Han Ji-min "I Felt Refreshed Smoking in the Movie" [2022 BIFF]

The 27th Busan International Film Festival On Site

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Busan=Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] "People think I'm kind. I felt relieved smoking in the movie 'Miss Baek' (2018). I've thought about changing my image, but so what if it's similar? What's important is that opportunities come."

Actress Han Ji-min (40) reflected on her 19-year journey in acting. On the afternoon of the 8th, at Actors House held at KNN Theater in Haeundae-gu, Busan, she looked back on her debut as the young Song Hye-kyo in the drama 'All In' (2003), her bold transformation in 'Miss Baek', and the recently concluded drama 'Our Blues', sharing her thoughts on living as an actress.

At the time of 'All In', the age difference between child actress Han Ji-min and Song Hye-kyo was only two years. Thanks to the drama's high viewership ratings, she quickly gained attention. She continued acting without rest, appearing in various works. Looking back, she recalled, "I was scouted on the street in high school and worked as a model before debuting as Song Hye-kyo's young counterpart. I didn't know anything about acting. Since I had no greed, I wasn't nervous." She added, "I acted without any thought. Then I felt the limits of my roles and sought something new. I also went through a slump."

Han Ji-min soon made a leap to leading roles. She became the lead in the drama 'Good Person' (2003), working alongside Shin Ha-kyun. She said, "I wasn't prepared at all, but suddenly became the lead in a mini-series. I even considered quitting acting. I felt sorry for senior Shin Ha-kyun." That year, she continued acting with 'Dae Jang Geum'. She recalled, "I gradually learned where the cameras and lights were and how to find them."

The work that made her decide to pursue acting as a profession was the film 'Blue Swallow' (2005). Han Ji-min said, "I remember working with the late senior Jang Jin-young and the director. The environmental differences were huge. When I was the lead in dramas, I would shoot all week without time to wash. In contrast, films were shot carefully one cut at a time. After filming a scene, I felt the thrill of 'I did it.' I also expected that if I continued acting, moments like this would increase."

Han Ji-min described herself as an actress who pushes herself harshly. She said, "As I entered my 30s, I took time to reflect on myself. Seeing myself blame myself, I wondered why I was so harsh on myself while being lenient with others. I also comforted myself for the hardships I endured."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

She also experienced a slump. Han Ji-min, who was mostly given romantic comedy roles in her 20s and 30s, said, "One day, I was used to acting new scenes. I once fell into self-doubt, wondering 'Why do I keep doing similar things?'" Afterwards, she took a break from acting. "I was the lead in dramas, but I didn't insist on being the lead in films. I wanted to find variety, so I tried to look broadly. It was fun to try different acting in smaller-scale films."

In 'Miss Baek', she revealed a strong and shocking side. Han Ji-min recalled, "It was like someone lit a fire under me." She added, "I got very angry when I saw social issues on the news. I said I would appear in the film recklessly. Then, right before filming, I asked the director if it was okay for me to appear," she laughed. The film gave her courage. "I used to worry about everything from one to ten, but I changed after the work." She said, "What humans need is heart. It's not an answer. The greatest comfort is having someone who knows me well by my side. So after a project ends, I prefer to spend time with the most comfortable people who see me not as an actress but cutely. If given the chance, I want to be an actress who continues acting steadily."

Busan=Reporter Lee Iseul