Short-haired Han Hyo-joo seemed like she had just burst out of her dramaBrilliant Legacy as main character Go Eun-sung. She says, “I come out of character relatively easily,” but the afterimage of her Eun-sung character remains in her appearance and gaze. Her expression is as lively as it is calm when she sees a wine she likes before we begin the drinking interview, or when she says, “I’d like to try acting in a heavy melodrama.”

After the end of her drama, Han Hyo-joo has been flooded with CF and interview requests and unable to rest comfortably. But her posture hasn’t slumped once. Netizens have said, “She has a fresh appearance” and dubbed her with the nickname “인상녀” [insang-nyeo, meaning a woman with a nice appearance or good impression]. She debuted in 2005′s Nonstop 5 and is already in the fifth year of her acting career, but her age is just 22. This new generation’s Cinderella is preparing for yet another leap.
I met with Han Hyo-joo, the heroine of Brilliant Legacy, on August 4 in Apgujung-dong in Seoul’s Kangnam district. When I said, “Why is it so difficult to meet up like this?” her manager surreptitiously showed me her schedule book.
From the drama’s July 26 finale through mid-August, her schedule is completely packed. She hasn’t rested a day till now, and even yesterday stayed up till dawn shooting an outdoor CF in Taean, Chungnam. She’s running swiftly toward her life’s best moments with her 22-year-old “young blood.”

Han Hyo-joo looked just like Eun-sung in the drama. With her slightly waved short hair and hot pants, she looked simple but attractive. However, it was clear she was feeling tense. We ordered wine and some fruit and sat at a table. As the most popular wine brand in the country, M brand, came out, she smiled widely, saying, “Wow, this is my favorite wine.”
Do you feel a lot has changed with the ending of Brilliant Legacy?
Yes, I’m recognized a lot. I went to this one event, and a five-year-old little girl called me Eun-sung unni. Grandmothers would also come up to me and greet me with, “Eun-sung, hi.”
You must have learned a lot.
This drama felt like a halfway point between a miniseries and a weekend drama. There were veteran actors like Yoo Ji-in and Kim Mi-sook, the actors developed a sympathy amongst ourselves, and I think the acting was realistic.
What is Lee Seung-gi like?
We’re the same age. We’re in the same 2005 entry year at Dongkuk University, and we also acted together in Nonstop 5. He really puts a lot of effort into it, and really believes in himself. His only flaw is that he prepares excessively. That’s a problem. [Laughs]
Why is that a problem?
What I mean is, he prepares so diligently that if the situation on the filming location changes even a little, he has a hard time. Watching that from nearby, I find it a serious thing but also funny. He’s different from me in that.
Then does that mean you have a more adaptable acting style?
Me? Not at all. I tried really hard, too. But I suppose you can say all actors have their own way of getting close to their characters.
Your kiss scene with Lee Seung-gi was impressive.
Oh, that. We did it twice. The first time, my nose pushed up against Seung-gi’s cheek and got smooshed. It’s supposed to be a romantic moment, but it wasn’t exactly. So in the next kiss scene, I had my small revenge. The scene has Eun-sung kissing Hwan first, so I put both of my hands firmly on both sides of his face and smooshed his cheeks. [Laughs.]


Han Hyo-joo laughs brightly like Eun-sung, enjoying herself, and takes a deep drink of her wine. The face that had stiffened slightly when I asked to see what was inside her bag before the interview relaxes a bit now.


I hear the CF offers are pouring in.
I wouldn’t say pouring in, but there’s a lot of interest. Actually, I’m on my way back from an overnight CF shoot yesterday in Taean.
Is there anything you feel disappointed with?
No. I did my best, so I don’t feel disappointed with anything. To be honest, wouldn’t anyone feel a bit disappointed with any project they did? But I try to forget quickly the things that have passed. I can immerse myself in my character, but I tend to come out of character quickly.

