You are writing a drama scenario in <The Romance> now, it must feel different writing a scenario as compared to reading a scenario as an actress. 

As an actress, I usually deliberate more on how to interpret and portray a character while analysing the script and have never once thought about being the one writing the script. Writing a script myself was a field that was beyond my imagination and I realised that writers are indeed amazing people. I did hesitate before joining the program as I had no talent in writing scenarios. I accepted this responsibility with a serious heart and was glad that I'm having fun now.

 

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There must have been certain takeaways as an actress. 

Certain aspects were ambiguous when I interacted with the script itself, but through the show, I was able to understand and gauge what writers are looking for when they write a certain scene. When I read scripts nowadays, I find myself paying more attention to the parentheses and think about the nuances that the author is trying to express. Other than writing a diary or acting notes, this is the first time I'm writing and scripts meant for acting/productions are very different from the usual. Elements of exaggeration, tension between characters and moments of crisis are necessary for scripts. It was really enjoyable to be part of the production from a different standpoint.

 

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What kind of scenarios were you looking to write?

At the start, the production team wanted an older-younger couple romance. But we thought that we didn't want or need to focus on an age gap when it came to love. Rather than focusing on the issues arising due to an age gap, we wanted to focus on spicing up the fantasy of a couple in love and the challenges faced. Although I have only seen the prologue and not the full video. Seeing the script that (Jung) Jewon and I wrote come to life, I've realised that depending on the actors/actresses, camera directing and aesthetics applied, the finished product changes accordingly.

 

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Certainly there must be a difference in the way you approach and interpret acting scripts for the sake of acting as compared to when you read plays and books?

I read books purely for the fact that it is interesting. It's as if I'm going on a holiday or amusement park without any worries. It's like reading a textbook on theatre acting, what a well-thought plot really is and what makes a good script. It's also like I'm reading a magical book and trying to find answers to why various adaptations differ so much and why certain characters get interpreted differently. As an actress, I do feel the burden of needing to portray a character as I read the script; and I can't help but focus more on thinking about what the author wanted to show through the character and what the character I'm playing wants to convey.

 

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From all the literature that you have read so far, is there a quote that gives you strength in life? 

It's not a phrase from a book but Charlie Chaplin's 'Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up but a comedy in long-shot' comes to mind now. Even the hardest times in life may seem like nothing when seen from afar/on hindsight and may just be an insignificant tiny grain of sand amidst the countless things in life. Instead of just lamenting about it being challenging, I try my best to overcome it too. Although I may not get lots of inspiration from words, there are indeed numerous phrases that have naturally been internalised and since guided me.

 

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Since January, you have been the DJ for <Kang Hanna’s Volume Up>.

As time passes, I find myself becoming more attached to Volume Up. As I interact with the listeners in real-time, I feel less lonely and also feel loved and supported. Acting requires my entire focus the moment the camera rolls and to be able to immerse myself in the moment; whereas for Volume Up, the interactions last longer as it is 2 hours long. Within these two hours, as I read the reactions of listeners and listen to music, I feel more at ease than feeling scared/nervous. It's really a time of healing.

 

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Of the two hours, what is your favourite part?

There are many corners that I enjoy on Volume Up but if I really have to choose... It'll be 'Hana and Duna' where I play 2 characters at once. It's as if I'm quenching my thirst through what I couldn't do through theatre. I totally let myself go and have lots of fun doing it. If given the opportunity, I would really like to try dubbing for an animation.

 

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There is a corner during your radio where you listen to the stories of others and play songs, which portion do you enjoy the most?

It is indeed an enjoyable time for everyone; after reading listeners' stories and playing their song requests along with it, I feel a sense of satisfaction and pleasure upon completing my duty as a DJ. Myself included, it's an exciting feeling to hear a song you requested on the radio. It's like getting your feelings acknowledged when you hear a song you like on the radio while driving.

 

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As a DJ, it seems like you have the opportunity to listen to a lot of people’s experiences and stories. 

I fill myself up through reading others' stories as well. Though I cannot experience it myself, reading about the Forsythia flowers blooming, the rain falling and the everyday life of the listeners makes me want to live everyday with more gusto and energy. I used to enjoy resting at home, but after starting Volume Up, things changed and I realised that there are a lot of people who are working hard to live life in this world. It made me reflect on myself and encouraged me in a positive way. And since I report to work at the same place daily, I've realised the subtle differences in moods when it comes to Monday-Wednesday vs Thursday-Friday.

 

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As much as you have dabbled in various fields, the spectrum of your interpersonal relations must have widened as well.

