[Exclusive]"47 years old and pregnant? That was truly surprising."...Hada Gam, the true icon of hope [★FULL Interview]

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• StarNews 22nd Anniversary Special Interview

After 28 years of running solely on her passion for acting, actress Hada Gam is approaching another turning point. At the considerable age of 47, a new life has arrived. Having continuously met with the public without rest, Hada Gam shared her thoughts on acting as she sees it, as well as stories about her son, Chaltteok (prenatal name).

StarNews conducted an interview with Hada Gam to commemorate its 22nd anniversary. Selected for Miss World Queen University in 1999 and making her debut as an actress through the MBC drama "For Love" that same year, Hada Gam left a deep impression the following year with her role as Yoon Na-hee in the SBS drama "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 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.

Reflecting on the past 28 years since her debut, which she has spent running nonstop, Hada Gam stated, "Since my debut until now, I feel like I've lived very busily without resting. I even think to myself that perhaps I am someone who has always been running without stopping. I feel grateful because it seems I really worked hard and was truly blessed."

Hada Gam's dynamic career also includes challenges aimed at breaking her own boundaries. In October last year, she stepped onto the stage for the play "A Streetcar Named Desire" performed at the National Theater, experiencing for the first time the thrill of breathing in sync with an audience. What prompted such a challenge from this veteran actress approaching her 30th anniversary of debut?

Regarding this, Hada Gam said, "It is 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 was a challenge."

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 quite lacking, I practiced endlessly every day, and in the end, the director applauded 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 opportunity in the future, I definitely want to return to the stage. After suffering until death, receiving the spotlight and breathing with the audience, I think I will never forget that thrill and sense of accomplishment. It is a work that remains like a movie." She expressed her special affection for the theater stage.

Although Hada 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," said Hada Gam, who added, "In terms of acting, there are many regrets and shortcomings. I still worry about the spectrum of (acting). I really want to try playing an extremely evil villain and express a desperate character who goes all the way down to the bottom. I have a strong desire to take on such a role where I throw everything I have at some point."

She further explained, "When I watch a work, first I check if the book (script, screenplay) is interesting. Second, I look at the potential for growth as an actor. Third comes the worry 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 true that when thinking of Hada Gam, glamorous, sophisticated, and urban roles naturally come to mind. Could these aspects be influencing her thirst?

Responding to the question, Hada Gam said, "Since I am a Miss World alumna, I probably had that kind of image (at the time of debut). That part became a concern, and I tried to change direction, but fortunately, the reaction wasn't bad. However, there were many responses saying 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 that is my role. Whether it's a villain or a hero, whether it's an urban look or not, whatever image people seek in me, I think I just need to satisfy that. As a result, I now even feel like I'm blessed."

Recently, Hada Gam has been showing her sincere and down-to-earth "human Hada Gam" side more frequently than ever through various variety programs and SNS. Regarding showing herself as she is, she said, "I am a person without pretense," and added, "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 can be reflected in my works and in my acting."

This autumn, Hada Gam is approaching the greatest joy of her life. Married to a businessman who is one year older than her since 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, Hada Gam succeeded in becoming pregnant with just one IVF procedure, 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, Hada Gam continues to work tirelessly. She stated, "Since my debut until now, I have truly worked without rest, and even now that I am pregnant, it is the same. Some people say the pregnancy period is boring, but for me, the 10th months seem to be passing very quickly."

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

When she announced her pregnancy via SNS last April, Hada Gam said, "I still can't believe it," and added, "It feels like I am now entering the second chapter of my life." Behind this surprising news lies Hada Gam's long-term effort and sincerity. 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.

Hada Gam said with a smile upon learning of her pregnancy, "It was truly surprising," and explained, "I never thought I would get pregnant in one try. I had frozen my eggs when I was in my 30s, but after the doctor examined them, he said, 'You might not need to use the frozen eggs from before.' So, without using those frozen eggs, I underwent IVF, and an AAA (top-grade) embryo was produced."

She also shared, "My parents waited for a grandchild 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 couldn't say anything, quietly going into the bathroom. The whole family was genuinely happy," conveying her family's reaction at the time of pregnancy.

Hada Gam then revealed, "I didn't know before, but after having a child, I thought, 'I lived very strictly.' I am really generous to others, but very strict with myself. Isn't being an actor a profession that requires strictness toward oneself? Until now, I was so used to this side of myself that I didn't realize it, but after having a child and reflecting again on my heart, I thought perhaps I was too strict with myself."

In the June broadcast of KBS 2TV's variety program "The Return of Superman," Hada Gam was spotted showing signs of 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 even more attention.

Regarding this, Hada Gam confessed with laughter, "I don't have thoughts about Chaltteok's sibling yet," but added, "Since both the hospital and those around me say 'you could have a second or third child,' I do feel like trying."

She continued, "In fact, what moves me most is that just by giving hope to expectant mothers preparing for children, I get emotional. I keep thinking, 'Was I such a person? Do people feel this much hope because of me?' While being pregnant without expecting it was joyful, simply having given hope to couples with infertility issues is truly happy and grateful."

On the other hand, given that she has continuously met with the public through various works over the past 28 years without rest, is there any worry about a gap period?

Responding to the question, Hada Gam said, "I did have concerns about a gap period. But you never know what life brings. If there are schedules, I plan accordingly; if not, I plan for that too, so I don't worry. If I am blessed to participate in a work, I will pour my energy into it; if not, I can pour that energy into my child," giving a clear answer.

When discussing the baby in her womb, Hada 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 the role of an all-out supporter.

Reflecting on the past, Hada 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 in society alone, they gave me truly silent support. That is truly something I am grateful for," expressing her respect for her parents.

So, what kind of mother does Hada 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, I watch a lot of (parenting-related) YouTube videos these days."

She continued, "I am also thinking diversely about educational methods," revealing her concern, "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."

Hada 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 the ceremonial first pitcher in games between the Hanwha Eagles and Nexen Heroes (now Kiwoom), even stepping onto the mound.

Hada Gam said, "Since Chaltteok is a boy, I hope he likes sports. I also think it would be nice if he played baseball as a hobby. When listening to the growth stories of excellent baseball players, I realize the role of parents is truly significant. If Chaltteok wants to become a baseball player, I will support him wholeheartedly," revealing her unique side as a baseball fan.

She also said, "Although I worry about my child's development and education, in fact, even though I am at full term, the fact that I am about to give birth still feels unbelievable. I only have the awareness that 'there seems to be something inside my womb,' but I don't ask for much. Because I worked a lot even during pregnancy, I feel sorry toward my child."

Hada Gam then referred to her baby as "a child who brings blessings," saying, "There

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original