[On the Record] Kim Jaehwa "Disability Can Happen to Anyone... A Work That Made Me Reflect on Life"

Actor Kim Jaehwa Interview

'To Her' Role as a Political Reporter Who Became a Mother of a Disabled Child
"Thankful for Support from Kim Hyesu of the 'Smuggling' Team" Tears
Seoul→Gangwon-do Relocation... Satisfied with Life in Yangyang

Actor Kim Jaehwa [Photo by Yeonghwarunhyeongje]

"Disability is said to come like a star falling from the sky. It can happen congenitally or through an accident, and it can happen to anyone." Actress Kim Jae-hwa portrayed the life of a woman who was a political reporter and became a mother of a child with developmental disabilities in the film To Her. When we met at a cafe in Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, she said, "I was careful not to cause any harm to real families with disabilities through my acting." She added, "It was a work that made me learn about life and reflect on it," emphasizing its significance.

To Her, directed by Lee Sang-chul and opening on the 11th, is a film adapted from the essay I Refuse, The Neighborhood Fool Brother by writer Ryu Seung-yeon, which shares stories about raising a child with disabilities. The film’s protagonist, newspaper reporter Sang-yeon, is a character inspired by writer Ryu. She stands firm in her beliefs even in front of famous politicians and works on-site until the last month of her pregnancy, giving birth to twin boys. However, when the younger twin, Ji-woo, is diagnosed with a level 2 developmental disability, her life takes a completely different turn.

Kim Jae-hwa said, "While playing Sang-yeon’s reporter days, I focused on her confident attitude to speak up in front of anyone and her ordinary daily life, and I created the role by consulting with writer Ryu. In the scene where she scolds a member of the National Assembly and asks questions, I thought it was a bit over the top, but she advised me that I could ask bigger and more precise questions, so I took that into account."

Movie Still from 'To Her'
[Photo by Yeonghwaroun Brothers]

Kim Jae-hwa left a strong impression with roles such as choir member Kwon Dal-nyeo in Harmony (2010), Deng Yaling in Korea (2012), flight attendant Kim Hwal-ran in Rollercoaster (2013), office worker in Mogadishu (2021), and pig mother in Smuggling (2023). In To Her, she reveals a new face never seen before. She said, "I wanted to play a role with a blank expression." She continued, "Until now, I have often played supporting roles that refresh the mood of the story or have strong, distinctive characters. This was the first time I played a lonely role. I felt a calmness I had never experienced before. I also received a lot of support from those around me."

The haenyeo (female diver) team from the film Smuggling still boasts a strong friendship. Kim Hye-soo, who appeared in the film with her, recently attended the To Her friends’ preview to support Kim Jae-hwa. She expressed affection, saying, "Kim Hye-soo is a senior who is a role model for juniors. She is my role model." She also showed tears, saying, "When I think of Kim Hye-soo, the word ‘love’ comes to mind. She is full of love and knows how to give it. She is the person who loves me the most after my parents."

Living in Yangyang: ‘Another Life of Mine’

Kim Jae-hwa moved to Yangyang, Gangwon Province, two years ago. After working nonstop in Seoul, her health showed warning signs. She experienced what is commonly called ‘burnout.’ She healed her body and mind in the water and forests of Yangyang, Gangwon Province, and regained the motivation to act again. It was not just a simple ‘countryside experience’ but a place that allowed her to live another life. Although she has moved four times, she loves Yangyang so much that she volunteers as a ‘public relations ambassador.’ She said, "I had a fun and good life in Yangyang, and I plan to continue living here."

She lives ‘different lives’ as an actress in Seoul and in Gangwon-do. Recently, she formed an English theater club with parents in Yangyang and received support related to rural activity support projects in Yangyang County. She is so dedicated to staging plays that she even studies English with a native speaker instructor.

Actor Kim Jaehwa
Photo by Yeonghwarunhyeongje

Kim Jae-hwa said, "Yangyang is known as a ‘hot spot’ for young people, but it seems people don’t really know the stories of the actual residents. The population is not large, but Yangyang County offers many support benefits. There are various free classes for elementary school students. Yangyang is famous for cycling. You can learn to ride a bike for free from medalist athletes. From the fourth grade of elementary school, children can learn shooting, and there are also land surfing classes." She proudly shared her recent life living close to nature in Yangyang. She said, "The valleys are as beautiful as the sea. In autumn, I watch the fall foliage right in front of my house, and it’s no less than Seoraksan Mountain. In the neighborhood, we also ski or sled."

In recent days, she has been busy with a packed schedule in Seoul, including promoting the film and filming the drama The Judge from Hell. She said she is also busy in Gangwon-do. Kim Jae-hwa said, "Many residents move from the metropolitan area aiming for their children’s overseas study. There are various educational support classes. You can learn coding (computer programming) and become a teacher, or obtain a small vessel license. My husband recently joined a paddle boat certification class. It’s a ‘land of opportunity’ that helps people reconnect with interrupted careers."

The ending camping scene, which holds special meaning in To Her, was also filmed in Yangyang. Kim Jae-hwa said, "I think the director filmed it in Yangyang with the hope that I would live well there. It felt like support and made it even more special."