Jang Gyuri has opened up about playing Hong Jae In in the Korean drama Four Hands, Two Sonatas, explaining how she approached the character’s warmth, love for music and ability to recognise talent in others. The actress said she was drawn to the series because it explores youth, friendship and personal growth through classical music.
Her character, a talented violist with exceptional musical sensitivity, becomes an important presence in the lives of two gifted pianists, Kang Pio, played by Song Kang, and Choi Jeong Yo, portrayed by Lee Jun Young. Through Jae In, the story also explores how supporting someone else’s ambitions can be meaningful in its own right.
Jang Gyuri Describes Hong Jae In As A Warm-Hearted Person
Jang Gyuri described Hong Jae In as a bright, warm-hearted person who genuinely loves people and knows how to support those who matter to her. Rather than simply offering encouragement, Jae In remains beside people during difficult periods and helps them feel less alone.
The actress explained that Jae In matures through different experiences without losing the kindness that defines her personality. This quality became central to her portrayal, allowing the character to bring emotional comfort to the story even when the other characters face personal struggles.
Jae In’s warmth is particularly important because the drama revolves around young musicians dealing with pressure, rivalry and the challenge of understanding their own abilities. Her willingness to recognise and encourage others gives her a distinct role within that competitive environment.
Music Is At The Centre Of Hong Jae In's Life
Jang Gyuri explained that music is not simply Jae In’s passion but an essential part of who she is. Growing up with a mother who runs an artist management company, the character has been surrounded by music from an early age. Jae In plays the viola and possesses perfect pitch, allowing her to distinguish individual musical notes accurately. However, her most distinctive ability is recognising exceptional talent in other musicians.
She is among the first to recognise the extraordinary abilities of Kang Pio and Choi Jeong Yo. When she hears their performances, she understands their potential and becomes excited by the possibility of what they could achieve. Jang Gyuri believes Jae In would be especially happy to encounter musicians of their calibre because music is both her dream and a source of comfort during difficult moments.
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Jang Gyuri Prepared For The Role Through Classical Music
To portray Jae In convincingly, Jang Gyuri practised the viola extensively while also concentrating on developing her sensitivity towards music. She listened to classical compositions and attended live performances to understand how musicians communicate emotion without lyrics. The actress noticed that the same piece of music can sound completely different depending on the performer’s condition and state of mind.
She found a connection between that observation and acting, explaining that the same script can produce very different results depending on how an actor interprets and delivers it. This understanding helped her approach Jae In as more than someone who plays an instrument. She wanted to convey a character who feels music deeply and recognises the emotions it can communicate.
Four Hands, Two Sonatas Explores Friendship And Growth
Four Hands, Two Sonatas follows Kang Pio and Choi Jeong Yo, two gifted pianists whose relationship develops through friendship, rivalry, love and musical ambition. Their journey begins at an arts high school and follows them as they grow towards adulthood and professional careers.
Jae In becomes closely connected to both pianists because of her musical ability and her appreciation of their talent. Her encouragement helps establish an emotional connection between the characters, even as their different backgrounds and personalities create tension.
The drama uses classical music as the foundation for its coming-of-age story, examining how young artists discover their identities while navigating relationships and expectations. Jang Gyuri’s performance adds a compassionate perspective to that journey, highlighting the importance of recognising other people’s potential. The 12-episode series concluded on October 4, 2026, completing the characters’ stories of ambition, friendship and personal development.
Final Take
Jang Gyuri approached Hong Jae In as a warm-hearted musician whose greatest strength lies in understanding and encouraging others. Through her preparation with the viola and classical music, the actress worked to capture the character’s sensitivity and emotional depth in Four Hands, Two Sonatas.
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