Edited by Seo Hayne
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Han So Hee is an actress loved for her charming looks and bold, confident demeanor. Most recently, she’s been seen in Netflix’s Gyeongseong Creature as Yoon Chae Ok, a character who carves her own destiny amidst action-packed scenes and emotional depth. Let’s explore five pivotal dramas that have shaped Han So Hee’s career.
>> ‘Gyeongseong Creature 2’ Set in Modern Seoul: First Look and New Cast Unveiled
100 Days My Prince (2018)
This drama tells the romance of Crown Prince (Do Kyung Soo), who loses his memory and Won Deuk, and Hong Sim (Nam Ji Hyun), the oldest unmarried woman in Joseon. Han So Hee played the Crown Prince’s wife, So Hye, a character unloved by her husband, marking her presence in the industry. Her role as the determined and resilient So Hye, refusing to beg for love in the palace, was a turning point, especially since she landed this role only a year after starting her career in entertainment as a TV commercial model. The drama was beloved by viewers, and at one point, the cast performed EXO’s “Growl” dance as part of Do Kyung Soo’s viewership promise, where Han So Hee also drew attention with her dance skills.
The World of the Married (2020)
A remake of the British drama Doctor Foster, this series follows Ji Sun Woo (Kim Hee Ae) as she faces her husband Lee Tae Oh’s (Park Hae Joon) betrayal, leading to a catastrophic unraveling. Han So Hee’s portrayal of Yeo Da Kyung, who falls in love with Lee Tae Oh, skyrocketed her to stardom. Initially perceived as a villain after she is seen taunting Ji Sun Woo, the wife of the man she’s having an affair with, her character’s perspective gradually evolves as she faces Tae Oh’s betrayal and raises their daughter alone. Four years into her career, Han So Hee’s performance in this drama was a critical success.
Nevertheless (2021)
Based on a webtoon of the same name, Nevertheless tells a romance between Yoo Na Bi (Han So Hee), who wants to date but doesn’t believe in love, and Park Jae Eon (Song Kang), who finds dating bothersome but enjoys flirting. The series gained attention for the high synchrony with its original work and the pairing of two rising stars. Han So Hee, who had previously played antagonistic roles, took on the role of a college student in her 20s, showcasing a fresh and relatable portrayal. The actress delicately portrayed a range of emotions that arise in relationships, including love, emptiness, and loneliness, showcasing her enhanced acting skills. In particular, the scene where Yoo Na Bi candidly tells Yang Do Hyeok (Chae Jong Hyeop), the man involved in her love triangle, “I don’t have it in me now to be in a beautiful relationship,” deeply resonated with young viewers.
My Name (2021)
My Name is a revenge drama about a woman who joins a crime gang and becomes an undercover agent in the police to find her father’s killer. Unlike traditional undercover productions that often focus on male characters, My Name placed Han So Hee at the forefront. Her transition from romantic roles to performing intense action scenes, including hand-to-hand combat and scenes involving knives and guns, all without a stunt double, was particularly noteworthy. Portraying a complex character with a tough exterior, sporting no makeup and short hair, Han So Hee’s commitment was pivotal in driving the series to great success on Netflix.
Soundtrack #1 (2022)
This romance drama tells the story of two lifelong friends who discover their feelings for each other while sharing the same roof to collaborate on a song. Expectations were high prior to its release, thanks to the fresh combination of Park Hyung Sik, director Kim Hee Won, and Han So Hee. In the series, Han So Hee portrayed Eun Soo, a struggling lyricist who grapples with understanding people’s emotions. As she embarks on creating a love song about unrequited love, she enlists the help of her best friend, Sun Woo (Park Hyung Sik), hence the start of their “cohabitation” arrangement. While lacking major plot twists, this four-episode drama beautifully captures the subtle and affectionate dynamic between the characters. Han So Hee’s stable performance in a romantic role and her chemistry with Park Hyung Sik were a standout.
Editor Seo Hayne: I like actors as they faithfully lead through their long running-time. I also like idols who accomplish everything on stage within 3 minutes.
