[Interview] Han Ji-min Shares Her True Feelings with Tears: "I Like the Courageous Me"

Photo by BH Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] "Suddenly, tears come as memories flash by like a slideshow. I guess I'm getting older." Actress Han Jimin shed tears reflecting on this year. She spoke about change and growth, saying she likes the courage she has started to show.

In a video interview conducted on the morning of the 30th, Han Jimin said, "I am grateful just to be able to act during such difficult times."

'Happy New Year' is a film that tells the story of people who come to Hotel Emrose with their own stories and create their own connections in their own ways. Actors Han Jimin, Lee Dongwook, Kang Hanul, Im Yoona, Kim Youngkwang, Seo Kangjun, and Lee Kwangsoo each present their unique romances.

Directed by Kwak Jae-yong, known for 'My Sassy Girl' and 'The Classic,' the film was simultaneously released in theaters and on the online streaming service Tving on the 29th.

On this day, Han Jimin said, "When choosing a project, my feelings at the time are reflected. I wanted to watch a warm movie once COVID-19 disappeared, and I expected the audience to feel the same. It's a film that captures the excitement and warmth that the end of the year brings well," explaining her reason for appearing.

Han Jimin plays Sojin, a hotel manager who has hesitated to confess to her male friend of 15 years. She laughed, saying, "In the movie 'Miss Baek,' I acted with a bare face all the time, but with Sojin, I thought, 'Oh? I can wear some makeup this time.'" She added, "I'm satisfied because I look the prettiest in this movie among the films I've appeared in."

Does Han Jimin herself experience unrequited love? Nodding vigorously, she said, "Even in elementary school and as an adult, I don't express my feelings well to someone I like. I'm worried that if I'm rejected, it will be awkward and hard to see them again. In relationships, I usually start when the other person talks first and then I gather the courage."

During the interview, Han Jimin shed tears reflecting on the year, which had less than two days left. She revealed, "These days, I was filming 'Yonder' and 'Our Blues' simultaneously, so I didn't even realize 2021 was ending. It passes like a slideshow. Last year, my grandmother passed away, and there were bad things with my family," she shared.

She continued, "I'm grateful just to be able to work on projects during such difficult times."

Han Jimin, who cited appearing in 'Happy New Year' as the best decision she made this year, said, "It was a movie I chose without much deep thought. I felt a lot of pressure while filming movies before, but 'Happy New Year' had many actors, so the burden was lighter. When my heart was not in a good place, I thought I would get depressed if I stayed home alone. I chose it because I wanted to be comforted through Sojin."

She added, "As I get older, each day becomes precious. In the past, I hesitated to film two projects simultaneously, but now I feel it was a good decision. I hope next year I can continue to take things as they come and have the courage to say 'Let's try it' without plans."

Han Jimin, who became known through the 2003 SBS drama 'All In,' has been an actress for 18 years this year. Reflecting on her journey, she said, "I have started to get used to change," and "I am beginning to like the courageous version of myself."

"In the past, I thought it was important to say 'This is who I am' and 'I shouldn't change,' but not anymore. People have to change, and if it's not bad, you have to accept it. It's okay if the results are not good or don't meet expectations. My 20s were like living in a well. I had many worries and was depressed, but I didn't even have anyone to talk to. Still, I don't hate the me who did my best."

Han Jimin said, "I increasingly find happiness in simple things. When I was immature, I wanted many things, but now I am grateful for being safe and sound without bad things. Many people left this year?family, friends, parents. As I get older, I have more occasions to prepare for farewells."

She continued, "I don't even wish for good things to happen; I just don't want to hear painful and sad news. I realized how precious being safe and sound is. In the past, I found happiness in grand things, but now I know how thankful and happy it is to have no troubles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.