[On the Record] Ko Hyun-jung "Considered Immigration Before Comeback... Acting Became More Precious"

Actor Go Hyun-jung Interview

Netflix 'Mask Girl' as Kim Momi
Transformation with Prison Uniform and Short Haircut
34 Years Since Debut, Passion Overcoming Anxiety

"You think I'm difficult? Maybe you're entrusting your eyes and ears to the abundant gossip... (laughs) I admit that I am an accomplice to that gossip. There was no gossip created out of nothing. Haha. As an actor, I just hope to be offered roles purely and to act with a clear mind."

Actress Go Hyun-jung (52) was straightforward. She was honest in her answers and revealed herself without any embellishment. She debuted in 1989 as the 33rd Miss Korea and has lived as a 'top star' for 34 years. She also had to bear the weight of the crown. Some worry that she might be sensitive or difficult. Recently, I met Go Hyun-jung at a cafe in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. She said she is aware of the public's perception of her but did not hesitate to open up. She calmly and candidly reflected on her past.

Goh Hyun-jung [Photo by Netflix]

On the 18th, Go Hyun-jung appeared as the third Kim Mo-mi in the Netflix original series "Mask Girl" (directed by Kim Yong-hoon). The middle-aged Kim Mo-mi, accustomed to being called prisoner number 1047, lives peacefully by finding her own way despite the hardships of prison life after falling out of favor with An Eun-sook, the queen of the prison. However, upon receiving a letter from outside the prison, she decides to escape.

Although Go Hyun-jung has worked on numerous projects, she said "Mask Girl" was different. She recalled, "When I was offered the role, I was happy thinking, 'So, I get offers like this too.' It was significant because it was not a typical role or project I had done before, but a genre piece. I felt good that they thought of me purely."

"I wanted to blend into the work as one piece of the puzzle. Carrying the responsibility alone, bearing all criticism, and even if it goes well, just breaking even. I was glad to meet a project where we structurally cooperate and discuss together. Although it feels a bit late, I wanted to do it and felt I must."

'Mask Girl' stills [Photo by Netflix]

The world has changed. The era when terrestrial TV dramas had ratings close to 50% and streets were filled with cars is now history. Gangster and melodrama films were harshly rejected in theaters, and audiences have become smarter. With the rapid growth of OTT platforms, content is flooding like a tsunami. As the era of one person, one channel arrives, the media environment has drastically changed. Go Hyun-jung nodded, saying, "The times have changed."

The filming environment has also changed. Go Hyun-jung nodded, calling it "a natural thing." She said, "I feel like I have crossed eras."

She continued, "In the past, I would deliberately act more nervous in front of seniors. When called, I would run with my shoulders slightly hunched, and during script readings, I always pretended to be focused. These days, it's different. If it's not their part, people comfortably use their phones." She added, "I promise myself not to become stagnant water."

The term "experienced rookie," referring to older newcomers, has long disappeared. The days when young actors appeared like comets and rose to stardom with fresh charm are over. Actors who have been active in short films, Daehangno stages, and online content suddenly gain attention with tremendous skills. The emergence of talented junior actors is quite threatening even to the great Go Hyun-jung.

"It's threatening when many good juniors come out. It touches my vulnerable point?anxiety. It makes me wonder what will happen to me now. But I don't want to run away or fall into illusions. I want to know exactly what kind of world I live in. Even if the world changes, I have things to do, and I start to think concretely about how to be chosen."

Goh Hyun-jung Photo by Netflix

Go Hyun-jung expressed her desire to stand fully as an actor without being bound by her image or stereotypes. No matter how much time passes and the world changes, it must not be easy to offer a top star like Go Hyun-jung a role that is not the lead.

She said, "I have waited a long time because I wanted to play ensemble roles. I always thought that seeing many actors' performances in one work would increase audience satisfaction." Then she laughed, saying, "Don't entrust your eyes and ears to my gossip." She added, "In any way, I want to be used well and quickly as an actor, tirelessly."

"In the drama 'Queen Seondeok' (2009), I played a role that died in episode 25, and in 'Sandglass' (1995), I was not the main character either. The same goes for 'Dear My Friends' (2016), 'The President' (2010), and the movie 'Actresses' (2009). Actually, I haven't had many lead roles."

Go Hyun-jung cut her hair short to play a prisoner. She recalled, "I shaved it close and went to the set. I wanted to change a lot, and the director seemed satisfied, so I was happy." She laughed, saying, "Growing my hair back after filming is tough."

"I have to do my best when getting paid. I've always acted like that. I've never gone to the set without my padded jacket and always did things as usual. But the only person who said my action acting was good and thanked me was director Kim Yong-hoon. When I was acting, the director quietly came to me and asked, 'How about a tougher voice?' Then I said I understood and acted accordingly. I'm grateful because the results were good."

Goh Hyun-jung [Photo by Netflix]

Her life as an actor was not always smooth. Due to a series of personal matters, she took a break and left the set for a while. Go Hyun-jung retired upon marrying Shin Yong-jin, Vice Chairman of Shinsegae, in 1995. She recalled her comeback with the drama "Spring Day" (2005) after their divorce in 2003.

"I thought I would never be able to act again, even if I died. I was ashamed. I even thought about living in another country. After my comeback, I felt, 'Yes, I came back well.' It felt like home. I think I felt warmly welcomed. I was happy, so I did as I wanted. But the world is not such a place. I regret realizing that late. I want to meet the world being evaluated by my work. In that sense, acting has become precious."

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