Girls′ Generation′s (SNSD) Sooyoung, who′s been appearing as Lee Eui Jin of tvN′s The Third Hospital, singing as a singer and hosting as an MC at the same time, sat down to speak calmly about living as Eui Jin and Sooyoung.
While she was on it, Sooyoung′s aura as the new muse of designer Song Ja In′s J.Lite line filled the studio.
While she was on it, Sooyoung′s aura as the new muse of designer Song Ja In′s J.Lite line filled the studio.
It′s like you′re becoming more beautiful by the day. You′re so mature I don′t think I can call you a girl anymore.
Thank you. I hope I become prettier. (Laugh)
You′re gathering attention these days as a fashionista. Are you interested in fashion?
I like the attention, but to be honest it puts more pressure on me. I just like comfortable things. These days, my motto is to go back to the basics. Wearing a white t-shirt on jeans and sneakers looks the best in my eyes. I feel uncomfortable trying to live up to expectations as a fashionista, because these days I′m so into more comfortable clothes.
How do you like J.Lite, the clothes you wore today for the photo shoot? They fit you so well it′s like they were yours from the start.
I liked Song Ja In′s clothes since before my debut, so I used to go see her collections a few times. I especially believe this cute bear logo shows Song Ja In′s eco-friendly mindset.
The designs are like rider jackets or biker pants, but because they′re made of washed cotton, they′re comfortable yet stay stylish. If I mix and match them like I did for the photo shoot today, I think I could live through the week only wearing J.Lite clothing.
What style would you like to recommend as a fashionista this fall?
It feels embarrassing to be called a fashionista. I think it would be good to put on jeans with a cotton t-shirt, then wear a leather jacket on top with a chic muffler around my neck. I believe clothes look the best when the person wearing them feels comfortable in them. That′s why I think I′ll start wearing J.Lite more often now.
Thank you. I hope I become prettier. (Laugh)
You′re gathering attention these days as a fashionista. Are you interested in fashion?
I like the attention, but to be honest it puts more pressure on me. I just like comfortable things. These days, my motto is to go back to the basics. Wearing a white t-shirt on jeans and sneakers looks the best in my eyes. I feel uncomfortable trying to live up to expectations as a fashionista, because these days I′m so into more comfortable clothes.
How do you like J.Lite, the clothes you wore today for the photo shoot? They fit you so well it′s like they were yours from the start.
I liked Song Ja In′s clothes since before my debut, so I used to go see her collections a few times. I especially believe this cute bear logo shows Song Ja In′s eco-friendly mindset.
The designs are like rider jackets or biker pants, but because they′re made of washed cotton, they′re comfortable yet stay stylish. If I mix and match them like I did for the photo shoot today, I think I could live through the week only wearing J.Lite clothing.
What style would you like to recommend as a fashionista this fall?
It feels embarrassing to be called a fashionista. I think it would be good to put on jeans with a cotton t-shirt, then wear a leather jacket on top with a chic muffler around my neck. I believe clothes look the best when the person wearing them feels comfortable in them. That′s why I think I′ll start wearing J.Lite more often now.
You tried out acting with ′The Third Hospital′; how did it feel?
At first I was worried I would be too nervous, but with every episode I could concentrate on my acting more comfortably. My seniors helped me concentrate on my work. [Kim] Seung Woo oppa (big brother) tried to teach me at my level and cared for me. [Oh] Ji Ho oppa is very mischievous, and lightens the mood. He gave me a lot of advice on acting, too. I was lucky in that I was able to act with seniors that I can learn a lot from and are generous in sharing.
What type of character is Lee Eui Jin?
She′s lovely, but she′s also very mature. At first she may look frivolous, but after reading the script to the end I found that the Eui Jin I got to know was a great woman who was never afraid of sacrificing herself and enduring pain for love.
At first I was worried I would be too nervous, but with every episode I could concentrate on my acting more comfortably. My seniors helped me concentrate on my work. [Kim] Seung Woo oppa (big brother) tried to teach me at my level and cared for me. [Oh] Ji Ho oppa is very mischievous, and lightens the mood. He gave me a lot of advice on acting, too. I was lucky in that I was able to act with seniors that I can learn a lot from and are generous in sharing.
