Jo Yuri Wins Praise in Netflix Film 'Possible Love'

Jo Yuri doesn't get much screen time in her new Netflix film, however, she makes every moment count.

The performer, often praised as an "all-rounder" in South Korea, appears in "Possible Love" (Ganeunghan Sarang), a Netflix film directed by Lee Chang-dong. She plays the younger version of Mi-ok, a character portrayed by Jeon Do-yeon.

The film follows two couples. One is a laid-off worker and his wife, and the other is a documentary filmmaker and her husband. Their lives intersect as they work together on a documentary, bringing them face-to-face with each other's contrasting realities and hidden desires.

Viewers have responded warmly to Jo Yuri's take on the role. "Her fresh, country-girl vibe suits her so well," one wrote. Another said her "clear face and pure, transparent mood" fit the role. Others compared her to "a literary girl who stepped out of a scene in a novel," and one added, "It's like they cast a real middle schooler."

Her performance is subtle and understated, highlighting Mi-ok's innocence. In one storyline, Mi-ok visits her friend's aunt's house during summer vacation, where she runs into a young Ho-seok. He hands her an apple, and she's so flustered that she can barely fall asleep that night.

Later, she meets Ho-seok again while he is serving in the military. The two visit a beach on Wolmido, where they look up at the full moon and share their feelings.

Jo Yuri gradually conveys Mi-ok's feelings through restrained looks and small facial expressions. Even with limited time on screen, she makes the character's story believable. The role also shows a softer, more innocent side than her earlier work.

"Possible Love" is one of several recent acting projects for her. She also appeared in the short film "Ordinary Dream" (Botong Kkum) as a character named Lee Yu-ri.

Taken together, the two projects show an actress taking roles of different sizes and building her résumé one part at a time. For Jo Yuri, a short role in a Lee Chang-dong film may say as much about where she is headed as a lead role would.