I hear you have a nickname.
The fans gave me the nickname from this drama, meaning “girl with a good impression.” They say it’s because the first impression is of a kind, fresh person. I really like the nickname, more than being called “beautiful actress.”
You have a very diverse appeal.
Hearing you say that so straightforwardly is a little embarrassing. I hear that a lot, because I can look very different with a different hairstyle or directing. I think so too.
Thinking about it, I remember you wore a sexy dress to last year’s Baeksang Arts Awards.
It was a grey one-piece minidress. But why?
I was a little startled to see your legginess.
I am pretty leggy. [Laughs]
Your secret?
Don’t I have to say I was born lucky? I’m joking. I’m like my mother.
You’re a natural beauty, aren’t you?
Yes. I haven’t had any work done. But I don’t have any opposition to receiving plastic surgery.
Does that mean there’s nothing you’d like done?
It doesn’t mean I don’t, but I like how I look now. I’ve had areas that I’ve disliked, but I fixed the way I thought and became comfortable with it. I think the instant you think of it as a complex, things that didn’t bother you before turn into complexes. Some people tell me to remove to dot from under my left eye, but I won’t. I like it.


She took another deep drink of her wine. Half a bottle quickly emptied. Han Hyo-joo’s face wasn’t very red. She said her tolerance level was about half a bottle of wine, or three to four shots of soju, but that must have been the polite answer. She seemed stronger than that.


Han Hyo-joo’s Profile
Birthdate: February 2, 1987
Birthplace: Cheongju, Chungbuk
Family: Elder of two, 1 younger brother
School: Dongkuk University, Theater and Film department, currently on leave
Hobbies: Film appreciation, reading, oral storytelling
Debut: Nonstop 5 (2005)
Essential filmography: Dramas: Spring Waltz (2006), As Much as Heaven and Earth (2007), Iljimae (2008), Brilliant Legacy (2009).
Films: My Boss, My Teacher (2006), Ad Lib Night (2006), Go, Bicycle (2008), My Dear Enemy (2008)

“No more talk of scandals… I’ve been hurt a lot”

What drinking habits do you have?
Nothing in particular. My face doesn’t redden, either. If I really drink a lot, I get a little sentimental.

Have you had the opportunity to drink much?
I haven’t. I don’t drink when I’m filming something — it makes my face break out. After the drama ended we had a wrap party, but I had filming the next day so I didn’t drink. Today is the first time in a while.
What kind of project do you want to do next?
I’d like to do a really depressing melodrama once. Isn’t my age right now the time I can look my prettiest? I’d like to show myself pretty in love. It’s time I did.


That was the answer I’d been waiting for. I poured Han Hyo-joo another glass and brought up the topic of a scandal that came out not long ago. Actually, this is a question that her manager had asked me before the interview, “Please don’t bring this up.” But I had to ask.


Speaking of the scandal reports…
I knew you would say that. I wish that would stop… It was my first time encountering that, so I was hurt by it. Even talking about this makes me feel apologetic toward that person.
Is it really like your explanation that “he’s like an older brother to me”?
Yes, just like that.


The peaceful mood immediately turned, as though I’d accused her falsely. I changed the subject.


Then what is your ideal type of man?
I like men who are passionate about their work, and on a personal level, someone I can depend on. I like boyfriends who are supportive.
When would you like to marry?
I don’t know. I’m definitely sure that it’s not time yet. But I do think I should get married.
What about men you can’t stand?
Men who brag. It’s good to have confidence, but I hate when they talk big for no reason. I’ve found I can intuitively sense when conversing with people like that whether we’ll be a good match or not.

I am a dutiful but curt daughter
 

You went through a lot together with Ivy as you spent three years together as trainees.
We lived together for a while as trainees of Fantom Entertainment. Originally there were three of us. There was a singer who debuted not long ago as Block. The three of us had fun together, but we gave each other personal space.
Did you have a lot of unsuccessful auditions?
I didn’t, but I didn’t go out to a lot of auditions. In my first semester of university, I was really into college life so there are times I got into trouble with my management for not going on auditions that they told me to go on. I loved life as a student.
Your actual debut was in a beauty pageant.
So you know that, too. In 2003, I won the grand prize at the Miss Binggrae pageant. I showed my storytelling ability there, and danced in a group dance too.
The oral storytelling is unexpected.
My mother is a school commissioner in Cheongju now, but she used to be a kindergarten teacher. That’s how I came into natural contact with oral storytelling.
Your family must have worried a long when you came up to Seoul at a young age.
I came to Seoul in my second year of high school, and my father opposed me living alone in a strange place.
What kind of daughter are you?
I am a dutiful daughter, but I’m also a bit curt.
What kind of student were you in high school?
Since I was a kid, I ran around and played like a boy. I ran races and liked ball sports, and I think I ran the 100 meter dash in about 15 seconds. I went to a girls high school in Cheongju, and transferred to a coed school in Kyunggi province in my second year. The boys saw me run and thought I was good.
I’ve heard you like to read a lot.
It’s not to that extreme but when I have time, I always read. These days I’m reading a book called Orange Beach. It’s a good book that gives hope to people living difficult lives.
What would you be doing if not for becoming an actor?
I’d probably be an unemployed person readying to join the work force.
Lastly, if you were a reporter, what would you ask Han Hyo-joo?
I don’t want to ask. [Laughs]

