In a recent interview, actress Shin Hye Suun shared her thoughts on the conclusion of Dear Hyeri, where she portrayed two contrasting characters.
Playing both Joo Eun-ho, a quiet announcer with a reserved life, and Joo Hye-ri, an outgoing and optimistic parking lot management office worker, Shin Hye Sun embraced the challenge of bringing two very different personalities to life.
Reflecting on the end of the series, she expressed both nostalgia and appreciation. “It feels like we just wrapped up filming, yet here we are at the end. Time truly flies,” she shared. “It’s bittersweet, but I’m grateful for the experience.”
When asked how she prepared for the demanding task of portraying two contrasting characters, she explained that her goal was to draw clear distinctions between them. “I wanted to show each character’s unique qualities,” she said. “Eun-ho may seem outwardly passionate, but there’s a dullness to her that reflects her inner emptiness. Hye-ri, on the other hand, may appear plain on the surface, but she’s deeply vibrant and passionate about life.“
Her careful analysis and attention to detail allowed her to highlight the distinct charms of each character. Shin Hye Sun’s nuanced approach gave each role its own distinct feel, using subtle shifts in body language, facial expressions, and tone. “Every gesture, expression, and way of speaking was intentional,” she explained, noting how she adjusted each of these elements to differentiate the calm, introspective Eun-ho from the bright, spirited Hye-ri. “Each character had her own way of interacting with the world, and I wanted viewers to feel that shift,” she added.
This dedication to capturing such detail resonated deeply with viewers, who enjoyed the stark contrasts and overlapping themes between the characters. Commenting on audience reactions, Shin noted with a smile, “The two personalities were very distinct, so I think it made it easy for viewers to tell them apart. I could approach each scene by leaning fully into the character’s emotional core, whether it was Eun-ho’s calm and gentle nature or Hye-ri’s lively optimism.”
Shin Hye Sun also reflected on her experience with the cast and crew, describing the on-set atmosphere as supportive and enjoyable. “The chemistry with my fellow actors and the entire team was remarkable,” she recalled. “Thanks to everyone’s energy and hard work, we had such a fun and harmonious environment. I learned so much from each person involved.”
Delving deeper into the emotional layers of her characters, she shared her thoughts on Eun-ho and Hye-ri’s inner lives. “Eun-ho is, at her core, a lonely and vulnerable person who longs for emotional security,” Shin Hye-sun observed. “She’s never had the stability that most people take for granted, and she struggles with love—how to give it and receive it. There’s a part of her that’s almost childlike, as though she’s searching for a safe place or someone to call home.” In contrast, Hye-ri embodies the strength to find happiness in the smallest things, which, Shin Hye-sun explained, “represents what Eun-ho wishes she could experience. Although Hye-ri might appear simple compared to Eun-ho, she’s truly resilient and joyful.”
When asked about the pressures of taking on new roles, she admitted that each role comes with a unique set of challenges. “There’s always a bit of fear with new roles, especially with the unfamiliar aspects,” she shared. “But I see it as an opportunity for growth. Each role lets me step into different lives and experiences, and I’m incredibly grateful for the personal growth and positive impacts I gain along the way.”
Finally, Shin Hye Sun expressed her gratitude to the fans who embraced Dear Hyeri. “The show taught me so much, and I hope it resonated with everyone who watched it,” she said. With the colder season upon us, she added a warm message: “As 2024 nears its end, I hope everyone stays healthy and finds happiness in these final months.”
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