Lin Yun. Dress, Fannie Schiavoni. Shoes, Taglioni. Necklace, Atelier So. Earring & silver ring, Aboab. Diamond Ring, Lanvin.
When she emerged from the water, soaked, her eyebrows were furrowed. Her eyes reflected curiosity and confusion without any concealment. This scene from Stephen Chow’s movie Mermaid (2018) introduced Lin Yun to the public. The director once mentioned that he chose Lin Yun for her original and simple personality. As she stood by the water, her initial intentions surfaced, becoming the guiding force in her journey.
Top, R.L.E. Dress, Diesel. Shoes, Saltcolor.
From Budapest to Beijing, and then on a plane to Paris, the last two months have felt like life has been on fast forward for Lin Yun. When all her commitments were compressed into this timeframe, Lin Yun learned to master life. With the rhythm, she found a way to savor moments in the constantly squeezed time.
Top, R.L.E. Dress, Diesel.
Clad in a Lanvin red dress, Lin Yun strolled through the streets of Paris. The white Haussmann buildings and stone tile floors reflected the comfort of the crowd and the abundance of sunlight. In this moment, she appeared entirely different from the “Zhao Xun” who graced the screen three months prior.
Dress, Oscar de la Renta.
Lin Yun’s portrayal of “Zhao Xun” in the TV series “Imperfect Victim” conveyed confusion, and her fearlessness inspired countless female viewers to adopt a “consciousness of self-protection,” making them cry and laugh alongside her.
Curious about the contrasts in Lin Yun’s life, we followed her to the waterside. Here is the complete interview we had with her:
HARPER’S BAZAAR (HBZVN): Dear Lin Yun, in 2016, when “Mermaid” was first released, Stephen Chow mentioned seeing your original and simple personality. Do you believe these words still describe you now? In “Mermaid II,” will you portray a completely different look from the previous one?
LIN YUN: I think I have always been a very “original” person. My definition of “original” is maintaining my true nature without many “shells.” People around me sometimes advise me to learn to protect myself, but my social circle and my goal are straightforward – to be a good actor. I believe overthinking can easily lead to detours.
HBZVN: Upon arriving at this shooting location, which moment left the deepest impression on you? If you could be a tree by the river, a bird that just flew across the sky, or water flowing through mountains and rivers, what would you choose?
LIN YUN: Just now, I saw a little bird with gray-brown feathers sitting on a stone by the river. I looked at her while she also watched me. As I stared at her in a trance, she suddenly flew away, unconcerned about me, the wind’s direction, or whether the current would wet her wings. I think I should have been willing to fly away with her.
Top, Cult Gaia. Dress, R.L.E. Earring, Aboab.
HBZVN: When you played “Imperfect Victim,” you had a remarkable scene opposite Zhou Xun. Did you find it challenging to get into the role of Zhao Xun? The scene in the play where Zhao Xun lets go of her worries is when she walks into the wilderness and nature.
LIN YUN: The role of Zhao Xun is quite complex, with evident personality changes in the early, middle, and late stages of the plot. From a performance perspective, there was definitely pressure. I am grateful to Director Yang Yang, Sister Xun, and other main creators, actors, and teachers for their help.
Dress, R.L.E. Earring, Aboab.
HBZVN: How do you manage emotions during stressful moments?
LIN YUN: My usual way of relieving stress is through travel and eating.
Top, Cult Gaia. Dress, R.L.E. Earring, Aboab.
HBZVN: As an actor, have you encountered a role that you particularly yearn for when facing different female images? What qualities about her attract you the most?
LIN YUN: I’m not looking forward to being in any specific female role yet, but I look forward to playing female characters with different personalities and characteristics. Every female friend has her shining side in life and work.
HBZVN: You seem to be challenged with the role in every play. How do you think actors grow into better actors after experiencing each story?
LIN YUN: I think the question “how to grow into a better actor” should be replaced by “how to approach each new role better.” As an actor, I have unique resources and can constantly experience the new lives of others. With a relaxed attitude, starting from scratch every time, I believe I will naturally gain something.
Jacket, YiYi. Dress, Fannie Schiavoni. Shoes, Taglioni. Necklace, Atelier So. Earring & silver ring, Aboab. Diamond Ring, Lanvin.
HBZVN: It’s challenging to find good scripts. You seem to be very cautious in choosing scripts. Are you a person with clear goals?
LIN YUN: I think so, but I also consider “what I want” relatively casually, emphasizing a recent concept – a sense of relaxation. I don’t have specific desires and demands but accept situations as they come. I maintain a mentality that, as long as I work hard, I will be calm and satisfied regardless of gains and losses. To be short, I am content with what I have. Still, I must emphasize that if I come across a great script, I will definitely work hard for it!
HBZVN: What makes you most proud of this year?
LIN YUN: Still the show “Imperfect Victim.” Thank you all for paying attention to the character Zhao Xun and caring about this girl.
Dress, Fannie Schiavoni. Shoes, Taglioni. Necklace, Atelier So. Earring & silver ring, Aboab. Diamond Ring, Lanvin.
Talent: Lin Yun @jellylinyun .
Executive Producer: Zhiyu Qu @zhiyu_qu .
Executive Fashion Director: Vermouth Liu @Mr.vxx .
Digital Director: Austin Li, Junhao Zhong .
Production Manager: @rock.mgmt.
Creative Direction: Profillzero Profitizéro @profi11_zero.official.
Line Producer: Nan Zhang.
Photographer: Ao Jiao.
Stylist: Zheng Sun .
Makeup: Tianqi Hua.
Hair: Xing Feng.
Modeling: Qian Gao.
Interview Editor: Tina Zhu .
Assistant Editor: Dragon Long.
Fashion Assistant: Hannah Cheche.
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