What is in Han Hyo-joo’s bag?
 

“Oh no, I didn’t know about this… I’m a little taken aback.”
Han Hyo-joo’s face suddenly froze. She was at a loss, having never once shown the contents of her bag to anyone before.
Still, I persuaded her and out came the contents of the Marc Jacobs fabric purse: the cell phone and pouch, wallet and glasses without lenses, exercise cap and hairband, and one book. The cell phone and pouch matched in pink, her favorite color. Inside the wallet were a few 1,000 won notes [$1 bills].
The lens-less black-rimmed glasses are a fashion item. She says she uses them frequently because they create a different feel without using much makeup. She likes the hat because it goes well with her hot pants and T-shirt, and the black hairband with a little rabbit doll hanging from it is a gift from a fan.

Han Hyo-joo’s current events test
 

Usually, actresses have the same reaction upon receiving the sheet with the quiz questions. However, Han Hyo-joo, who has emptied one bottle of wine, sits like a student in an exam and begins to quickly go through the questions. She concentrates, jotting the answer down below the question or circling as she goes, giving off a vibe of composure.
The first question whirls inside her mouth, wrinkling her nose, but soon she remembers the right answer. [The question is: What is the name of the Joseon-era medical book that was recently added to the UNESCO resgister? "Donguibogam."] In the case of answer 22, floating exchange rate system, she only gets as far as “floating.” I gave her a hint to question 10, and she got it right.

source : dramabeans, kadorama-recaps (thanks to mba Tirza)

Short-haired Han Hyo-joo seemed like she had just burst out of her dramaBrilliant Legacy as main character Go Eun-sung. She says, “I come out of character relatively easily,” but the afterimage of her Eun-sung character remains in her appearance and gaze. Her expression is as lively as it is calm when she sees a wine she likes before we begin the drinking interview, or when she says, “I’d like to try acting in a heavy melodrama.”

After the end of her drama, Han Hyo-joo has been flooded with CF and interview requests and unable to rest comfortably. But her posture hasn’t slumped once. Netizens have said, “She has a fresh appearance” and dubbed her with the nickname “인상녀” [insang-nyeo, meaning a woman with a nice appearance or good impression]. She debuted in 2005′s Nonstop 5 and is already in the fifth year of her acting career, but her age is just 22. This new generation’s Cinderella is preparing for yet another leap.
I met with Han Hyo-joo, the heroine of Brilliant Legacy, on August 4 in Apgujung-dong in Seoul’s Kangnam district. When I said, “Why is it so difficult to meet up like this?” her manager surreptitiously showed me her schedule book.
From the drama’s July 26 finale through mid-August, her schedule is completely packed. She hasn’t rested a day till now, and even yesterday stayed up till dawn shooting an outdoor CF in Taean, Chungnam. She’s running swiftly toward her life’s best moments with her 22-year-old “young blood.”

