On September 18, Son Ye-jin took part in the Actors’ House session at Sohyang Theater in Haeundae, Busan, as part of the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).
First introduced in 2021, Actors’ House invites prominent actors representing Korean cinema to engage in intimate and in-depth conversations about their craft. This year, Kim Yoo-jung, Son Ye-jin, Ninomiya Kazunari, and Lee Byung-hun participated in the special program.
When asked about her first memory of BIFF, Son admitted she couldn’t recall much aside from the dresses she wore and the effort that went into preparing for them. She explained, “For film festivals, it’s crucial to decide what dress to wear, how much to diet, and how daring the neckline will be. All actresses go through strict diets before these events—it’s the same for everyone.”
Son previously made headlines at the Venice International Film Festival for showcasing glamorous red-carpet looks, revealing her routine of cutting carbohydrates and undergoing intense strength training.
Offering advice to young fans, she stressed that nothing comes easily: “I eat chicken breast endlessly and do back workouts every day. My face looks terrible during training, but my friends say, ‘Everyone should know how hard you work,’ and look at me with pity.”
She reflected on the reality behind the glamour: “Actors shine under the spotlight and on red carpets, but behind that moment lies endless endurance. It’s not about working hard—it’s about doing it well. That’s reality.”
Son also spoke about her twenties, saying, “My youth only exists through my works. I never really enjoyed life outside of acting. But as an actress, I’m grateful that those moments are preserved. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to share my story here today.”
Encouraging perseverance, she added, “Sometimes you need to give it your all, even to the point of exhaustion. In the end, there will be a moment when you truly shine.” Her heartfelt words resonated deeply with fans in attendance.
Son Ye-jin’s latest film, No Other Choice, premieres on September 24.
The 30th Busan International Film Festival, which opened on September 17, runs until September 26 at the Busan Cinema Center, screening 328 films.
Sources: nate
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