As I work hard together with my fellow co-stars on set, I realise we grow closer through this process, something like war-time camaraderie. For radio shows, we build up trust with the listeners slowly as time passes, by comforting and encouraging them during the end of a hard day. As days pass, we form a beautiful bond. For variety shows, since most of them are less scripted and more flexible, every experience is unlike before. Variety shows are constantly presented with the need to provide new content, which thus creates an atmosphere with higher tension overall. Therefore, although we are always happy to see each other, there still exists a little bit of awkwardness. Overall, I do enjoy working in all these different fields at the moment. Even when I filmed my first drama, I didn't expect myself to continue starring in dramas. Afterwards, even as I appeared in variety shows, I thought my personality wasn't suited for entertainment, but I've since become a DJ even. As I tried out different fields, I've gained the courage and mindset that I can do anything. In the past, I had a lot of fear even before trying things out as I was afraid that if I attempted things I wasn't good at, I'd be more of a hindrance than help. Now, as I try my best in everything I do, I've gained the confidence that I can do well.

 

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You seem like you have no reservations when it comes to challenging yourself. 

If you don't do anything, nothing will happen. Although I'm not saying to do things that we cannot handle or bear the consequences of, but if there is something that we have always wanted to do, there is no harm in taking that leap of faith and challenging yourself. As a matter of fact, I didn't hold this mindset in my early and mid-20s. I was scared of challenging myself and was the type to stay within my comfort zone. I guess I could say that I've become more open to trying new things. As I DJ, I've thought about using my voice to attempt new challenges. When it comes to acting, more attention is paid to what is visually present but for the radio, the focus is on my voice instead. Therefore, I would like to dabble in fields that require using my voice, for example, recording an audio book.

 

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What changed the most from when you were in your 20s?

When I was younger, I used to think and focus a lot on my weaknesses and tried to change them; I would say that I was obsessed with my flaws. But now, I accept the fact that I have these flaws and it rarely bothers me anymore. Now, rather than overthinking about my flaws, I realised it would be better to focus on further developing my strengths instead.

 

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On the other hand, there must be certain aspects of yourself that you wish wouldn't change?

There’s something that I hope won’t change even when I grow old. My bright and sparkling eyes. I want to become a grandmother with clear and shining eyes. I don’t want my gaze to change. That’s my life goal, to always have that inquisitive and shining gaze whenever I see the world.

 

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After becoming an actress, has there been a time when you felt tired of the look in your own eyes?

On the contrary, when I first debuted, I tried to soften my gaze that was filled with genuine and innocent curiosity. Because when I shot pictorials, many of them had a 'strong/intense' concept; and that meant that I couldn't hold such a pure and inquisitive gaze when lathered in smoky makeup (laughs). In order to give off a strong gaze, I had to change myself to the point where my family and friends said that I didn't look myself when they saw the final pictures. It was indeed a little too intense and dark (laughs). Looking back, it wasn't because of the styling and concept, but my gaze that dedicated the outcome of the pictorials. I used to separate actress Kang Hanna and human Kang Hanna, but now that I'm slowly returning to my original gaze, I feel much more at peace and comfortable.

 

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Have you ever been afraid of losing yourself as Kang Hanna, an individual? 

There has never been a moment I felt that way. Although I live as an actress when occupied with projects, the rest of the time is still spent living my time as myself, Kang Hanna the person. I act because I love my job and I do not want this reason and motivation to change. And that's why I work hard to build and strengthen myself up and also maintain a healthy mindset. Your mind also becomes healthier when you focus more on the positives. I try my best to eat well, sleep well and control my mind as I live; comfort myself while also listening to and following what my heart really yearns for.

 

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What sides of Kang Hanna can we look forward to seeing on screen?

Although nothing has been confirmed, I would say that I’m attracted to a character that is self-directed and takes charge of carving out their own life. I want to meet a character that is in control of their own life and yet able to maintain a work-life balance. A role that is principled but yet knows how to relax. I wish to take on the challenge of portraying a character that is more down-to-earth and leaning towards a ‘slice of life’ genre.

 

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What season of your life are you in now?

My favourite season, Spring. Just smelling the air of Spring makes my heart flutter and lifts my mood. And perhaps because Spring is short, I want to treasure it and spend it meaningfully. My life seems to be in it’s Spring season too, specifically early Spring. It’s as if I’m sowing seeds in the ground as the air slowly becomes warm and the ground starts becoming fertile. Therefore, I am now sowing these seeds with the hopes that after this period of Spring passes and I look back, I would realise that my very own garden has blossomed.