Where did “Actress Song Ji-hyo” go? From “Running Man” to beauty programs, her main job report card is disappointing

Many fans miss her as an actress, as she has portrayed unique characters based on her outstanding acting skills.

According to the broadcasting industry on April 8th, Song Ji-hyo has taken on the role of MC for “Hemeko Show”. “Hemeko Show” is an observation talk show where top-notch hair and makeup artists team up to start a beauty salon. It is scheduled to premiere on April 13th with popular celebrities and ordinary people participating as guests each week.

While fans welcomed the news of her new variety show appearance, some expressed concerns that her image as an entertainer might become fixed. Although showcasing various talents on entertainment programs is good, many believe that Song Ji-hyo needs a project that can surpass the popularity of “Running Man” at the current stage.

This is not Song Ji-hyo’s first appearance on a beauty program. Starting as a guest on OnStyle’s “Get It Beauty 2014-Talking Mirror” in 2014, she hosted programs like JTBC2’s “Song Ji-hyo’s Beauty View” and OnStyle’s “Song Ji-hyo’s Beautiful Life”, providing beauty tips to viewers.

Debuting as a cover model for Kiki Magazine in 2001, Song Ji-hyo boasted a striking visual, securing lead roles in movies such as “Wishing Stairs” and “Some” amidst a competition ratio of 3000:1. With her exceptional beauty since childhood, Song Ji-hyo naturally suited the beauty category. Not only her visuals but also her hosting skills were outstanding, making her a suitable candidate for beauty programs.

Song Ji-hyo has been an active member of SBS’s “Running Man” since 2010, steadily gaining popularity as a fixed member for 14 years. Standing out with her easy-going charm, Song Ji-hyo successfully appealed to the public through “Running Man”. She also gained significant popularity overseas, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. She consistently ranked in the top tier among Korean actresses in various popularity surveys, proving her strong popularity. However, it can be said that her popularity as an entertainer outweighed her recognition as an actress.

On the other hand, it is pointed out that Song Ji-hyo’s image as an actress is gradually fading. Compared to her stable filmography in the past, her recent track record is considered disappointing. Song Ji-hyo started her acting career as the lead actress in the movie “Wishing Stairs” in 2003. She showcased good acting skills in dramas such as “Princess Hours” and “Jumong” in 2006. In terms of movies, she gained popularity with “Sex Is Zero” and “A Frozen Flower”. Based on her solid acting skills and the recognition she gained as an entertainer, she continued to receive offers for acting projects. However, there hasn’t been a project that could break Song Ji-hyo’s image as “Running Man Song Ji-hyo”. This year, she is scheduled to meet audiences through the movie “Meeting House”, marking her return to the big screen after four years. It remains to be seen whether actress Song Ji-hyo, not entertainer Song Ji-hyo, will enter a new prime.