[Exclusive]'28 Years Since Debut,' Han Da-gam Still Thirsty... "I Want to See the Gritty Bottom of Life"[★22nd Anniversary Interview ①]

*This content was translated by AI.

• StarNews 22nd Anniversary Commemorative Interview

Although she has run nonstop for a long 28 years, she remains thirsty. For actor Han Da-gam, acting is still an object of hope viewed with longing.

StarNews conducted an interview with Han Da-gam to mark its 22nd anniversary. Selected as Miss World Queen University in 1999 and making her acting debut the same year through MBC's drama "For Love," Han left a deep impression the following year as Yoon Na-hee in SBS's "Bright Girl Success Story." Since then, she has appeared in major works including dramas such as "Full House," "Seoul 1945," "Lawyers of Korea," "Cinderella Man," "Gumiho: The Tale of a Fox Wife," "Iron Man," "Touch," "Graceful Friends," "National Representative's Wife," and "Lee's Durian," as well as films "The Legend of the Sword" and "Possessed," earning great affection for her distinctive yet stable acting style.

Recalling the past 28 years since her debut, Han said, "It feels like I've lived nonstop, busily, without rest since my debut. I even feel that I might be someone who has always been running without stopping. I think, 'I really worked hard,' and 'I must have been very blessed,' which naturally fills me with gratitude."

Han's dynamic career also includes challenges to break her own boundaries. In October last year, she stepped onto the stage of the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the National Theater, experiencing for the first time the thrill of connecting with an audience. What prompted such a challenge from this veteran actor approaching her 30th anniversary?

Regarding this, Han stated, "It's true that there were times when I intensely agonized and fought alone over whether my acting was right or if I was doing well." She added, "It seems I kept running without rest even while hitting walls. Fortunately, I tend to think positively. Even after deep contemplation, my thoughts shift within 24 hours, and I try to move in a positive direction. Of course, 'A Streetcar Named Desire' was also a work that required great courage for me and posed a challenge."

She continued, "It was my first time doing theater, and using energy on stage is no ordinary task. It's a work where I want to praise myself for finishing despite the struggles. Although I felt quite lacking, I practiced endlessly every day, and in the end, the director clapped and hugged me. At that moment, all the fear and pain I had carried melted away. Because I was able to have such a precious experience that money cannot buy, if given the chance in the future, I definitely want to return to the stage. After working myself to death under the spotlight and connecting with the audience, I think I will never forget that thrill and sense of accomplishment until my dying day. It's a work that remains vividly like a movie," expressing her special affection for the theater stage.

Although Han has appeared in over 30 major works, her thirst for acting remains unchanged. "Even after such a long time in acting, I have never once felt bored," said Han, adding, "When it comes to acting, there are still many regrets and shortcomings. I continue to ponder the spectrum of (acting). I really want to try playing an evil villain and express a desperate character who goes all the way to the bottom. I have a strong desire to take on such a role where I give everything someday."

She further explained, "When I watch a work, first I check if the book (script or screenplay) is interesting. Second, I look at my potential for growth as an actor. Third comes the question of 'Can I do this well?' and fourth is interest. Since childhood, I have been a forward-looking person who lives dreaming 24 hours a day, so I really enjoy that surging energy and feeling of moving forward. Acting gives me that kind of energy."

On the other hand, it is also true that when thinking of Han Da-gam, glamorous, sophisticated, and urban roles naturally come to mind. Could these aspects be influencing her thirst?

Responding to the question, Han said, "Since I am a former Miss World, I probably had such an image more at the time of my debut. That part became a concern, and I tried to change direction, but fortunately, the reaction wasn't bad. However, many people felt that I suited urban roles better. At some point, I thought, 'Maybe I shouldn't try so hard to change (my image).'"

She continued with a smile, "If the public likes this side of me, perhaps it is my role after all. Whether it's a villain or a hero, whether urban or not, whatever image people seek in me, I just need to satisfy that. As a result, I now even feel blessed."

Recently, Han Da-gam has been showing her sincere and down-to-earth "human Han Da-gam" side more frequently than ever through various variety programs and SNS. Regarding showing her true self, she said, "I am someone without pretense," adding, "I am grateful that many people like the parts of me that don't make it into my works. I have a wish that my natural self could be reflected in my works and acting as well."

-Continues to Interview ②

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*This content was translated by AI.