Actress Lee El made a strong first impression on viewers with her intense debut in JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama, "Waiting for Kyungdo." Lee El played Seo Ji-yeon, the CEO of Jarim Apparel, in episodes 1 and 2 aired on December 6 and 7. In the drama, she portrayed a character suffering from Alzheimer's, conveying the complex emotions of losing her memory. Seo Ji-yeon stood out by strategically approaching Lee Kyung-do to protect her younger brother Seo Ji-woo.

In the first episode, the past and present relationship between Lee Kyung-do and Seo Ji-woo unfolded rapidly, revealing complicated connections surrounding Jarim Apparel. The emotional lines between Lee Kyung-do and Seo Ji-woo, along with the events inside and outside of their relationship, foreshadowed the upcoming story of love and choices. In episode 2, Seo Ji-yeon's full-fledged appearance further heightened the tension of the drama.

During a meal with her husband Kang Min-woo, Seo Ji-yeon hinted at abnormalities in her memory by saying, "I'm not thinking about marriage yet." This scene revealed Seo Ji-yeon's anxiety and served as a crucial element that amplified curiosity about the subsequent narrative. In the following scene where she called Lee Kyung-do to a café, her desperation to protect her brother was evident. Seo Ji-yeon confessed that she was the one who leaked the article with a photo of Lee Kyung-do and Seo Ji-woo, admitting to creating the scandal to prevent Ji-woo's trip to the UK.

Seo Ji-yeon expressed deep affection by saying, "Jarim Apparel will be better managed by Ji-woo than by me," revealing her illness and asking Lee Kyung-do for help for her brother's future. Lee El enhanced the character's depth by simultaneously portraying Seo Ji-yeon's strategist side, preparing to take responsibility for Jarim Apparel's present and future, and the signs of a patient whose memory is gradually failing.

Lee El convincingly completed two different faces: honest and cheerful in front of her brother, and calm and intellectual toward Lee Kyung-do and her husband. Her acting leads the narrative through subtle changes rather than exaggerated emotions, raising expectations for the sisters' story to unfold.

The first broadcast of "Waiting for Kyungdo" left a strong impression on viewers, with Lee El's performance playing a key role at the heart of the drama. Attention is focused on how the relationship between Seo Ji-yeon and Seo Ji-woo, as well as the conflict with Lee Kyung-do, will be resolved in future developments. Through her character, Lee El effectively conveys complex emotional lines, further intensifying the drama's tension.

This drama raises profound questions about human memory and relationships through the theme of Alzheimer's, with Lee El's acting at its core. Viewers are paying close attention to Seo Ji-yeon's story as portrayed by Lee El, and interest in the upcoming developments is growing. Lee El leaves a strong emotional impact on the audience through her character, contributing to the drama's success.