The gaze of a wild horse: crafting a defector's truth
In short: To portray one of the most compelling characters in Netflix history, actress Jung Ho-yeon didn't just learn lines; she lived a double life. From studying North Korean defectors to writing secret journals, her preparation transformed a fictional role into a profound exploration of minority identity and survival.
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Kang Sae-byeok was originally not intended to be a North Korean defector. The change was made during the scriptwriting phase as Hwang sought to provide authentic representation for various minorities living in South Korea. Her name was chosen specifically because she represents a character capable of finding hope within darkness. To capture this essence, Jung Ho-yeon was cast after an in-person audition where Hwang noted her eyes resembled those of a "wild horse," suggesting a raw, untamed will.
Jung's preparation was exhaustive and immersive. She watched documentaries on North Korean defectors to understand their reality and worked with a teacher to master the specific regional accent. Beyond physical training in martial arts, she maintained a private journal written in character as Sae-byeok, documenting a backstory that was never shown on screen. This dedication allowed her to portray the "fear and perseverance" of a woman whose primary goal is to secure a future for her mother in South Korea and her brother in an orphanage.
The performance was lauded for its "purposeful and real" quality, with critics noting how Jung's modeling background contributed to the character's physical presence. A pivotal moment occurred during the glass stepping stones game; Jung described this scene as her most difficult to film because it forced her to fully inhabit Sae-byeok’s vulnerability. The portrayal was so impactful that North Korean defector Ji Seong-ho stated the character accurately reflected the truth of being a saying defector in South Korea.
Sae-byeok's narrative arc is defined by complex dynamics, most notably her relationship with Ji-yeong. While Sae-byeok initially appears guarded and distrustful, their interaction during the marble game revealed a deep capacity for hope and mutual respect. This bond allowed the character to show significant vulnerability before her ultimate fate in the series.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Kang Sae-byeok
- Also: Wikidata — Kang Sae-byeok · CC0
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