At the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), actress Son Ye-jin opened up about her past, her career, and her inner struggles following marriage and motherhood.
During the Actor’s House talk session held on September 18 at Sohyang Theater in Haeundae, Son Ye-jin reflected on her journey as an actress and how her perspectives have shifted over time.
“When I think about my twenties, I remember wanting to grow older quickly,” she confessed. “I wanted to play mature roles, to show deeper and richer emotions rather than the awkwardness or uncertainty that comes with youth. In some ways, I was an old soul back then.”
Son Ye-jin explained that her drive stemmed from a relentless desire to excel: “My greed and excessive passion pushed me. I would work until I collapsed, get up, and push forward again. It was painful at times, but that desperation to do well is what carried me here.”
The actress also shared her candid concerns after tying the knot with fellow actor Hyun Bin and becoming a mother: “After marriage and giving birth, I was anxious about whether I could still meet audiences with great works like before. I wondered, ‘Can I still do melodramas? Will people still look for me?’”
She noted that while more married actresses now continue their careers, she couldn’t help but question her own future: “I didn’t think it would be exactly the same as before. But in my uncertainty, I looked at the paths of senior actresses like Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Hee-ae, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Hye-soo. Their careers showed me that there can also be roles only I can play at this stage of my life.”
With BIFF showcasing 328 films from 64 countries this year, Son Ye-jin’s heartfelt words resonated as both a personal confession and an inspiration. Her acknowledgment of vulnerability, alongside her determination, highlighted the evolving role of women in Korean cinema.
As one of Korea’s most celebrated actresses, Son Ye-jin continues to prove that her artistry grows alongside her life experiences—and that her story as both an actress and a woman is still being written.
Sources: Daum
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