Han So-hee is strikingly beautiful yet disarmingly real, delicate yet unyielding. The 31-year-old actress may have only been in the industry for less than a decade, yet she has evolved from a fresh face in television to one of South Korea’s most magnetic leading women.
Born in Ulsan and trained in the arts, Han first dreamed of painting before life puts her on the screen. Moving to Seoul armed with ambition and instinct, she found herself in front of cameras, first as a model, then as an actress. What followed were career choices that constantly hit the right spot.
Her winning formula? Versatility. A word often used lightly, but with Han So-hee, it feels inevitable. From Yeo Da-kyung in The World of the Married to Yoo Na-bi in Nevertheless, who wants to date even though she can’t trust love, to the cold and determined Yoon Ji-woo in My Name, and most recently, Yoon Chae-ok in Gyeongseong Creature. She embodies women who could not be more different, each demanding its own kind of strength. Not your regular actress who tend to be typecasted into a role, she moves between fragility and ferocity with ease, always one step ahead, surpassing anyone’s expectations.
Next on the horizon for Han is the highly anticipated Korean remake of The Intern, where she steps into the role once defined by Anne Hathaway. Han plays Seon-woo, a young CEO navigating the isolating heights of success with screen legend Choi Min-sik playing the senior intern. With a project and cast of this weight and stature, this is not just any other role—it is a role earned and bestowed, one that demands conviction and a voice entirely her own.
Away from the spotlight, Han remains grounded. She is humble, warm, and effortlessly professional. One wouldn’t expect such quiet ease from someone of her stature, yet that contrast is precisely what makes her so captivating. In less than a decade, she has built a career that others spend a lifetime chasing. She is the talent of her generation: bold, multifaceted, and impossible to overlook. And that’s why Han So-hee is GQ Hong Kong’s Woman of the Year issue’s cover star.
Your roles vary widely, showcasing versatility — from romantic dramas like Nevertheless to action in My Name and Gyeongseong Creature. How do you choose your projects? Which of these roles best represent you as a person?
In the process of momentarily living the lives of the characters I’ve played, I always try to find as much common ground between them and myself as possible. Among them, I think the one I felt most deeply connected to was Jiwoo from “My Name”. I still vividly remember the many crew members who made it possible for me to fully exist as Jiwoo.
Looking back, which roles have stayed with you the most, and why?
One role that has stayed with me the most is Yeo Da-kyung from The World of the Married. Portraying Da-kyung brought me a lot of love and support, and I believe that strength has helped carry me to where I am today. It was a project that empowered me to grow both as an actor and as a person.
Out of all the dramas you’ve done, what’s the one that pushed you out of your comfort zone the most?
That would be Gyeongseong Creature. To fully embody the character of Yoon Chae-ok, I had to push myself to the limit and be extremely strict with myself. For two years, I crossed between eras and boundaries, constantly questioning myself as I lived Chae-ok’s life.
Your characters often balance vulnerability and strength. Do you see yourself in them?
I believe that everyone has both strength and vulnerability, and I don’t think I’m much different. In some ways, it’s not that I’m strong, but rather that I’m a bit slow to react or sensitive. I tend to retreat inward, like going into a cave, and quietly reflect on what’s in my heart.
Has stepping into different characters changed the way you live your own life?
Rather than feeling any big changes just yet, the process of accepting a new character still feels unfamiliar and strange to me each time.
What does success mean to you today, compared to when you first started out?
I’m still in the process of discovering what success truly means. Perhaps I will be chasing that idea of success until the day I die. But right now, what I consider most important is happiness.
Acting and being in a limelight can be consuming. How do you recharge?
To be honest, saying that I feel tired feels a bit arrogant to me. I’m grateful that people are interested in what I do. So rather than recharging, I think it’s more important for me to spend time reflecting on myself and improving.
As someone who is always dressed in fashionable clothes, how would you describe your style off-camera?
I think I prioritise comfort in everything I say, wear, and do. I’m not sure if calling it ‘honest’ is entirely accurate, but I don’t really fear showing myself as I am, without any filters.
What are some of your personal passions and hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
Lately, I’ve been really into building Lego. When I focus on it, I feel my mind calming down. I also think I’m investing more in my health than before. These days, I’m experiencing firsthand that physical strength is directly connected to work efficiency.
“I believe that everyone has both strength and vulnerability, and I don’t think I’m much different.” Han So-hee
Photographer: Park Jongha
Editorial Director: Jumius Wong
Creative Direction: Jenine Oh
Executive Producer: Sasha Park / SJP PRODUCTION New York
Casting: Castingbom 9
Stylist: Cho Bomin
Hair: Han Soo Hwa
Makeup: Kang Yewon
Set stylist: Kwon Dohyung
Producer: Sheena Park / SJP PRODUCTION New York
On-set Producer: Selina Park / SJP PRODUCTION New York
Photo Assistants: Yun Kibeom, Im Sohee, Kim Young Eun
Stylist Assistant: Lee Eunsu
Wardrobe Coordinator: Sing Lei
