[Interview] 'Wonder Woman' Song Seungha "I Dream of Being a Strong Inner Actor... My Role Model is Jeon Ji-hyun"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "I absolutely have to become Han Seong-mi."

Actor Song Seung-ha confidently said this during the audition for 'One the Woman.' Following hits like 'Penthouse' and 'Taxi Driver,' the SBS Friday-Saturday drama airing during prime time attracted numerous actors, and Song Seung-ha boldly secured the role of Han Seong-mi, the youngest daughter of a chaebol family. Ultimately, he shone as Han Seong-mi like a perfectly fitting shoe, and the production team's choice proved to be spot on.

In a recent interview with our publication at the Asia Economy building in Chungmuro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Song Seung-ha said, "Many things have changed since 'One the Woman.'"

In the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'One the Woman,' which concluded its 16-episode run on the 6th, Song Seung-ha played Han Seong-mi, the youngest daughter of the Hanju Group and the younger sister-in-law of Kang Mina (played by Lee Ha-nee), playing a key role in the Hanju family’s in-law dynamics. He made a strong impression with his blunt and sharp remarks, regardless of the target.

On that day, Song Seung-ha shared his thoughts on the finale: "I felt sad every time a scene ended. After the last shoot, I said, 'I don't want to leave.' I gained so much and received more than I had worked for."

He continued, "I prepared small gifts for the staff along with handwritten letters. Everyone contacted me saying they were touched by the letters," recalling, "It was hard to believe it was the last shoot. The set was so enjoyable that time flew by."

When asked how he joined 'One the Woman,' Song Seung-ha said, "It was a character I really wanted to play, and I was eager to do well. After the first round, in the second audition, I thought, 'Let's express Han Seong-mi's edge differently.' I wrote a letter analyzing the character, imagining her from elementary school through university, and then wrote about how I would act her with sincerity. At the end, I asked for a chance, saying, 'If you let me live as Seong-mi, I will work hard.' I think my earnest wish was conveyed."

Recalling the announcement of his audition success, he said, "I was eating with my agency manager when I got the call. We hugged and cried. I cried tears of joy and cheered like scoring a goal in the World Cup," he laughed.

He said the filming set of 'One the Woman' was free of any rivalry among actresses. Song Seung-ha said, "All the actors, including seniors Lee Ha-nee and Jin Seo-yeon, had great personalities. As a rookie, I was worried about being intimidated by the strong seniors, but they comforted me, saying 'It's okay to make mistakes' and gave me advice, so I acted with peace of mind." He expressed affection, saying, "Senior Jin Seo-yeon actively gave advice during rehearsals. She said Han Seong-mi is a fun character and reminded me that no one is perfect from the start, so I should enjoy the process of developing the role. That stuck with me."

Regarding Lee Ha-nee, who played the lead roles Jo Yeon-ju and Kang Mina, Song Seung-ha said, "I learned a lot watching the senior adjust to scenes even when the shoulder wasn't even touching. Despite playing two roles, which must have been physically demanding, she was always present on set, and I was moved."

About Song Won-seok, who played his biological brother, he said, "At first, we were awkward, but he reached out first and joked around, so I opened up. Since our characters looked down on each other, we had to approach each other comfortably, and thanks to that, I think we looked like real siblings."

Song Seung-ha was praised for naturally portraying the fashion of a chaebol youngest daughter, enhancing immersion in the work. He prepared 6 to 7 outfits for each scene. By trying on all the clothes and selecting the optimal outfit, Han Seong-mi was completed.

He explained, "I prepared many design drafts. The initial drafts featured a princess style adorned with lace, but I thought a chic look would also suit. I added princess-style accessories to chic outfits as a point. I gave liveliness with pink while maintaining a unique luxurious feel," emphasizing his focus.

Previously, in the KBS2 drama 'If You Cheat, You Die,' Song Seung-ha played a lively and lovable character, but in 'One the Woman,' he did not hesitate to deliver sharp and annoying remarks. He said, "I wanted to show a charm opposite to my previous role. I guess I was lucky. I've worked hard, and luck followed, so I'm just grateful."

He said the reactions around him changed after the drama. Song Seung-ha said, "When I go to meetings or auditions, people recognize me first as 'Han Seong-mi.' That's when it really hits me." He added, "When I hear things like 'You really acted annoyingly,' or 'Your character was intense,' I relax and act more actively," describing the change.

Though he appears aloof on the outside, Song Seung-ha said his real personality is easygoing and positive. He laughed heartily, saying, "I'm so honest that people around me try to stop me. When someone opens their heart to me, I guess I have a 'sudden acceleration'." He continued, "I may seem aloof, but I cry a lot and am positive like my parents. When bad things happen, I comfort myself by thinking, 'It could be worse, so this is something to be thankful for.'"

When asked about a role model he wants to emulate, he chose Jun Ji-hyun. He said, "People around me who watched the drama 'My Love from the Star' said, 'You are just like her.' I want to challenge bright romantic comedies as well." He added, "I also enjoy thrillers. Recently, I watched the Netflix series 'My Name,' and Han So-hee's role was impressive. The character's complex inner world and problem-solving approach were very appealing."

He added, "I'm attending an action school and want to show a new side of myself in an action project someday. I'm preparing in advance to show various aspects. I'm reading books to strengthen my inner self and become a solid actor." He concluded, "I will steadily prepare so that I can handle any role well."

Photo = Sketch E&M