Acclaimed South Korean actress Lee Young-ae is making her highly anticipated return to KBS television after a remarkable 26-year absence, starring in the upcoming weekend drama 'Walking on the Thin Ice.' The veteran actress will portray a devoted housewife whose life becomes entangled in a dangerous world she never imagined entering.

At a press conference held at D-Cube City in Seoul's Guro District, Lee joined her co-stars Kim Young-kwang and Park Yong-woo, along with director Song Hyun-wook, to introduce the compelling new series. This marks Lee's first appearance on KBS since her role in 'Invitation' back in 1998, making her return a significant milestone for both the actress and the network.

'Walking on the Thin Ice' follows the story of Kang Eun-su, played by Lee Young-ae, a devoted mother determined to protect her family at all costs. Her seemingly ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes entangled with Lee Kyung, portrayed by Kim Young-kwang, a teacher who leads a dangerous double life. Their fates become intertwined after they unexpectedly come into possession of a bag of drugs, leading to a perilous and desperate partnership that tests their limits and moral boundaries.

Director Song Hyun-wook, renowned for his work on popular dramas such as 'The Beauty Inside' and 'Another Miss Oh,' explained his careful approach to handling the sensitive drug-related storyline. 'It is a sensitive theme, especially on public broadcasting,' Song acknowledged. 'Rather than depict it sensationally, I wanted to show the unease and shock characters feel when encountering an unfamiliar world.' This thoughtful approach reflects the production team's commitment to responsible storytelling while maintaining dramatic tension.

Lee Young-ae emphasized that the drama aims to explore deeper themes beyond its surface plot. 'Walking on the Thin Ice is not only about drugs but also about what we hold dear,' she explained during the press conference. 'I wanted to remind viewers of the things we should treasure in life.' This philosophical approach to the material demonstrates Lee's commitment to meaningful storytelling that resonates with audiences on multiple levels.

The actress revealed what drew her back to KBS after such a long absence, citing both the quality of the script and her connection to the character of Eun-su. 'She is an ordinary housewife who values her family. I felt I could approach the character naturally,' Lee shared. 'The story was compelling and the production strong, which is why KBS is backing it as one of its major dramas this year.' Her natural affinity for the role suggests viewers can expect an authentic and powerful performance.

The chemistry between the lead actors was evident during the press conference, with Lee and Kim exchanging praise for each other's performances. Lee described Kim as 'a creative actor with diverse expressions,' while Kim expressed his honor at working alongside the veteran actress. 'Her voice alone carries power. Acting alongside her was a learning experience,' Kim said, highlighting the mutual respect between the co-stars.

Director Song praised the entire cast for bringing exceptional depth to their respective roles. 'Lee Young-ae embodies both innocence and intensity. Kim Young-kwang convincingly shifts from a playful figure to a menacing boss. Park Yong-woo, playing a narcotics team leader, adds thrill with his persistence,' Song noted. This versatility among the cast members promises dynamic performances that will keep viewers engaged throughout the series.

Lee Young-ae also revealed the extensive physical preparation she undertook for the drama's action sequences. 'I trained with strength exercises and practiced constantly at home to look strong and convincing on screen. Eun-su's emotional depth is reflected in her action,' she explained. This dedication to physical preparation demonstrates her commitment to delivering an authentic performance that matches the intensity of her character's journey.

'Walking on the Thin Ice' is scheduled to premiere on Saturday at 9:20 p.m., promising viewers a gripping tale that combines family drama with thriller elements. The series represents not only Lee Young-ae's triumphant return to KBS but also the network's investment in high-quality programming that tackles complex social issues while maintaining compelling entertainment value.