Chae Seo-an has become a household name thanks to her unforgettable performance as Young-ran, fondly known as “Mrs. Hak,” in Netflix’s hit drama When Life Gives You Tangerines. Her emotional portrayal of a resilient woman from the 1960s and 1970s has won over audiences worldwide, marking a turning point in her career. But what makes her story even more inspiring is how close she came to leaving acting behind for good.
The Rise of Mrs. Hak
In When Life Gives You Tangerines, Chae Seo-an plays the younger version of Young-ran, the wife of Bok-sook, a character brought to life by Choi Dae-hoon. Set against the nostalgic backdrop of Jeju Island, the series follows the lives of Ae-sun (played by IU) and Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum) across decades. Chae’s role, though not the lead, left a lasting impression. Her ability to convey quiet strength and deep sorrow resonated with viewers, earning her the nickname “Mrs. Hak” — a nod to her character’s emotional depth and the affectionate way fans connected with her.
In an interview on the YouTube channel iMBC, Chae shared her gratitude for the unexpected fame.
“I’ve never had a nickname tied to any of my roles before, so seeing ‘Mrs. Hak’ next to my name made me really thankful.”
Her performance stood out for its authenticity, as she captured the essence of a woman navigating the challenges of a bygone era. To prepare, Chae studied the speech patterns and mannerisms of women from the 1960s and 1970s, drawing inspiration from historical interviews to ensure her portrayal felt real.
A Star-Struck Moment with IU
Working alongside IU, one of South Korea’s biggest stars, was both thrilling and nerve-wracking for Chae. She recalled a lighthearted moment when the director advised her to focus on IU’s character, Ae-sun, rather than her celebrity status.
“The director told me not to think of her as IU, but just as Ae-sun,” Chae said with a laugh. “But she was so beautiful, it was hard to focus. I was nervous being near her, but she kindly said, ‘Don’t feel pressured, just relax.’ That helped me get into the role.”
IU’s warmth and encouragement allowed Chae to shine in their scenes together, creating a natural chemistry that added to the drama’s emotional weight.
A Career on the Brink
What makes Chae Seo-an’s success even more remarkable is the journey she took to get there. After filming for When Life Gives You Tangerines wrapped in 2023, Chae faced a dry spell in her acting career. To make ends meet, she took on various day jobs, including working at a factory and a CCTV company. Just a month before the drama’s release on March 7, 2025, she was still employed at a company, unsure if acting was still in her future.
“Until last month, I was working at a company. Things were quiet. I was even thinking of quitting acting altogether,” she admitted.
The lack of roles led her to question her path, but the release of the drama changed everything. As viewers fell in love with “Mrs. Hak,” Chae’s phone started ringing again. She began attending auditions and booking new projects, reigniting her passion for acting.
A New Chapter for Chae Seo-an
The success of When Life Gives You Tangerines has opened doors for Chae, who is now eager to explore a wide range of roles. Her versatility is evident in her previous work, including appearances in dramas like Hellbound and the film The Witch: Part 2. She’s also set to star in the upcoming Netflix series Hierarchy, proving her career is gaining momentum.
Looking ahead, Chae is excited to take on new challenges.
“I want to try all kinds of genres, from crime thrillers to romantic comedies,” she said.
Her experience on When Life Gives You Tangerines has given her a renewed sense of purpose. She credits the drama’s director, Kim Won-seok, and writer, Lim Sang-choon, for believing in her and giving her a role that changed her life.
Why Mrs. Hak Resonates
Chae’s portrayal of Young-ran struck a chord because it reflected the struggles and resilience of everyday people. The character’s quiet endurance mirrors Chae’s own journey — a woman who faced uncertainty but kept going. Fans have taken to social media to praise her performance, with many calling her one of the drama’s standout supporting actors. Her story is a reminder that talent and perseverance can shine through, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
From near obscurity to a breakout star, Chae Seo-an’s rise as “Mrs. Hak” is a testament to the power of a single role. As she steps into this new chapter of her career, audiences are eager to see where her talent takes her next.
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Source: Daum
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