Transmitting positive energy with her high-spirited performance, Han Ji Hyun recalls college memories while filming Cheer Up.
To celebrate the end of the SBS Monday-Tuesday drama Cheer Up, Han Ji Hyun sat down with iMBC Entertainment at a cafe in Gangnam-gu. The actress played the role of Do Hae-yi, a new member of Theia, the cheering squad of Yeonhee University.
Her shown acting range adds a lovely appearance to campus life, while her beaming energy gives motivation even to viewers. Last year, the rising actress bagged the Women’s Rookie Award at the SBS Drama Awards as Joo Seok-kyung in The Penthouse.
As Cheer Up concluded last week, Han Ji Hyun says that she did the best she could and “have no regrets about the acting.”
“My previous work was a very strong character, but there was a response in the comments saying, ‘I love the acting of Hae-yi.’ I’m glad that Seok-kyung did a good job of turning into a Hae-yi.”
Since the series is her first major project, she describes Cheer Up as her “biggest challenge.” With that, Han was determined to “do well” despite the pressure.
“The pressure was enormous. I know it’s not enough, so I was scared thinking about what it would look like to viewers. I was worried that ‘I would take it as well as I did.’ But I was able to go to the end because you [viewers] loved me so much.”
When asked about her character, Do Hae-yi, the actress revealed that it’s not easy to find a person like Hae-yi.
“I think being comforted and supported by a child who lives bright, hard, and positive is a factor why I love Hae-yi.”
On Recalling Her College Days
Before debuting as an actress, Han graduated from the Theater Institute of Korea National University of Arts. Playing as Hae-yi, a cheery college student recalled many of her college days.
“It felt like my college life. It was bright and positive. The tension was much better than it is now. The people who took the class together at school contacted me and said, ‘How can you be the same?'”
Proud to have a synchro rate of 100% with Hae-yi, Han recalled the moment when she felt she had become like her character.
“I remember every scene in the second half. The things I acted with my mom [Jang Young Nam] really touched me. Before I knew it, I was emotionally moved and teared up to the point of breaking my heart.
She then concluded,
“Without realizing it, I made a huge empathy for Hae-yi. It was integrated. I can’t wait to see when I’ll see a role like this again, but I’m glad I played Hae-yi.”
Check out Han Ji Hyun’s unparalleled energy in Cheer Up on Viu!
K-Drama Review: “Cheer Up” Imparts Encouraging and Comforting Message To Youth
Photos: SBS | Saetbyeoldang Entertainment
Screencaps: Viu
