Renowned actress Song Hye Kyo, once the undisputed queen of K-drama romance, has revealed that a specific role made her lose her passion for love stories, signaling a major shift in her career.
Steering Away From Romance
For decades, Song Hye Kyo was synonymous with hit romantic comedies and mellow dramas, establishing herself as one of South Korea’s highest-paid stars. However, fans have noticed a significant change in her project choices in recent years.
During a recent appearance on Jung Jae Hyung’s YouTube talk show, the 40-year-old actress openly shared her evolving perspective. She admitted that “love stories just don’t excite her anymore,” pinpointing Netflix’s 2022 hit, “The Glory,” as the turning point.
The Impact of “The Glory”
While promoting her new supernatural thriller, “Dark Nuns,” which marks her return to films after an 11-year hiatus, Song Hye Kyo reflected on her career. After “Descendants of the Sun” propelled her to global fame, her romantic roles became less frequent.
“The Glory,” a dark and gritty revenge drama, proved to be another massive success in her career. It seems this powerful role solidified her decision to explore more intense and genre-driven projects, moving away from her established romantic image.
Finding New Excitement in Acting
Song Hye Kyo confessed her long-standing affection for melodramas but explained her shift. “Personally, I really love melodramas. It’s just that I stopped feeling excited about acting after doing them for so long,” she stated.
She added, “After finishing The Glory, I didn’t want to go back to a love story again.” Nowadays, scripts within specific genres are what truly capture her interest. She even considered joining a sequel to “The Priests,” a popular occult film, despite the pressure of an existing fanbase.
“It’s a type of acting I’ve never tried before… I feel excited about seeing a new side of myself,” she shared, highlighting her desire for new challenges and personal growth in her craft.
An Evolving Perspective on Her Craft
Having debuted as a teenager with “Soonpoong Clinic,” Song Hye Kyo was often typecast due to her natural beauty. She shared that in her younger days, her primary focus was how she looked on screen.
However, her priorities have significantly shifted. “Of course, I still want to look good, but now my perspective has shifted,” she explained. “What matters most to me now is whether my performance has been captured well and if I’ve conveyed what I intended. Looking pretty or not just doesn’t feel as important to me anymore.” This mature outlook underscores her dedication to impactful storytelling over superficial appearances.
What’s Next for the Star?
Fans can look forward to Song Hye Kyo’s upcoming K-drama where she will star alongside “Goblin” actor Gong Yoo. This highly anticipated series is penned by renowned writer Noh Hee-kyung.
The drama is set to be a business-themed story, diving into the lives of professionals in the entertainment industry. Interestingly, it will focus on the behind-the-scenes aspects, set across the 1960s and 1980s, promising a unique perspective on the industry.
- Song Hye Kyo no longer finds romance K-dramas exciting.
- “The Glory” was a pivotal show that shifted her career focus to darker, genre-based roles.
- She now prioritizes conveying her performance and character intention over her appearance on screen.
- Her next project is a business K-drama with Gong Yoo, set in the entertainment industry.
This new chapter in Song Hye Kyo’s career promises diverse and challenging roles, showcasing her versatility and commitment to artistic growth.
