonstrates her versatility but also signals a promising new path beyond the stage as she continues to grow as a multi-talented entertainer.
Sources: insight