Jung Ho-yeon's Conviction: The Reason for Slowing Down After 'Squid Game' — "Learning Matters More Than Leading Roles" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

• Interview with Jung Ho-yeon, star of the film 'Hope'.

After becoming a global star through 'Squid Game', Jung Ho-yeon revealed that she chose to give herself time rather than rush to find her next project.

On the 8th, we met with actor Jung Ho-yeon at a café on Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss various topics regarding the film 'Hope' (directed by Na Hong-jin).

'Hope' begins with a story set in a demilitarized zone: Pohang outpost commander Beom-seok receives news from local youths that a tiger has appeared, plunging the entire village into alarm as he confronts an unbelievable reality. In the film, Jung Ho-yeon plays Sung Ae, a police officer at the Pohang outpost, who is characterized by clear moral standards and always fulfills her duties regardless of the situation.

Having leaped to global stardom through Netflix's 'Squid Game', Jung Ho-yeon expanded her acting range in 'Hope' by showcasing action and deeper emotional performances that differed from her previous work.

Jung Ho-yeon stated that after 'Squid Game', she focused more on giving herself sufficient time rather than rushing to secure her next project.

"After 'Squid Game,' I exercised and took breaks instead of hurriedly searching for new projects," she said, adding, "I wanted to give myself time." She continued, "I am well aware that everything I do is a great opportunity compared to my time, experience, and know-how. Because I feel so grateful and happy about it, my desire to do well has grown stronger, and I found myself at the point where that ambition and experience clash."

She further explained, "Whenever that happened, I tried to give myself more time. I told myself, 'It's okay. In acting, we move one step at a time. Let's not try to prove or show off anything.' I lived with the mindset of doing my best within what I have now and trying everything possible so as not to disappoint the audience. Those thoughts helped calm my anxiety, and that time was truly important."

She also shared, "I thought deeply in every moment, and even during the preparation process, I pondered extensively. 'People watching from outside will likely evaluate more accurately what kind of actor I am and which direction I'm heading than I can myself. I am simply living my life. I want to continue my acting career with a healthy mindset always.'"

Regarding her criteria for selecting projects, she said, "I wanted to work on projects led by experienced senior actors and directors." She added, "Rather than scenes where I had to lead as the main actor, I sought environments where I could learn more."

She concluded, "In sets filled with veteran actors, I was able to closely observe their working methods and details. I drew great inspiration from the attitudes and demeanors of senior actors who have been loved for a long time. That is why I tried to visit such sets as often as possible."

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*This content was translated by AI.