Recently released stills show Uee performing a pole dance in her new drama "Golden Rainbow" but it was not a talent that she learned specifically for the role.
In "Golden Rainbow," she plays Baek Won, one of several orphans who have bonded together to form a family. By facing many trials and overcoming difficulties, the orphans grow closer and the family unit grows stronger. So, where does pole dancing tie into all of this?
Some viewers expressed surprise at the photographs of Uee pole dancing in a Seoul club and wondered if this was an indication of where the drama's storyline was going. Representatives from "Golden Rainbow's production company reassured viewers that this was not a development in the character's future.
"These scenes do not indicate a transformation in her life. She will not become a dancer, she just performs a pole dance when in particular situation that arises," said representatives of the production company. "It was just a short scene."
It's not the first time Uee has pole danced before an audience. She first learned the dance skill to perform with her group After School as part of their "First Love" promotions. It was an idea that the group's producer conceived.
"Our CEO showed us a video about pole dancing and asked us if we thought it was cool or not," said Uee. "We did not feel we could disagree. He chooses our next concept and makes us practice it. It was the same for our group's tap dancing and marching concepts."
Still, despite having performed the moves before, hours of practice was required.
"I had to practice a lot," said Uee. "Because the last time I did it was last summer."
When After School pole danced as part of their performance, it also caused some controversy.
"At the time we wanted to break stereotypes," said Uee. "We wanted people to see pole dancing from a creative perspective. We wanted people to realize that pole dancing is a popular form of exercise and hopefully they will want to learn it. Honestly, I heard it's a trendy way to lose weight and stay in shape."
As part of those After School promotions, she performed a couple's pole dance with ZE:A member Kwanghee. He was delighted having previously described Uee as his ideal woman. While performing with her, he giggled happily as if it was the best day of his life.
"Golden Rainbow" airs every Saturday and Sunday night.
