[Exclusive]"47 years old and pregnant? That was a surprise..." Han Da-gam, the true icon of hope [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

• StarNews 22nd Anniversary Special Interview

After 28 years of dedicated pursuit of acting, actress Han Da-gam stands at another turning point. At the relatively advanced age of 47, she has welcomed new life. Having continuously engaged with the public without rest, Han Da-gam shared her thoughts on acting and spoke about her son, Chaltteok (prenatal name).

StarNews conducted an interview with Han Da-gam to commemorate its 22nd anniversary. Selected as Miss World Queen University in 1999, she made her acting debut the same year through MBC's drama "For Love." The following year, she left a deep impression playing 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 the 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 widespread affection for her distinctive yet stable acting style.

Reflecting on the past 28 years since her debut, Han Da-gam said, "Since my debut until now, I feel like I've lived very busily without stopping. I even wonder if I'm someone who has always been running nonstop. It makes me realize how hard I've worked and how blessed I am, so gratitude naturally arises."

Han Da-gam's dynamic career includes challenges aimed at breaking her own boundaries. In October last year, she took the stage for 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 actress approaching her 30th anniversary?

Regarding this, Han Da-gam stated, "There were times when I intensely questioned whether my acting was right and whether I was doing well, struggling alone." 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 toward a positive direction. Of course, 'A Streetcar Named Desire' was also a work that required great courage and posed a challenge for me."

She continued, "This was my first time doing theater, and using energy on stage is no ordinary task. It's a work I want to praise myself for finishing despite the struggles. Although I felt many shortcomings, I practiced endlessly every day, and in the end, the director applauded and embraced 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 opportunity again, I definitely want to return to the stage. After working myself to death under the spotlight and connecting with the audience, I don't think I'll ever forget that thrill and sense of accomplishment until my dying day. It's a work that remains vivid like a movie," expressing her special affection for theater.

Although Han Da-gam has appeared in over 30 major works, her thirst for acting remains strong. "Even after such a long time in acting, I have never once felt bored," she said. She added, "In terms of acting, there are still many regrets and shortcomings. I continue to ponder the spectrum of acting. I really want to try playing truly evil villains and portray desperate characters who reach the depths. I have a strong desire to take on roles where I can throw everything I have."

She further explained, "When evaluating a work, first I check if the book (script or screenplay) is interesting. Second, I consider my potential for growth as an actor. Third comes the question of whether I can do it well, and fourth is interest. Since childhood, I've been a forward-looking person who lives dreaming 24 hours a day, so I greatly enjoy the surging energy and sense of moving forward. Acting gives me that kind of energy."

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

Responding to the question, Han Da-gam said, "Since I was a Miss World contestant, that image probably existed more at the time of my debut. That part concerned me, so I tried to change direction, but fortunately, the reaction wasn't bad. However, many felt I suited urban roles better. At some point, I thought, 'Maybe I shouldn't try too hard to change (the image).'"

She continued with a smile, "If the public likes this side of me, perhaps that is my role. 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 shows and SNS. Regarding showing herself as she is, she said, "I am someone without pretense." She added, "I'm grateful that many people like the parts of me not shown in works. I have a wish that my natural self can also be reflected in my works and acting."

This autumn, Han Da-gam faces the greatest joy in her life. Married to a businessman six years older than her in 2020, she announced her pregnancy in April after six years of marriage and is scheduled to give birth to her son Chaltteok between late September and early October.

Born in 1980 and now 47 years old, Han Da-gam succeeded in becoming pregnant with just one IVF attempt, earning the title of "the oldest pregnant woman in the entertainment industry" and is now being called an "icon of hope."

Even during her pregnancy, Han Da-gam continues to work tirelessly. She stated, "Since my debut until now, I've worked without stopping, and even now that I'm pregnant, it's the same. Some people say the pregnancy period feels boring, but for me, the 10th months are passing very quickly."

She continued, "My husband knows well that I've been working for a long time, so he respects and considers me greatly. Even before pregnancy, when I was about to start filming, my husband would sleep in another space to make things as comfortable as possible for me. Throughout our marriage, I've felt that my husband truly respects me," expressing gratitude toward her husband.

When announcing her pregnancy via SNS last April, Han Da-gam said, "I still can't believe it," and added, "It feels like I'm now entering the second chapter of my life." Behind this surprising news lies Han Da-gam's long-term effort and deep desire. For years, she consistently exercised and hiked to keep her body clean, copied the Lotus Sutra for mental management, and even visited Gongju Sinwon Temple to offer a prayer, showing more sincerity than anyone else.

