Seo Ji Hye has been loved for two dramas this year. She played two distinctive characters through Crashing Landing on You and Dinner Mate. In particular, she said that she realizes the hot popularity of Crashing Landing on You from the increased feedback from overseas fans via Instagram and that Dinner Mate became the work that broke the fear of showing more in the next project. Seo Ji Hye, who is already entering the 18th year since her debut, spoke frankly about her acting career and love in an interview.
Q1. How do you feel about ending Dinner Mate?
I feel freer now that it’s over. Because I started the drama as soon as Crash Landing on You was over, I feel like I’ve been working for a long time. It was physically exhausting to do the two works consecutively, and I think I spent a year in a hectic.
Q2. What was the hardest thing about working on two projects in a row?
I was anxious because the two characters were so different. If Seo Dan is poised, Woo Do Hee is dynamic. I started the drama worrying if I could pull the character off, but at the same time, expecting it to be fun.
Q3. Did you feel disappointed when you were offered similar characters?
I’d be lying if I said it didn’t, but I thought I could make a difference within that as well. Seo Dan tried to look chic in front of Ri Jung Hyuk, whereas she showed her real tender side to Goo Seung Jun. Rather than being disappointed about the fact that I was offered a similar role, I try to focus on how to portray a richer character.
Q4. What do you think about dinner mates like in Dinner Mate?
I also have drank and eaten alone. I do miss eating with someone since there is less time to watch a movie or go out to eat together. I don’t think it’s a bad idea to share a meal with the right person.
Q5. Celebrities seem to be somewhat distant from comfortable and ordinary love.
I think it’s a prejudice (laughs). I’d like to meet someone now. It’s not that I’ve never been in a romantic relationship, but I have always tried to look pretty at the time. Now I wonder if I can meet someone who can even love the ugly side of me. I heard that the person who can understand everything about me is the best.
Q6. Are there any changes in your views of acting since your debut 18 years ago?
In the early days of my career, I ran with passion and vigor. It was a time when I had no other choice but to do so. Even now, I still don’t know much about acting, and I think it’s hard, and I don’t know how to adapt, but now it became important to act till I’m satisfied.
Q7. What kind of role or genre do you want to try next?
I want to try the action genre and femme fatale characters. Or, I’d also love to try dark characters from the dark underworld. There are still so many things I want to do. I want to challenge any role, and I am willing to do it if I have such an opportunity.
