South Korean actress Son Ye Jin recently shared her personal struggles with anxiety and uncertainty about her acting career after getting married and having a child. The beloved star, known for hits like “Crash Landing on You” and “The Last Princess,” spoke openly at the 30th Busan International Film Festival about her fears and how she found renewed confidence through her latest film, “No Other Choice.”
Son Ye Jin’s Honest Feelings
At the Actors House event on September 18, Son Ye Jin reflected on her 26-year career. She admitted that after marrying actor Hyun Bin and becoming a mother, she worried about whether she could still take on meaningful roles. She wondered if audiences would accept her in romantic projects or if filmmakers would still want to work with her.
“After getting married and having a child, I felt anxious, wondering if I could meet audiences again with truly remarkable works like before,” she said. “I wondered if I could still do romance roles, if people would seek me out.”
She explained that although many actresses continue working after marriage, she felt unsure about her future. However, looking at respected senior actresses like Youn Yuh Jung, Kim Hie Ae, Jeon Do Yeon, and Kim Hye Soo gave her hope. Their successful careers showed her that there could still be a path for her as an actress at this stage of her life.
Finding Joy in Acting Again
Son Ye Jin’s worries began to fade when she started working on “No Other Choice,” a new film by famous director Park Chan Wook. In the movie, she plays Mi Ri, the wife of a man who loses his job and struggles to support his family. Mi Ri is a strong and emotional character who becomes the backbone of her household during difficult times.
“Meeting ‘No Other Choice’ and going to the set, I felt truly happy,” Son Ye Jin shared. “Previously, I felt burdened and responsible, but this film felt less heavy because Director Park Chan Wook and senior actor Lee Byung Hun were there. That allowed me to enjoy the set more.”
She also praised her co-star Lee Byung Hun, saying she was impressed by his relaxed and natural acting style. She mentioned that watching him perform helped her understand how to be more flexible and less tense in front of the camera.
Looking Back on Her Career
Son Ye Jin talked about the challenges she faced early in her career. She said that in her twenties, she was so focused on work that she didn’t have much time to enjoy her youth. She described herself as someone who worked hard, faced setbacks, but always got back up.
She also mentioned that she sometimes felt burned out and unmotivated. During those times, taking on new projects helped her overcome those slumps. One of her career turning points was the 2005 film “The Art of Seduction,” which allowed her to break away from sad, tragic roles and try comedy for the first time.
Why Her Words Matter
Son Ye Jin’s openness about her doubts reflects a common concern among many women in the entertainment industry. After marriage and motherhood, some actresses worry about how their personal lives might affect their careers. Unfortunately, this is often not the same for male actors, who usually continue working without such worries.
However, Son Ye Jin’s story is encouraging. By seeing other successful actresses and finding support in her work, she regained her confidence. Her experience shows that it is possible to balance family life and a thriving career.
About “No Other Choice”
“No Other Choice” is the opening film of the 30th Busan International Film Festival. The story follows Man Soo (played by Lee Byung Hun), who is suddenly fired from his job after 25 years. As he struggles to find work, he becomes desperate and plans to eliminate his competition. Son Ye Jin’s character, Mi Ri, stands by him while strengthfully facing their challenges.
The film has received attention both in Korea and internationally, and Son Ye Jin’s performance has been widely praised.
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Credits: m.entertain.naver.com