What type of character is Lee Eui Jin?
She′s lovely, but she′s also very mature. At first she may look frivolous, but after reading the script to the end I found that the Eui Jin I got to know was a great woman who was never afraid of sacrificing herself and enduring pain for love.
Your role has a secret crush. Actresses with secret crushes usually gain either empathy or hate; which do you think you will be?
[Eui Jin′s] actually a character that causes harm to others. She′s the type that women hate; she always falls over, and she often spills her coffee.... I was worried she would become a hated character. Later on, however, it turns out she acted that way to cover up her loved one′s scars, and she is sincere, so I believe the viewers will relate to her.
I heard it′s a character that hovers between comedy and tragedy. Which side do you think fits you better?
When I prank others and exchange humorous banter, it feels like I′ve really become the character. It feels like the character has really come alive.
On the other hand, when I act in emotional scenes I feel like I′m really in that situation. I naturally become absorbed in the moment. After I act in sad scenes, there are many times when I can′t remember how I did. That′s when I realize I was really concentrated. Both are pretty amazing experiences.
[Eui Jin′s] actually a character that causes harm to others. She′s the type that women hate; she always falls over, and she often spills her coffee.... I was worried she would become a hated character. Later on, however, it turns out she acted that way to cover up her loved one′s scars, and she is sincere, so I believe the viewers will relate to her.
I heard it′s a character that hovers between comedy and tragedy. Which side do you think fits you better?
When I prank others and exchange humorous banter, it feels like I′ve really become the character. It feels like the character has really come alive.
On the other hand, when I act in emotional scenes I feel like I′m really in that situation. I naturally become absorbed in the moment. After I act in sad scenes, there are many times when I can′t remember how I did. That′s when I realize I was really concentrated. Both are pretty amazing experiences.
It seems you were really immersed in your character. Have you dreamed of being an actress before?
Before I debuted as a singer I was determined to try acting. I prepared to be an actress even before my debut as a singer, too, and I think I′ve failed to pass more than 70 auditions. Still, I couldn′t give up. I worked hard and progressed little by little, and this is how I ended up taking up this role.
I can′t believe that SNSD′s Sooyoung took more than 70 auditions.
I kept telling myself, ′I wonder what piece will come to me after this long wait. I′ll show everyone when the time comes. I′ll work hard for it, I′ll really do my best.′ After feeling like that, however, I found it showed even in my acting. I became uncomfortable about that while I was acting... and so I felt sorry toward my character. It all became better after I shrugged everything off and started over.
I heard you got offers for many other pieces. Why did you choose ′The Third Hospital′?
I liked that Eui Jin was a role that was needed in the story. I didn′t care about whether the role was a heavy one or not; the important thing for me was whether it was involved in the main stream of the story.
It′s your first official acting piece. Were there any difficulties you encountered?
It was hard to keep my eyes closed for some scenes. (Laugh) Keeping my eyes closed and pretending I′m sleeping. It was hard to keep my eyeballs still when my eyes were closed.
Still, criticisms like malicious comments must be hard to swallow.
The public is more used to seeing Sooyoung sing rather than act, so I think it′s too much for me to hope people will love the actress Sooyoung as much as the singer Sooyoung. Viewers care for results. Everyone puts in their effort, whether they be reporters or singers. Everyone works hard, so the only standard available to set them apart is results. I′m still at the starting line, so I will accept such evaluations humbly.
It seems you were really immersed in your character. Have you dreamed of being an actress before?
Before I debuted as a singer I was determined to try acting. I prepared to be an actress even before my debut as a singer, too, and I think I′ve failed to pass more than 70 auditions. Still, I couldn′t give up. I worked hard and progressed little by little, and this is how I ended up taking up this role.
I can′t believe that SNSD′s Sooyoung took more than 70 auditions.
I kept telling myself, ′I wonder what piece will come to me after this long wait. I′ll show everyone when the time comes. I′ll work hard for it, I′ll really do my best.′ After feeling like that, however, I found it showed even in my acting. I became uncomfortable about that while I was acting... and so I felt sorry toward my character. It all became better after I shrugged everything off and started over.
I heard you got offers for many other pieces. Why did you choose ′The Third Hospital′?
