In a candid and introspective interview, acclaimed actress Han So Hee has, for the first time, openly addressed the significant social media controversy that captivated and divided public attention two years ago. Speaking to the media at a Seoul café on January 16th, Han So Hee offered her current perspective on the tumultuous period, framing it as a catalyst for personal and professional development, as she gears up for the release of her new film, Project Y.
Directed by Lee Hwan, a filmmaker recognized for his distinctive works Park Hwa-young and Young Adult Matters, Project Y delves into the lives of Mi-seon, portrayed by Han So Hee, and Do-kyung, brought to life by Jeon Jong-seo. The film chronicles the intertwined destinies of two women yearning for a fresh start in the dazzling, yet often unforgiving, metropolis. When faced with overwhelming circumstances, they make the audacious and perilous decision to abscond with a substantial sum of illicit cash and valuable gold bars. The narrative promises a gripping exploration of desperation, ambition, and the extreme measures individuals might take when pushed to their limits.
Navigating the Storm: Criticism as a Crucible for Change
During the press engagement, Han So Hee spoke with remarkable frankness about the social media firestorm that erupted in early 2024. The controversy ignited when she and actor Ryu Jun-yeol publicly confirmed their romantic relationship following their appearance together in Hawaii. The situation quickly escalated when Ryu Jun-yeol’s ex-girlfriend, Hyeri, posted a seemingly innocuous yet widely interpreted comment, "How interesting," on Instagram. This remark fueled intense public speculation, with many questioning the timeline of relationships and whether Han So Hee had been involved in any romantic overlap or "transit love" situations. The ensuing online discourse was swift and often harsh, placing Han So Hee squarely in the spotlight of public judgment.
Reflecting on that period, Han So Hee acknowledged the unavoidable nature of such scrutiny. "What else could I do?" she posed rhetorically. "I believe I had to accept it." She emphasized that she harbored no feelings of being wronged, explaining, "because at that moment, I acted in what I believed was the best way." Her perspective has evolved significantly since then. "As the years go by, I’ve come to realise that I’m not just someone who acts, but also someone who receives public attention. With that comes a sense of duty and responsibility. The parts I need to accept, I must accept them openly." This statement underscores a maturing understanding of her public persona and the inherent obligations that accompany fame.
Her introspection continued as she elaborated on the impact of public opinion. "Everyone’s thoughts are different, and it’s impossible for everyone to like me," she stated matter-of-factly. "If I keep dwelling on ‘why,’ I don’t think I’ll be able to grow." Han So Hee articulated a deliberate choice to reframe criticism not as a personal attack, but as a valuable tool for self-improvement. "To some extent, viewing these voices as constructive feedback and accepting them allows them to become a driving force for growth," she explained. This approach enables her to engage in a more objective self-assessment. "They help me look at and analyse myself more objectively, and encourage me to be more cautious in the future." This mindset reveals a proactive strategy to extract lessons from negative experiences, transforming them into stepping stones for enhanced performance and personal resilience.
Despite her mature acceptance of criticism, Han So Hee concluded her reflections with a touch of vulnerability and a deeply human desire for connection. When asked about her most earnest wish as an actress, she confessed, "Even so, to be honest, I still hope that people will like me." This sentiment highlights the inherent tension between the demands of public life and the innate human need for acceptance and affection. It reveals a multifaceted individual who, while capable of weathering professional storms with grace and determination, still yearns for positive validation from the audience she serves.
The Art of Resilience: Han So Hee’s Journey in the Spotlight
Han So Hee’s emergence as a prominent figure in the South Korean entertainment industry has been marked by a series of compelling performances and, at times, significant public attention. Her role in the critically acclaimed drama The World of the Married in 2020 catapulted her to superstardom, showcasing her remarkable ability to portray complex and emotionally charged characters. This breakthrough role solidified her status as a rising star and garnered widespread praise for her nuanced acting. Following this success, she continued to impress audiences with her diverse roles in projects like Nevertheless, where she took on a more nuanced character navigating the complexities of modern romance, and My Name, a gritty action-thriller that demonstrated her versatility and willingness to take on challenging physical roles.
The controversy surrounding her relationship with Ryu Jun-yeol, while undoubtedly stressful, occurred during a period of intense professional activity and public visibility for Han So Hee. The speed at which the situation unfolded and the subsequent online reactions were a testament to her current level of fame. The public’s fascination with her personal life, coupled with the intensity of social media discourse, created a unique set of challenges for the actress. Her ability to address the situation with such measured reflection, rather than defensiveness, speaks volumes about her personal growth and her commitment to navigating her career with integrity.
Her participation in Project Y signifies a deliberate choice to engage with projects that push creative boundaries and explore darker, more complex themes. The film’s premise, involving two women resorting to desperate measures, suggests a departure from some of her previous roles and offers an opportunity to showcase a different facet of her acting prowess. Director Lee Hwan’s reputation for crafting thought-provoking and often gritty narratives, as seen in Park Hwa-young and Young Adult Matters, indicates that Project Y is likely to be a film that delves into the psychological depths of its characters and the societal pressures that shape their choices. Collaborating with Jeon Jong-seo, another actress known for her intense and captivating performances, promises a dynamic on-screen partnership.
The interview also shed light on the broader implications of celebrity in the digital age. Han So Hee’s acknowledgment of her "sense of duty and responsibility" as a public figure resonates with the evolving expectations placed upon celebrities. In an era where social media blurs the lines between public and private lives, the ability of public figures to manage their image, respond to criticism, and maintain authenticity is paramount. Her approach suggests a conscious effort to balance her personal life with the demands of her profession, while also recognizing the impact of her actions and words on a wider audience.
Furthermore, Han So Hee’s candidness about the desire for public affection, even amidst her professional maturity, offers a relatable glimpse into the human side of stardom. The constant exposure and the high stakes of public perception can create a paradoxical environment where individuals are simultaneously admired and intensely scrutinized. Her honest admission serves as a reminder that beneath the carefully curated personas of celebrities lie individuals with the same fundamental human needs for validation and connection.
The upcoming release of Project Y on January 21st marks a significant moment for Han So Hee, not only as a showcase for her acting talent but also as an opportunity to reconnect with audiences on her own terms. Her willingness to engage with her past controversies and articulate a path forward characterized by growth and resilience suggests a confident and self-aware artist ready to embark on her next chapter. Her journey serves as a compelling narrative of navigating the complexities of fame, the challenges of public scrutiny, and the enduring power of personal reflection in shaping one’s career and identity. The film’s thematic exploration of characters pushed to their limits may well mirror the resilience Han So Hee herself has demonstrated in navigating the often-turbulent waters of the entertainment industry.
