Currently, Seo Hyun Jin is a rising star. This blog post explores her filmography to identify when the signs of her stardom first appeared and the journey she underwent to find her breakout role. [Editor’s Note]
(Reporter Lee Yejin from Xportsnews) "The important thing is to keep going no matter how hard it gets." There’s an actress who turns the ordinary into something special. After starting her career as a member of a girl group, she has spent 15 years making a name for herself in acting. This is the story of Seo Hyun Jin, who took the chance to succeed against the odds and has established herself as a 'trustworthy actress.'
Recently, Seo Hyun Jin has been making rounds on online communities, YouTube, and various social media platforms, described as a "meme for job seekers (취준생)."
"At 24, I thought it was too late to start something new. Have you ever been in a dark place? I have. The water was warmer than I expected." - Gong Ji Young, 'A Courtesy to Humans'
When I read that, I felt so connected. It was truly dirty and miserable, but the only way to get out of that gutter was through 'me.' To all of you at 24 and 27 now, it’s not too late! To your desired place! To your desired major! Today is the youngest you will ever be! Fighting!"
This is what Seo Hyun Jin said while appearing on tvN's 'You Quiz on the Block.' Going beyond the motto "The important thing is to maintain an unwavering heart (중꺾마)," she embraced a philosophy of "The important thing is to keep going even if you get bent (중꺾그마)," leading her to seize the opportunity for her big break.
The public vividly remembers her acting from the hit tvN drama 'Another Oh Hae Young' in 2016. In reality, she had shown signs of promise even before that as a supporting actress, yet it was 'Another Oh Hae Young' that truly showcased her full potential.
After her debut, when success didn't come easily, Seo Hyun Jin heard her mother say, "Isn't there a reason why it's not working out?" Nevertheless, she persevered. Though she faced setbacks, she kept going. Within two weeks of that day, she moved out and gained independence. She mentioned that listening to her parents had shaken her foundation. Reflecting on that time as a dark tunnel, Seo Hyun Jin stumbled upon the drama 'Another Oh Hae Young,' which turned her life around. Perhaps it’s true that opportunity comes to those who are prepared; the backstory of her casting, which ranked third in ‘serendipitous casting’, also garnered a lot of attention.
Playing the ordinary character 'Just Oh Hae Young' alongside the pretty 'Oh Hae Young' allowed her to solidify her presence in the public eye. She embraced roles and comedic elements typically difficult for actresses, dropping down to portray drunken antics and spontaneous dance performances. “Please come home early, I don’t even expect love! I'm just bored, seriously!” And, “I tried calling five times before you answered after three. I'm too easy, right?” How could anyone resist loving Seo Hyun Jin’s heartfelt tears?
Through her transformation from 'Ordinary Oh Hae Young' into a special and lovable character, she sparked a phenomenon of popularity.
However, she didn’t get to enjoy this newfound fame.
“I didn’t enjoy it at all during that time. After years of struggle, seeing things turn around, people wondered why I wasn’t enjoying it. After 'Oh Hae Young' became a hit, I felt so anxious. I was just doing things consistently, but suddenly, accolades were pouring in. I thought, 'What if I can’t keep this up?' It made me feel pressured to do better, and I wasn’t enjoying it at all. For quite a while, I thought the compliments I received were merely polite gestures.”
Understandably, it took her 15 years to meet with success. In that timeframe, a child could have been born and reached 8th grade. Following her establishment as a 'trustworthy actress,' comments on her videos often say, "I've been watching her since her time with the girl group 'Milk.' I’m so glad she's doing well." Older projects of Seo Hyun Jin have been re-evaluated and now record impressive viewings, thanks to her newfound fame.
While Seo Hyun Jin has experienced several signs of potential success throughout her career, they didn’t all materialize immediately. In 2001, she debuted as a member of the girl group 'Milk,' which was branded as the next S.E.S. Although they saw some popularity, the group disbanded within a year, and she transitioned to acting starting in 2005.
During her years without major roles, she worked as a teaching assistant at an acting academy. The years 2006 and beyond saw her participating in multiple dramas, including 'Hwang Jin Yi,' 'Hit,' 'The Duo,' 'The King’s Dinner,' 'Maids,' 'Ojakgyo Brothers,' 'Flame's Daughter Jeong Yi,' 'Three Musketeers,' 'Lady's Dignity,' and 'Let’s Eat 2,' all of which helped her build her experience.
Particularly, she gained recognition through dramas like 'The King's Dinner,' 'Ojakgyo Brothers,' and 'Let’s Eat 2.' In 'The King's Dinner,' she played the rival Ha In Joo to Sung Yu Ri’s character, showcasing her acting skills, while in 'Ojakgyo Brothers,' she portrayed the sweet and intelligent Nazin Joo. In 'Let’s Eat 2,' she overcame her delicate image and impressed audiences with her comedic food-related pressures, embracing an unorthodox approach.
The 2014 drama 'The Three Musketeers,' which featured Seo Hyun Jin alongside Lee Jin Wook, remains popular on YouTube.
Having toggled between supporting and leading roles, Seo Hyun Jin has shown an impressive range of performances since 'Another Oh Hae Young.'
Post-'Another Oh Hae Young,' she has actively participated in dramas, including 'Romantic Doctor Kim Sabu,' 'Temperature of Love,' 'Beauty Inside,' 'Black Dog,' 'Youth Record,' 'You Are My Spring,' 'Why Oh Jae Soo?' and 'Trunk,' solidifying her role as a 'trustworthy actress.'
Starting Korean traditional dance at age four, she took the elite path through Korean traditional music middle and high schools. However, seemingly guided by fate, she became a trainee at SM Entertainment and became part of a girl group, enduring a prolonged period of obscurity. With her distinctive diction, she brings an array of characters to life, from sweet, charming roles to doctors, top actresses, teachers, and characters haunted by hurt. Her burgeoning acting skills are now garnering heavy expectations from the public.
She has amassed significant experience until she could speak while smiling.
“Some people run away from pain, but I tend to confront it, saying, 'This is hurt!' That truly describes me, I think. Thus, I often choose characters that are wounded. Whenever I read a script, I first notice the character's scars. It might sound arrogant, but I think I understand them well. 'I've been through my share of pain.' I find sympathy and affection in those characters, which is why I often get drawn to them.”
“I am just an ordinary person. Yet, a director once told me, 'Being ordinary is special when looked at closely.' I loved that expression. There’s nothing ordinary, really; it just appears that way from a distance. I want to reflect that in my acting.”
Through the lens of ordinary life, she candidly portrays pains that everyone has likely experienced, offering encouragement to the public.
Photo credits: Various accounts, broadcast stations