Actor Cha Joo-young as Queen Wongyeong in tvN's "The Queen Who Crowns" / Courtesy of tvN

Fans of actor Cha Joo-young, who gained recognition for her villainous role as Hye-jeong in Netflix's "The Glory," have created a YouTube channel called "Cha Joo-young Boom."

Their hopeful catchphrase is gradually becoming a reality as Cha transitions from a supporting role to showcasing her potential as a lead actor in tvN's recently concluded historical drama "The Queen Who Crowns."

In "The Queen Who Crowns," Cha impressed with her commanding presence, using her deep voice, precise diction and charismatic gaze to portray a bold yet dignified queen.

Cha said the production team aimed to distinguish the drama from previous historical works while carefully avoiding distortion. These concerns limited the character's complexity, leaving Cha feeling the role might have been overwhelming, with the pressure weighing heavily on her throughout filming.

Despite the challenges, she said she wanted to portray the queen as authentically as possible.

"While acting, I thought a lot about my grandmother, who was also from the Min family like Queen Wongyeong. I kept imagining how she would have handled the same situations," she said in a recent interview.

The first period drama on Queen Wongyeong, wife of King Taejong and mother of King Sejong, follows her life from aiding Yi Bang-won's rise during the Prince's Rebellion to their conflicts, culminating in her death at 55. The story is set during the late Goryeo (918-1392) and early Joseon (1392-1910) dynasties.

Cha Joo-young on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" / Courtesy of tvN

Unconventional path to acting

Cha's path to acting was unusual. She made her debut at 26 in the drama "Cheese in the Trap," an age considered late for an actor.

Born to a father in the finance industry, she followed his wishes and studied abroad in Malaysia during middle school before moving to the United States, where she earned a degree in business administration from Utah State University.

"Back then, I only vaguely thought about experiencing life as a movie character," Cha said. It was only after returning to Korea post-graduation that she pursued acting.

As she revealed on Wednesday's episode of tvN's "You Quiz on the Block," her father initially opposed her decision, telling her, "I'll pay the penalty fees if you just quit now."

She said she responded with a deal: "If I achieve nothing by 30, I'll give up." She eventually worked her way through minor roles before her breakthrough in "The Glory" in 2022.

Cha dismissed rumors about a privileged upbringing. "That's not true at all. But my father works in finance," she said.

With many relatives in the field, Cha assumed she would follow suit. Studying abroad was not her choice. "I was doing ballet when I was told to leave within a week. I thought I was going to the U.S., but they sent me to Malaysia first to experience the Southeast Asian market," she said.

Describing her father as strict and patriarchal, she said, "Acting never seemed possible, but I wanted a job that left a lasting impression. Since I could study later, I followed my heart."

Labeled an "umchin-ttal" (the perfect daughter of a mother's friend), she often heard, "You have something to fall back on. You're not desperate." Cha said, "I wanted to prove myself so I wouldn't have to explain anymore."

Tearing up during an interview with the production team, Cha shared her dedication to acting: "I don't sleep when I'm working on a project. I can't. My gums have even receded from the stress. I don't know how to cut corners — I keep going until I get it right. If I can't, then I can't. Only when I fulfill my role can I truly call myself an actor."

Cha Joo-young as villain Hye-jeong in "The Glory" / Courtesy of Netflix

Now, with her first lead role in "The Queen Who Crowns," Cha has proven her capabilities as a main actress. Even her once-skeptical father now greets her at home with "Our Queen."

True to fans' hopes, more projects are lined up — two films, including "Lobby," are set for release, and she has been cast in "Climax," starring Ju Ji-hoon.

Writer Lee Young-mi and director Kim Sang-ho, who helmed the series, said Cha's intense gaze in "The Glory" played a key role in her casting. In "The Queen Who Crowns," Cha was praised for her commanding presence and charismatic gaze to embody the bold yet dignified queen.

"After "The Queen Who Crowns," I felt so drained that I told my agency, ‘I don't think I can act for a while,'" Cha said. "But when offers started coming in, I found myself accepting them again. I don't crave leading roles or fame, but acting is such an incredible profession. Rather than chasing big goals, I just want to give my best to whatever comes my way."

Actor Cha Joo-young / Courtesy of Ghost Studio

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.