Idol-Turned-Actress Receives Mixed Responses About Her Acting

Former DIA member and current actress Jung Chaeyeon is facing divided opinions over her performance in JTBC’s new legal drama Beyond The Bar (also known as Esquire: Lawyers Who Dream of Being Lawyers).

Playing rookie lawyer Kang Hyo Min, Chaeyeon was tasked with leading a coming-of-age storyline about a clumsy but sharp-witted newcomer finding her place in the legal world. However, many viewers feel her delivery is too high-pitched, her expressions too static, and her emotional depth lacking — especially in tense courtroom scenes. Others, though, believe it’s still too early to judge, with only two episodes aired so far.

Online communities have been buzzing with comments about her skills.

• She’s not good, but not awkward at the same time. She’s just alright.
• It’s just at the level where all her expressions are similar and there are some moments where I’m like “huh?” when she does her lines.
• Her tonality is always the same.
• Huh? She’s fine though.

• She totally sticks out. I watched her in Family By Choice and she gave me a good impression there, but her acting this time around bothers me.
• She’s good though… It’s just so-so how her character is in a romantic relationship with Lee Jin Wook when it looks like they have 20 years between them.
• She doesn’t bother me at all LOL. The article is too harsh on her.
• Her diction is pretty good and she’s doing well.

With ten episodes remaining, the question is whether Jung Chaeyeon can overcome the criticism and deliver a more convincing portrayal by the finale.