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Han So-hee on Finding Her Power and Stealing Hearts in Netflix’s Gyeongseong Creature

In this ELLE exclusive, we lift the veil on South Korean actress Han So-Hee who switches effortlessly from demure lady into a total boss babe dressed in Dior.
Published: July 3, 2024
Han So-Hee Is Our July 2024 Cover Star
Dress; belt, DIOR.

In the age of social media filters and ever-shifting trends, the definition of beauty feels like a never-ending debate. Then there's Han So-hee, whose ethereal yet sensual appeal makes her a rare gem. Beyond her captivating looks lies a talent so undeniable, a depth of character so potent, that her rise to greatness feels preordained.

She made her small screen debut at 22 with a minor role in the 2017 drama series Reunited Worlds. Since then, she's captivated audiences with her star-making turn as the mistress in the critically acclaimed ratings hit The World of the Married, followed by leading roles in TV romance series Nevertheless, crime-action drama My Name, and Netflix period thriller Gyeongseong Creature, which is heading into its second season this year.

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Han So-Hee Is Our July 2024 Cover Star
Coat; vest; shirt; shorts; heels, DIOR.

Her allure is almost otherworldly, a force to be reckoned with. Even the simplest act, like biting a pen cap when signing autographs for fans during Paris Fashion Week, becomes a viral sensation on social media when she does it. But the self-professed introvert and bookworm is more than just a pretty face. “I am who I am, a firework of different colours,” she says about her multifaceted personality.

Born for the spotlight, Han So-hee exudes confidence in sleek Dior suits and dresses that hug her curves. Striking a pose for ELLE, she shares her thoughts about her craft and her journey as an actress.

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Han So-Hee Is Our July 2024 Cover Star

My Name and Gyeongseong Creature are both rather heavy dramas where the protagonists you played had to face the demons of the past in their fight for truth and justice. How deeply do you get into character?

When I delve into the characters I play, I look for the parts of myself that intersect with them. This lays the foundation for my performance. It can be a challenging process, but it's my job to understand the characters and empathise with them. This is the process of acting, and it's also a kind of happiness for me.

Gyeongseong Creature was a big Netflix hit internationally, ranking on its Global Top 10 list. Do you have any favourite scenes? How was it working with Park Seo-joon?

If you want to talk about a memorable scene, I would have to mention the final scene of the upcoming second season. I can't go into details, but the narrator and I conveyed a lot of things to each other in it. As for Park Seo-joon, he is someone I greatly respect, both as an actor and as a person. I trust and support him completely.

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Han So-Hee Is Our July 2024 Cover Star
Dress, DIOR.

What do you do to immerse yourself in your characters?

Every film is a collaborative effort, a team coming together to create something beautiful. It's a shared experience for the creators and the audience. If we insist on sticking to our own techniques, then our work becomes unfriendly to the audience. That's why I think that interaction and trust with the director and crew are the most important things when embarking on a project. If everyone is committed to the production and the actors pull their weight, you get a very good drama.

What are the most important factors when you are choosing a project or role?

Choosing a role is like choosing the right partner. It's not wise to choose indiscriminately or greedily. When I'm working on a project, I need to be challenged, but I also need to think about how I'm going to deal with it and how I'm going to make it work. When I put on the clothes for the role, I think about how I will respond.

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Han So-Hee Is Our July 2024 Cover Star
Dress; earrings; belt, DIOR.

As an actor, what roles do you like to take on?

I don’t want to be limited to a certain type of role or job. I want to be an actor who can adapt to different roles.

Do you have any plans for this year? 

I'm excited about the upcoming conclusion of Gyeongseong Creature 2, but I'm a little sad to see it go, too. When I think of all the experiences I've accumulated over the past two years, I feel a sense of accomplishment.

Han So-Hee Is Our July 2024 Cover Star
Blazer; vest; shirt; trousers; tie, DIOR.

Who is the real Han So-hee off-camera? 

There’s not much difference between the real me and the actor me—it’s just the last name that’s different! [Her real family name is Lee.]

Do you think you are an extrovert or introvert?

I am closer to being an introvert.

We know you like to read. Can you recommend a book to your Singapore fans?

I'm into all sorts of subjects. I would recommend a coffee table book rather than a book that requires your full concentration. I recently bought an art book about Basquiat which I found very compelling.

Han So-Hee Is Our July 2024 Cover Star
Blazer; skirt; heels, DIOR.

How would you describe your style?

Personally, I tend to wear things that are not over the top. Comfort is the most important thing. But I do love the recent surge of bold colours; incorporating pops of colour into my outfits is a fun way to express myself. I also base my outfits on my mood and the day. My favourite accessory are shoes—they complete a stylish outfit!

With your busy schedule, how do you keep your body and skin in shape?

Vitamins and enough sleep are important. As long as you have enough of both, your body will recover well.

Photographed by GO WON TAE
Styled by CHO BO MIN
Fashion Director: KIM AU
Make-up Artist: KANG YE WON
Hairstylist: HAN SU HWA
Manicurist: LEE JI HEE
Producer: LEE KYUNG KIM/BL Creative House
Production Assistants: PARK MI JEONG; LEE JIN KYUNG
Co-ordinator: KAREN WOO

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