I liked that Eui Jin was a role that was needed in the story. I didn′t care about whether the role was a heavy one or not; the important thing for me was whether it was involved in the main stream of the story.
It′s your first official acting piece. Were there any difficulties you encountered?
It was hard to keep my eyes closed for some scenes. (Laugh) Keeping my eyes closed and pretending I′m sleeping. It was hard to keep my eyeballs still when my eyes were closed.
Still, criticisms like malicious comments must be hard to swallow.
The public is more used to seeing Sooyoung sing rather than act, so I think it′s too much for me to hope people will love the actress Sooyoung as much as the singer Sooyoung. Viewers care for results. Everyone puts in their effort, whether they be reporters or singers. Everyone works hard, so the only standard available to set them apart is results. I′m still at the starting line, so I will accept such evaluations humbly.
Before I debuted as a singer I was determined to try acting. I prepared to be an actress even before my debut as a singer, too, and I think I′ve failed to pass more than 70 auditions. Still, I couldn′t give up. I worked hard and progressed little by little, and this is how I ended up taking up this role.
I can′t believe that SNSD′s Sooyoung took more than 70 auditions.
I kept telling myself, ′I wonder what piece will come to me after this long wait. I′ll show everyone when the time comes. I′ll work hard for it, I′ll really do my best.′ After feeling like that, however, I found it showed even in my acting. I became uncomfortable about that while I was acting... and so I felt sorry toward my character. It all became better after I shrugged everything off and started over.
I heard you got offers for many other pieces. Why did you choose ′The Third Hospital′?
I liked that Eui Jin was a role that was needed in the story. I didn′t care about whether the role was a heavy one or not; the important thing for me was whether it was involved in the main stream of the story.
It′s your first official acting piece. Were there any difficulties you encountered?
It was hard to keep my eyes closed for some scenes. (Laugh) Keeping my eyes closed and pretending I′m sleeping. It was hard to keep my eyeballs still when my eyes were closed.
Still, criticisms like malicious comments must be hard to swallow.
The public is more used to seeing Sooyoung sing rather than act, so I think it′s too much for me to hope people will love the actress Sooyoung as much as the singer Sooyoung. Viewers care for results. Everyone puts in their effort, whether they be reporters or singers. Everyone works hard, so the only standard available to set them apart is results. I′m still at the starting line, so I will accept such evaluations humbly.
It seems you were really immersed in your character. Have you dreamed of being an actress before?
Before I debuted as a singer I was determined to try acting. I prepared to be an actress even before my debut as a singer, too, and I think I′ve failed to pass more than 70 auditions. Still, I couldn′t give up. I worked hard and progressed little by little, and this is how I ended up taking up this role.
I can′t believe that SNSD′s Sooyoung took more than 70 auditions.
I kept telling myself, ′I wonder what piece will come to me after this long wait. I′ll show everyone when the time comes. I′ll work hard for it, I′ll really do my best.′ After feeling like that, however, I found it showed even in my acting. I became uncomfortable about that while I was acting... and so I felt sorry toward my character. It all became better after I shrugged everything off and started over.
I heard you got offers for many other pieces. Why did you choose ′The Third Hospital′?
I liked that Eui Jin was a role that was needed in the story. I didn′t care about whether the role was a heavy one or not; the important thing for me was whether it was involved in the main stream of the story.
It′s your first official acting piece. Were there any difficulties you encountered?
It was hard to keep my eyes closed for some scenes. (Laugh) Keeping my eyes closed and pretending I′m sleeping. It was hard to keep my eyeballs still when my eyes were closed.
Still, criticisms like malicious comments must be hard to swallow.
The public is more used to seeing Sooyoung sing rather than act, so I think it′s too much for me to hope people will love the actress Sooyoung as much as the singer Sooyoung. Viewers care for results. Everyone puts in their effort, whether they be reporters or singers. Everyone works hard, so the only standard available to set them apart is results. I′m still at the starting line, so I will accept such evaluations humbly.
What kind of person is Choi Sooyoung?
