Interview: Kim Go-eun and Kim Jae-won on HBO Max’s ‘Yumi’s Cells’

Can she find love again?

If you’ve been following Yu-mi (played by Kim Go-eun) and her journey to navigating life and love—well, season three is about to be a thrilling chapter in her life. ‘Yumi’s Cells’ is a romantic-comedy drama that gives viewers not only a glimpse of Yu-mi’s life, but through the perspective of her brain cells, too.

We’ve seen the character grow as she discovers that sometimes happiness is about choosing herself over others. Whether it’s taking a step into a new relationship, uncovering the ability to express her feelings better, or entering a new chapter in her career, every season has led us to better understand her character than before. With the return of a new (and final) season, you can definitely expect an adventure filled with new characters to fall in love with—and we’re talking about the arrival of Shin Soon-rok (embodied by Kim Jae-won).

As Yu-mi enters a new era as a successful writer, her emotional cells are now all about dedicating themselves to work. However, when she meets aspiring producer Soon-rok, the possibility for a new romance may unfold. We’re guessing her ‘cell village’ is set to activate itself once again with an outpour of emotions. Watch to see if love blossoms again for Yu-mi.

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BAZAAR chats with Kim Go-eun and Kim Jae-won on Yumi’s Cells, favourite scenes and more.

How has Yu-mi developed in season three? And what can we expect from Soon-rok this season?

Kim Go-eun: Yu-mi has truly come into her own professionally in season three, navigating complex situations with maturity and grace. While she presents herself as a seasoned adult at work, she also at times reverts to being that same middle schooler at heart.
Kim Jae-won: As a deeply rational person, my character Soon-rok suddenly finds his composure shaken by Yu-mi. Watching him navigate turbulent emotions for the first time in his life is what makes him so endearing.

What is one scene or characteristic from your character in season three you hope audiences of HBO Max would never forget?

Kim Go-eun: We spent a lot of time filming on location in Busan, which resulted in so many beautiful moments but if I had to pick one thing for viewers to look out for, it would be the train scenes with Yu-mi and Soon-rok! I hope viewers appreciate these scenes as much as we do – they are some of my favourites!

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Kim Jae-won: I agree. That’s something you absolutely can’t miss.

What do you want the audience to get from watching the series on HBO Max?

Kim Go-eun: Our story continues with the same vibrant energy as the previous seasons. It’s the kind of show that naturally brings a smile to your face – there is a real depth to the story. Much like our characters, I hope viewers find a sense of comfort and be inspired by the strength needed to keep moving forward when facing challenges. So please do, stream Yumi’s Cells Season three on HBO Max!

Kim Jae-won: I hope this season creates excitement for the audience. Whether it’s the thrill of a new romance, the spark of starting a fresh chapter, or the magic of feeling something for the very first time, I hope those moments of joy translate through the screen.

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What was the biggest challenge while preparing for your role/filming?

Kim Go-eun: This season required me to spend time reflecting on who Yu-mi was at her core. My main focus was building a great rapport with Jae-won, since this was our first time working together.

Kim Jae-won: Stepping into a character of such a successful show felt like a big responsibility! It’s a massive honour and certainly came with its share of pressure. However, I chose to view that pressure as motivation. I spent a lot of effort ensuring I could capture his essence as accurately as I could.

Stream Yumi’s Cells Season three on HBO Max and follow @HBOMaxMY #HBOMax for more updates.

Amalina Anuar is the Digital Director of Harper's BAZAAR Malaysia. With fashion as her first love, she also has a passion for the beauty realm. While she often showcases neutral tones in her wardrobe, her music playlist is just as vibrant and you'll find her enjoying a good tune throughout the day. A connoisseur of cinematic delights, she finds joy in the heartwarming escapism of rom-coms and the soul-stirring narratives of tear-jerkers.

Digital Director