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[ENG TRANSL] Kim So Hyun - ELLE Magazine (2023)

August 1, 2023


Disclaimer: Article is roughly translated. It may contain inaccuracies. Please pardon any mistakes.


KIM SO HYUN'S INTERVIEW


WHAT Kim Sohyun believes in



Q: Kim Sohyun, your face is as natural as if you’re part of that world whether in a historical drama, romance, or fantasy.

A: Actually, I have a lot of brighter sides, but they’re rarely shown in dramas. I think my calm, quiet, sometimes sad appearance is preferred, and it is what viewers are used to. Personally, I feel awkward acting that way (laughs). Sometimes, I get embarrassed too. But they’re all a part of me, so I’m going to express (myself) in various ways.

Q: This time, you transformed into a girl who detects lies. In “My Lovely Liar,” Solhee’s world, where she has the ability to hear lies, is unique and perhaps tragic that it’s difficult to imagine.

A: Just the ability alone, it seems good and desired, but the moment I met the character, I think that world is truly tragic. Even if it was a white lie, you constantly hear lies from your family, friends, lover, and you could get hurt. But Solhee doesn’t hide her ability or her pain. She earns money under the name “Liar Hunter.” It’s unbelievable she solves her problem in a productive way. She’s amazing in that she accepts her pain in her own way. You’ll be able to see her fun and bright charms.

Q: In real life, are you good at discerning lies from truths?

A: I’m quite good at it. I can’t fully guarantee which one’s a lie or a truth, but at the very least, I can quickly catch on to their insincere nuances. However, I don’t desire that ability. Even if someone lies, it may not reflect the sincerity inside them, and that’s probably for the other person’s sake. But I feel I’ll be trapped in the thought of judging the world based only on truths or lies.

Q: In the worldview of your previous drama, “Love Alarm,” you can hear what your heart says. What joy does acting on the boundary of reality and fantasy give?

A: I’ve never acted in a different dimension fantasy genre, but I think that will be more difficult. Stories of daily lives with a bit of added fantasy elements leave more room for imagination, and since it’s closely related to real life, it’s good to give something to think about. Rather than expressing Solhee as only a fantasy character, I tried to act more realistically by thinking that there’s at least one person like her living in this world.

Q: If you can only gain one superpower, what would it be?

A: To quickly go to any place I want! Teleportation (laughs).

Q: What was your first impression of Hwang Minhyun who plays the role of Doha, the one person who isn’t affected by Solhee’s ability?

A: When we first met, he asked me questions like, “What do you like?”, “What’s your hobby?” I thought he was a very upright and healthy person, but I also thought it’d be hard to approach him because he’s so nice. When we started filming, we slowly got closer, he was very playful, and I saw his eccentric side as well. He’s a fun person (laughs). I think I met a good partner.

Q: What’s the charm of being an actor?

A: I felt that working closely with each other makes me have a good “look” at the other person. I think that eyes are the most important thing for actors when acting. When the other person pays attention to what I’m doing, I believe that interaction is conveyed through the eyes first. Minhyun is good with his eyes. And in comedic scenes, we throw out random ideas and laugh together. We need to be in sync with each other in those scenes, since it’s awkward if you laugh alone. Minhyun plays along well, and we both encourage each other.

Q: Wouldn’t it be fine as long as you share the same humor code? (laughs). As you started acting at a relatively young age, what do you think is important when dealing with people?

A: I used to be a little defensive. I was careful about everything. I couldn’t even initiate a conversation with someone I’m meeting for the first time. Now, I’m more relaxed. Not just at a young age, but there are times when I need to be responsible in leading the atmosphere on set. Now I try to reach out to other people first. I believe that if I approach them with an open heart, they’ll do the same to me.

Q: You appeared in nearly 40 projects including your childhood days. Does the filming set still excite you?

A: For the first time, I took a break for more than a year. Although the set is something I’m familiar with, it feels new coming back after a long time. I suddenly realized I’ve been acting with such happiness. Since the job requires me to meet people, I gain strength when I meet good people. And every year, I get excited and anticipate the kind of people I meet, or what kind of sets I’ll work in.


Q: You’ve drawn out a lot of love stories, but as a viewer or an ordinary 20-year-old woman, what kind of love stories do you like? Looking at “Love Alarm” or your recent drama “River Where The Moon Rises”, it seems that you like stories about caring for each other and growing together.

A: My favorite romance is “About Time.” It feels more realistic to imagine if I was that person receiving that kind of love. There are lots of parts that touch me when I put myself in the main character’s shoes. Although I like a very sweet and romantic romance, I like it better when I get the feeling that they’re spending time with me.

Q: If you search ‘Kim Sohyun’, a lot of singing videos unexpectedly come up. Most of them are award show stages or OST songs. Do you still sing these days?

A: Because I was asked to sing an OST… I’m the type to work hard when given a task (laughs). However, I don’t have the hobby of singing at the karaoke! Rather, I like listening to songs sung by other people.

Q: Then, can you recommend a song that matches today’s temperature and humidity?

A: Hmm. I like Choi Yuree’s songs. Among her songs, I like the ones in her “Journey Epilogue” album. I think they match the vibe right now. They’re lyrical and calm, so I think they’re good songs for rainy days.

Q: Your colleagues who worked with you describe you as mature. You’re not only good at acting, but you also keep a refined and composed personality.

A: Honestly, I tend to be nervous, but I guess it’s not obvious. I get cold sweat during script readings, and my heart races. When I say, “I think I’m nervous”, they say, “You’re kidding, right?” Many people say I’m good at keeping my composure, but that’s not the case (laughs). Still, I’ve been acting for nearly 15 years and I feel comfortable on set, I guess that’s where a bit of my composure and stability come from.

Q: On the other hand, when are you most relaxed?

A: Whenever I’m at home, I’m mostly lying on my couch. As long as I’m home, I don’t care about anything, I just do what I want, and I relax.

Q: Have you ever imagined being anything else besides an actress? Is there anything you’re passionate about as much as your acting career?

A: When I was young, I liked listening to my friends’ concerns. I was close to my school counselor, and I would go to their office every day and chat. That time, I thought I’d be a good counselor. Another one is writing a book. It’s kind of like my bucket list. I like novels, so I want to write one someday even if it doesn’t get published.

Q: When I look at your daily life photos, there’s lovely energy radiating out. You eat delicious food, laugh, you always carry your camera around…. Is this a way to refresh yourself?

A: I like spending time alone. I go to select shops and look for cute things. I like the “Toy Story” series and Pixar animations. I go watch movies alone, or go somewhere near my house where I can take a walk and sit alone while watching dogs pass by. I like those little things in life, and I always cherish them.

Q: Does Kim Sohyun, who is sincere about cute things, believe in the power of truth?

A: The power of truth is huge. But the power of sincerity is even greater.

Q: So, you believe in sincerity more than truth?

A: Yes. I think it’s more about the real you. That sincerity inside you is more important than the truth or the lie, or what is seen on the surface.


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