Actress Song Ji-hyo has responded to long-running discussions about her styling and appearance, saying that her minimalist approach comes from comfort and authenticity, not neglect.
In an interview on October 23 promoting her upcoming film Savior, the actress reflected on how her natural look became both her signature and a source of public debate.
Speaking about her character Sun-hee in Savior, Song Ji-hyo said she always focuses on staying true to the role rather than her looks.
“In any film, I try to be faithful to the character,” she explained. “If dressing up helps, I do it. But if the character doesn’t need to look pretty, then I don’t. For me, not dressing up that’s my chugumi (natural charm).”
She added that she has always preferred comfort over fashion. “Since I was young, I liked comfortable things,” she said, laughing. “It’s not disrespect toward stylists, but getting dressed up is honestly painful for me.”
The actress also recalled her early years on SBS’s variety show Running Man, where her natural, no-makeup look first drew public attention.
“In the beginning, we had a lot of water games,” she said. “I’d go to the salon, then end up soaked at the pool anyway so I gave up going altogether.”
She added, “People criticized me a lot for that. Fans even released a statement. I didn’t realize at the time how it looked from the audience’s side. I thought of it as ‘my kind of broadcast,’ not realizing fans might feel ignored.”
Song Ji-hyo also addressed her earlier controversy at the 2024 SBS Entertainment Awards, where she won the Scene-Stealer Award but was criticized for her plain styling and brief acceptance speech.
“My schedule was tight that day I barely had time for fittings or hair and makeup,” she said. “When I suddenly received the award, I wasn’t prepared, and my speech came across as insincere. I really regret that.”
Song Ji-hyo will return to the big screen on November 5 with Savior, a mystery occult drama about a couple whose new life in a village called Obok-ri turns into a spiritual nightmare when they realize their blessings come at someone else’s misfortune.
She plays Sun-hee, a woman gradually losing her sight after a tragic accident, who tries to overcome suffering through faith.
Song Ji-hyo’s candid reflections show how she’s learned to balance public expectations with her own comfort. Once criticized for being “too plain,” the actress now embraces her natural image as a symbol of confidence and sincerity.
Sources: Daum
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