Han Da-gam said with a smile upon learning of her pregnancy, "It was a surprise." She explained, "I never thought I'd get pregnant in one try. When I was in my 30s, I had frozen eggs done, but when the doctor examined them, he said, 'You might not need to use the previously frozen eggs.' So I underwent IVF without using the frozen eggs, and an AAA (top-grade) embryo resulted."

She further shared, "My parents waited for grandchildren but never once pressured me about having a second generation. When I told them about my pregnancy, my mother immediately started crying. My husband also choked up and quietly went to the bathroom without saying anything. The whole family was genuinely happy," describing her family's reaction at the time.

Han Da-gam then revealed, "I didn't realize it before, but after having a child, I thought, 'I lived very strictly.' I am very generous toward others but extremely strict with myself. Isn't being an actor a profession that requires strictness toward oneself? For so long, this aspect of me was so familiar that I didn't notice it. But after having a child and reflecting again on my heart, I wondered if I had been too strict with myself," sharing new insights gained since the child arrived.

In June's broadcast of KBS 2TV's variety show "The Return of Superman," Han Da-gam was spotted hinting at being a "mom of many children." During that broadcast, a doctor responded, "If you continue managing your health like this, having a third child is possible," drawing further attention.

Regarding this, Han Da-gam confessed with laughter, "I don't yet have thoughts about Chaltteok's younger sibling, but since both the hospital and those around me say 'you could have a second or third child,' I do feel some desire to try."

She continued, "In fact, what moves me most is simply that I've given hope to expectant mothers preparing for children. Thinking, 'Could I really be such a person? Do people feel this much hope because of me?' keeps making me emotional. While being unexpectedly pregnant was joyful, the fact that I've brought hope to couples struggling with infertility makes me truly happy and grateful," she confessed sincerely.

On the other hand, given her continuous engagement with the public through various works over 28 years, is there any worry about a career gap?

Responding to the question, Han Da-gam said, "I haven't completely avoided worrying about a potential gap. But you never know what life holds. If there are schedules, I plan accordingly; if not, I make plans for that too, so I don't worry. If I get to participate in works gratefully, I'll pour my energy into them. If not, I can direct that energy toward my child," she answered clearly.

When discussing the baby in her womb, Han Da-gam naturally recalled her own childhood. She grew up as a curious and positive child under a father who was strict but respected his daughter and a mother who played a role of full support.

Reflecting on the past, Han Da-gam said, "My parents believed in and supported me no matter what I did. When I was young, they certainly raised me with great care, but when I turned 20 and started living independently in society, they gave me truly silent support. That is something I'm very grateful for," expressing her respect for her parents.

So, what kind of mother does Han Da-gam want to be? She said, "Like any parent, I hope my child grows up healthy and freely." She added with a laugh, "In fact, these days I watch a lot of (parenting-related) YouTube videos."

She continued, "I'm also thinking diversely about educational methods," revealing her concerns. "I don't want to raise him with strict Korean-style education, but those around me say that when reality hits, everyone ends up doing so."

Han Da-gam, originally from Daejeon, is well-known as a fan of the Hanwha Eagles. Her love for baseball is so great that she once served as a ceremonial first pitcher in games between the Hanwha Eagles and Nexen Heroes (now Kiwoom), even stepping onto the mound.

Han Da-gam said, "Since Chaltteok is a boy, I hope he likes sports. I've even thought about him playing baseball as a hobby. When hearing about the growth stories of excellent baseball players, I realize how significant the parents' role is. If Chaltteok wants to become a baseball player, I will fully support him," revealing her unique side as a baseball fan.

She also said, "Although I'm thinking so much about my child's development and education, in truth, even though I'm at full term, the fact that I'm about to give birth still feels unbelievable. I only have a vague awareness like 'there seems to be something inside my womb,' but I don't feel any strong desire for anything else. Because I've worked so much even during pregnancy, I sometimes feel sorry toward my child."

Han Da-gam then referred to her baby as "a child who brings blessings," saying, "There's no morning sickness, and I'm having a very smooth 10 months. Just as this child has given me happiness and blessings, I want to do well for him/her too. He/she came at a late age,

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*This content was translated by AI.