I honestly don′t know very much about who I am. I thought I didn′t like things that are fixed or stereotypical, but sometimes I feel having something definitely fixed will make things easier. I can′t say I′m a person who likes everything that′s comfortable because I work hard to keep the rules I′ve set for myself. Then when I feel it′s too uncomfortable I break them again... I can say that I′m definitely not typical.
That′s the type that can be easily defined in words but feels painful inside.
That′s right. People say I′m really laid back and cool, but I′m not like that. I′m very picky. I believe cool people to be the types that are honest and expressive, but I think more of others′ feelings. I think I′m too timid.
That′s not being timid, that′s being careful. Timid people are too busy to care for other people′s feelings.
If the other person feels comfortable, that′s when I feel comfortable. That′s why I care for how other people feel a lot.
Shouldn′t you start dating now?
People around me keep telling me to start dating. I wish they would stop. I think that′s something I should be able to decide.
I honestly don′t know very much about who I am. I thought I didn′t like things that are fixed or stereotypical, but sometimes I feel having something definitely fixed will make things easier. I can′t say I′m a person who likes everything that′s comfortable because I work hard to keep the rules I′ve set for myself. Then when I feel it′s too uncomfortable I break them again... I can say that I′m definitely not typical.
That′s the type that can be easily defined in words but feels painful inside.
That′s right. People say I′m really laid back and cool, but I′m not like that. I′m very picky. I believe cool people to be the types that are honest and expressive, but I think more of others′ feelings. I think I′m too timid.
That′s not being timid, that′s being careful. Timid people are too busy to care for other people′s feelings.
If the other person feels comfortable, that′s when I feel comfortable. That′s why I care for how other people feel a lot.
Shouldn′t you start dating now?
People around me keep telling me to start dating. I wish they would stop. I think that′s something I should be able to decide.
Can I ask why you don′t date?
I haven′t met the person that makes me feel comfortable. I don′t have high standards, it′s just that I haven′t met a person I can talk to.
Which would you choose: a man who makes you feel comfortable yet is unattractive or a man who makes you feel uncomfortable but is attractive?
The comfortable one. Being comfortable is the same as being attractive. I think I′m past the age to be attracted to bad boys.
Really? Women go for the bad boys no matter what age they are.
I still like the comfortable ones. I want to meet someone who makes me feel cheerful and comfortable when we meet. I like it when the other feels comfortable, and so I try to make them feel that way. I want to meet a man that makes me feel comfortable even if I don′t say I′m like that.
I wonder how Sooyoung as a woman is like.
I′m a very relaxed woman. I want to make the other feel as comfortable as he makes me feel comfortable. I don′t want to make him feel uncomfortable. I want to be a woman he can depend on. I′m actually pretty feminine; I bake cupcakes and cookies. When I get married I want to cut up some fruit and take them to my husband′s workplace. I want to be a girlfriend that he can be proud of and can be relaxed around.
What is comfort to Choi Sooyoung?
The most important value of my life!
Editor: Park Sung Hee, Interview: Noh Seung Hyo (contributing editor), Photographer: Kim Tae Eun
I haven′t met the person that makes me feel comfortable. I don′t have high standards, it′s just that I haven′t met a person I can talk to.
Which would you choose: a man who makes you feel comfortable yet is unattractive or a man who makes you feel uncomfortable but is attractive?
The comfortable one. Being comfortable is the same as being attractive. I think I′m past the age to be attracted to bad boys.
Really? Women go for the bad boys no matter what age they are.
I still like the comfortable ones. I want to meet someone who makes me feel cheerful and comfortable when we meet. I like it when the other feels comfortable, and so I try to make them feel that way. I want to meet a man that makes me feel comfortable even if I don′t say I′m like that.
I wonder how Sooyoung as a woman is like.
I′m a very relaxed woman. I want to make the other feel as comfortable as he makes me feel comfortable. I don′t want to make him feel uncomfortable. I want to be a woman he can depend on. I′m actually pretty feminine; I bake cupcakes and cookies. When I get married I want to cut up some fruit and take them to my husband′s workplace. I want to be a girlfriend that he can be proud of and can be relaxed around.
What is comfort to Choi Sooyoung?
The most important value of my life!
Editor: Park Sung Hee, Interview: Noh Seung Hyo (contributing editor), Photographer: Kim Tae Eun
