AceShowbiz - Beef star Seoyeon Jang shares an intriguing story about how she seemingly manifested her role in the hit Netflix series’ second season. The British-Korean actress recalls a moment just weeks before auditioning when she came across a clip from the first season on Instagram and felt an instant connection. “This is the kind of role I want to do,” the 31-year-old told The Hollywood Reporter during a Zoom interview while in Los Angeles for promotional events.

In Beef Season 2, Jang takes on the role of Eunice, a sharp assistant to the chairwoman played by Oscar-winning actress Youn Yuh-jung. The new season features an ensemble cast including Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Charles Melton, and Cailee Spaeny, set against the backdrop of a California country club.

Jang expressed surprise at landing the audition, reflecting, “I think I indirectly manifested for it because I got the audition... I was so shocked because my manifestations don’t really happen.” She describes her journey from acting in Korean dramas to starring in this acclaimed Netflix anthology, highlighting how her previous project, Butterfly, was pivotal in opening doors.

Though she grew up in London and is fluent in English, Jang admits she never imagined working in Hollywood, having been focused on K-dramas. “I loved K-dramas — and I still do,” she said. “Thinking like that limited me in the direction I wanted to go because nowadays, it’s a global stage. You can do both.”

Jang’s path began with a move to Korea at age 19 to become a K-pop trainee with a major company, a chapter she eventually left behind to pursue acting. Her transition from trainee to actress was gradual, fueled by passion rather than a specific plan to break into the U.S. market. “It was never a conscious decision to try for Hollywood or Western roles. It was more if a certain audition opportunity came,” she explained. “It was just such a natural process.”

Asked about her character Eunice, Jang appreciates the relatability and subtlety amidst the show’s heightened drama. She described Eunice as a character who tries to navigate her small world, balancing cultural influences with personal ambition. “We all have those petty sides to ourselves,” Jang said. “It’s refreshing to see these characters amplify that pettiness because we often have to hold our tongue in real life. It’s exhilarating and also a stress reliever.”

Jang noted the cultural nuances that shape Eunice, who, despite an international school education, was raised in a Korean household much like Jang herself. This duality informs Eunice’s perspective and actions within the story.

One of Eunice’s memorable moments occurs early in the season when she tells the chairwoman, “There’s nothing worth translating,” during a scene filled with dry humor. Jang connected personally to this, recalling similar experiences translating for family members who struggled with English. “When we first went to London, my mom didn’t speak English, so she relied on us to translate. Sometimes you just want to say, ‘You don’t have to, there’s nothing worth translating,’” she said, highlighting the authenticity that director Sonny Lee brings from his own background.

Speaking about her collaboration with Sonny Lee, Jang described the director as enigmatic and hard to read, often leaving her wondering if he liked a take or not. However, she also admired his clear, confident vision for the show, which made her feel secure as an actor. “He’s not afraid to show his vision himself, which is different from many directors,” she said. This transparency helped Jang quickly understand the direction of her character and the overall tone of the series.

Despite the sometimes ambiguous feedback, Jang said her main goal was simply to please Sonny. “I just wanted to make him happy,” she laughed. She shared how subtle cues, like his slight smile or laughter, reassured her she was on the right track and fueled creative choices for subsequent takes.

Reflecting on her experience, Jang emphasized how working on Beef allowed her to explore complex emotional layers within a darkly comedic world. The show’s unique blend of petty conflicts and relatable human moments resonated deeply with her.

Looking ahead, Jang is excited for audiences to see the fresh dimension she brings to the series and the evolving dynamics among the cast. With her growing presence in both Korean and American entertainment, her role in Beef Season 2 marks an important milestone in her international career.

In summary, Seoyeon Jang’s journey from a K-pop trainee in Korea to a breakout star in a major American TV series exemplifies the fluidity of today’s global entertainment landscape. Her authentic portrayal of Eunice offers a nuanced glimpse into cultural and personal identity within the dramatic and often petty world of Beef.