Han Hyo-joo looked just like Eun-sung in the drama. With her slightly waved short hair and hot pants, she looked simple but attractive. However, it was clear she was feeling tense. We ordered wine and some fruit and sat at a table. As the most popular wine brand in the country, M brand, came out, she smiled widely, saying, “Wow, this is my favorite wine.”
Do you feel a lot has changed with the ending of Brilliant Legacy?
Yes, I’m recognized a lot. I went to this one event, and a five-year-old little girl called me Eun-sung unni. Grandmothers would also come up to me and greet me with, “Eun-sung, hi.”
You must have learned a lot.
This drama felt like a halfway point between a miniseries and a weekend drama. There were veteran actors like Yoo Ji-in and Kim Mi-sook, the actors developed a sympathy amongst ourselves, and I think the acting was realistic.
What is Lee Seung-gi like?
We’re the same age. We’re in the same 2005 entry year at Dongkuk University, and we also acted together in Nonstop 5. He really puts a lot of effort into it, and really believes in himself. His only flaw is that he prepares excessively. That’s a problem. [Laughs]
Why is that a problem?
What I mean is, he prepares so diligently that if the situation on the filming location changes even a little, he has a hard time. Watching that from nearby, I find it a serious thing but also funny. He’s different from me in that.
Then does that mean you have a more adaptable acting style?
Me? Not at all. I tried really hard, too. But I suppose you can say all actors have their own way of getting close to their characters.
Your kiss scene with Lee Seung-gi was impressive.
Oh, that. We did it twice. The first time, my nose pushed up against Seung-gi’s cheek and got smooshed. It’s supposed to be a romantic moment, but it wasn’t exactly. So in the next kiss scene, I had my small revenge. The scene has Eun-sung kissing Hwan first, so I put both of my hands firmly on both sides of his face and smooshed his cheeks. [Laughs.]


Han Hyo-joo laughs brightly like Eun-sung, enjoying herself, and takes a deep drink of her wine. The face that had stiffened slightly when I asked to see what was inside her bag before the interview relaxes a bit now.


I hear the CF offers are pouring in.
I wouldn’t say pouring in, but there’s a lot of interest. Actually, I’m on my way back from an overnight CF shoot yesterday in Taean.
Is there anything you feel disappointed with?
No. I did my best, so I don’t feel disappointed with anything. To be honest, wouldn’t anyone feel a bit disappointed with any project they did? But I try to forget quickly the things that have passed. I can immerse myself in my character, but I tend to come out of character quickly.

I hear you have a nickname.
The fans gave me the nickname from this drama, meaning “girl with a good impression.” They say it’s because the first impression is of a kind, fresh person. I really like the nickname, more than being called “beautiful actress.”
You have a very diverse appeal.
Hearing you say that so straightforwardly is a little embarrassing. I hear that a lot, because I can look very different with a different hairstyle or directing. I think so too.
Thinking about it, I remember you wore a sexy dress to last year’s Baeksang Arts Awards.
It was a grey one-piece minidress. But why?
I was a little startled to see your legginess.
I am pretty leggy. [Laughs]
Your secret?
Don’t I have to say I was born lucky? I’m joking. I’m like my mother.
You’re a natural beauty, aren’t you?
Yes. I haven’t had any work done. But I don’t have any opposition to receiving plastic surgery.
Does that mean there’s nothing you’d like done?
It doesn’t mean I don’t, but I like how I look now. I’ve had areas that I’ve disliked, but I fixed the way I thought and became comfortable with it. I think the instant you think of it as a complex, things that didn’t bother you before turn into complexes. Some people tell me to remove to dot from under my left eye, but I won’t. I like it.


She took another deep drink of her wine. Half a bottle quickly emptied. Han Hyo-joo’s face wasn’t very red. She said her tolerance level was about half a bottle of wine, or three to four shots of soju, but that must have been the polite answer. She seemed stronger than that.


Han Hyo-joo’s Profile
Birthdate: February 2, 1987
Birthplace: Cheongju, Chungbuk
Family: Elder of two, 1 younger brother
School: Dongkuk University, Theater and Film department, currently on leave
Hobbies: Film appreciation, reading, oral storytelling
Debut: Nonstop 5 (2005)
Essential filmography: Dramas: Spring Waltz (2006), As Much as Heaven and Earth (2007), Iljimae (2008), Brilliant Legacy (2009).
Films: My Boss, My Teacher (2006), Ad Lib Night (2006), Go, Bicycle (2008), My Dear Enemy (2008)

“No more talk of scandals… I’ve been hurt a lot”

What drinking habits do you have?
Nothing in particular. My face doesn’t redden, either. If I really drink a lot, I get a little sentimental.

Have you had the opportunity to drink much?
I haven’t. I don’t drink when I’m filming something — it makes my face break out. After the drama ended we had a wrap party, but I had filming the next day so I didn’t drink. Today is the first time in a while.
What kind of project do you want to do next?
I’d like to do a really depressing melodrama once. Isn’t my age right now the time I can look my prettiest? I’d like to show myself pretty in love. It’s time I did.


