Netflix's newest Korean Original series, The School Nurse Files, stars Jung Yu Mi and Nam Joo Hyuk—arguably an odd match that just happens to work. Yu Mi is known for her dramatic film roles in Train To Busan (2016) and Kim Ji-Young: Born 1982 (2019), while Joo Hyuk played dreamy romantic leads in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016) and the upcoming drama Start-Up (2020). As unconventional as its casting, The School Nurse Files isn't your typical Korean drama; it's full of action, adventure, and the cutest but hella dangerous otherworldly creatures called Jellies.
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The fantasy drama is an adaptation of the 2015 cult favorite novel of the same name, written by Chung Se Rang. Jung Yu Mi plays ordinary school nurse Ahn Eun Young who holds a secret power to see these Jellies which are invisible to the human eye. She then comes across the school's nondescript Chinese teacher, Hong In Pyo (Nam Joo Hyuk), who has a special ability within him as well. After an unforeseen event in the school premises, Jellies take over their school and the two team up to save the students and themselves.
Director Lee Kyoung Mi shares how these two seemingly average characters become extraordinary when they're together: "This story is only complete when these two meet. The two inexperienced and awkward people create an interesting tension."
To get to know more about The School Nurse Files, check out this exclusive interview with the cast from Netflix!
Jung Yu Mi as Ahn Eun Young
Is there a reason you chose The School Nurse Files?
The synopsis was fascinating. The story was really new and exciting to me, and I started wondering how I'd reflect that in my acting. Also, I liked how different episodes merged into one big storyline.
When you first read the script, what were your initial impressions about your character?
When I first encountered the character, I thought, "Oh, she's so quirky and eccentric." But after I read more, I started to feel sorry for her, and once I began playing her, I found myself comforted by her. Usually, I pick characters who console audiences, but for some reason, with this character, I found myself being comforted by her. The whole time I was acting I hoped viewers would feel the consolation she offers.
Can you describe the character?
Eun Young is a school nurse at a high school. She has special powers that allow her to see things others can't. She's quirky but tough. She appears brusque but in fact is very loving. She lets viewers know she doesn't enjoy what she does, but she drudges on fighting the jellies. She is gruff on the outside but soft on the inside, which makes her really fascinating.
How was working with director Lee Kyoung Mi?
I've always wanted a chance to work with her. I relied on her so much throughout the shoot for The School Nurse Files, and all her directions were great. I was so happy to experience the synergy that came from working with director Lee on this show.
How do you feel about The School Nurse Files being simultaneously released to 190 countries around the world?
There are so many fantastic shows nowadays, and I'm thinking we are going to join them. I'm so curious to see how audiences will react to the show. I believe people are all quite similar at heart, so I'm sure audiences all around the world will find that they can relate to the series. But I'm also looking forward to giving them something new and uniquely Korean.
This is your first time working on a Netflix Original series, how different was it working on a Netflix series compared to other projects?
I mean, I have watched the Netflix Original series myself, and then I am part of it now. And our story is based on a novel. So the whole novel couldn’t be compressed into the series but then for different episodes, we had the story from the novel. Despite such challenges, I was able to see that the story was built in a more delicate and subtle manner compared to other projects, and that was a really good experience.
Nam Joo Hyuk as Hong In Pyo
Is there a reason you chose The School Nurse Files?
It was such a new concept, and the jelly monsters really piqued my interest. The character of Hong In Pyo came across as very engaging. And all the problems I got to solve with Ahn Eun Young the school nurse greatly appealed to me.
Can you describe your character?
Hong In Pyo teaches Chinese Characters at a school his grandfather left to him after he passed away. He is surrounded by an immense, protective force. So, when Eun Young is solving the school's problems he's always right there beside her, charging her with his energy. He's a kind of healer for Eun Young. He may appear aloof, but he is curious about everything. Because he's never had people around him before, he becomes really talkative whenever he crosses paths with Eun Young. That was really intriguing for me.
What are the transformations In Pyo goes through after meeting Eun Young?
In Pyo is an ordinary guy who meets someone extraordinary then realizes he himself is extraordinary. In the course of solving cases with Eun Young, he learns new things about himself and matures. I start the character from an ordinary person's point of view, then I show the audience more diverse aspects.
How was working with the director, Lee Kyoung Mi?
I have always wanted to work with her, so when she asked me to join the show, I accepted right away. On set, she is always on her feet. I don't think I ever saw her sit down. She is such a cool person.
How do you feel about The School Nurse Files being simultaneously released in 190 countries around the world?
I am really looking forward to it. I'm so excited, but it makes me nervous as well. It makes me so tense to think it will be streaming worldwide!
This is your first time working on a Netflix Original series, how different was it working on a Netflix series compared to other projects?
I have been watching Netflix Original series. But then now I am cast in the Original series, and that was, in fact, the most new element to me. The overall environment was all set quite comfortably and happily.
READ MORE ON THE LEAD STARS!
- Here's The *Exact Date* You Can Watch 'Start-Up' On Netflix
- What You Need To Know About Jung Yu Mi, Nam Joo Hyuk's New Leading Lady
The School Nurse Files is available for streaming on Netflix.
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