That was the answer I’d been waiting for. I poured Han Hyo-joo another glass and brought up the topic of a scandal that came out not long ago. Actually, this is a question that her manager had asked me before the interview, “Please don’t bring this up.” But I had to ask.


Speaking of the scandal reports…
I knew you would say that. I wish that would stop… It was my first time encountering that, so I was hurt by it. Even talking about this makes me feel apologetic toward that person.
Is it really like your explanation that “he’s like an older brother to me”?
Yes, just like that.


The peaceful mood immediately turned, as though I’d accused her falsely. I changed the subject.


Then what is your ideal type of man?
I like men who are passionate about their work, and on a personal level, someone I can depend on. I like boyfriends who are supportive.
When would you like to marry?
I don’t know. I’m definitely sure that it’s not time yet. But I do think I should get married.
What about men you can’t stand?
Men who brag. It’s good to have confidence, but I hate when they talk big for no reason. I’ve found I can intuitively sense when conversing with people like that whether we’ll be a good match or not.

I am a dutiful but curt daughter
 

You went through a lot together with Ivy as you spent three years together as trainees.
We lived together for a while as trainees of Fantom Entertainment. Originally there were three of us. There was a singer who debuted not long ago as Block. The three of us had fun together, but we gave each other personal space.
Did you have a lot of unsuccessful auditions?
I didn’t, but I didn’t go out to a lot of auditions. In my first semester of university, I was really into college life so there are times I got into trouble with my management for not going on auditions that they told me to go on. I loved life as a student.
Your actual debut was in a beauty pageant.
So you know that, too. In 2003, I won the grand prize at the Miss Binggrae pageant. I showed my storytelling ability there, and danced in a group dance too.
The oral storytelling is unexpected.
My mother is a school commissioner in Cheongju now, but she used to be a kindergarten teacher. That’s how I came into natural contact with oral storytelling.
Your family must have worried a long when you came up to Seoul at a young age.
I came to Seoul in my second year of high school, and my father opposed me living alone in a strange place.
What kind of daughter are you?
I am a dutiful daughter, but I’m also a bit curt.
What kind of student were you in high school?
Since I was a kid, I ran around and played like a boy. I ran races and liked ball sports, and I think I ran the 100 meter dash in about 15 seconds. I went to a girls high school in Cheongju, and transferred to a coed school in Kyunggi province in my second year. The boys saw me run and thought I was good.
I’ve heard you like to read a lot.
It’s not to that extreme but when I have time, I always read. These days I’m reading a book called Orange Beach. It’s a good book that gives hope to people living difficult lives.
What would you be doing if not for becoming an actor?
I’d probably be an unemployed person readying to join the work force.
Lastly, if you were a reporter, what would you ask Han Hyo-joo?
I don’t want to ask. [Laughs]

What is in Han Hyo-joo’s bag?
 

“Oh no, I didn’t know about this… I’m a little taken aback.”
Han Hyo-joo’s face suddenly froze. She was at a loss, having never once shown the contents of her bag to anyone before.
Still, I persuaded her and out came the contents of the Marc Jacobs fabric purse: the cell phone and pouch, wallet and glasses without lenses, exercise cap and hairband, and one book. The cell phone and pouch matched in pink, her favorite color. Inside the wallet were a few 1,000 won notes [$1 bills].
The lens-less black-rimmed glasses are a fashion item. She says she uses them frequently because they create a different feel without using much makeup. She likes the hat because it goes well with her hot pants and T-shirt, and the black hairband with a little rabbit doll hanging from it is a gift from a fan.

Han Hyo-joo’s current events test
 

Usually, actresses have the same reaction upon receiving the sheet with the quiz questions. However, Han Hyo-joo, who has emptied one bottle of wine, sits like a student in an exam and begins to quickly go through the questions. She concentrates, jotting the answer down below the question or circling as she goes, giving off a vibe of composure.
The first question whirls inside her mouth, wrinkling her nose, but soon she remembers the right answer. [The question is: What is the name of the Joseon-era medical book that was recently added to the UNESCO resgister? "Donguibogam."] In the case of answer 22, floating exchange rate system, she only gets as far as “floating.” I gave her a hint to question 10, and she got it right.

source : dramabeans, kadorama-recaps (thanks to mba Tirza)