In the world of acting, appearances can often be a double-edged sword. For Korean actress Chun Woo Hee, her unique face has been both a blessing and a challenge throughout her career. Despite her impressive acting skills and versatility, Chun has faced difficulties in landing roles, and she opened up about these challenges during a recent interview.
The Struggle of a “Cinematic Face”
Chun Woo Hee, known for her roles in Sunny (2011) and Han Gong Ju (2014), recently shared her struggles on the byPDC YouTube channel. Despite her success, Chun revealed that early in her career, she found it difficult to get roles due to her face. According to her, producers often labeled her as having a “cinematic face,” which made her unsuitable for common roles in Korean dramas.
“I always managed to advance to the final stage, but in the end, I didn’t get the role,” Chun recalled. “The producers often say that I have a cinematic face. They say my face is suitable for films.”
This perception created a barrier for Chun, as roles for young actresses in their 20s were often similar and did not align with her distinctive look. Instead of getting disheartened, Chun embraced her uniqueness and aimed to prove her worth through her performances.
Embracing Her Unique Beauty
Despite facing criticism and being labeled as not traditionally beautiful, Chun Woo Hee has never let these comments discourage her. Instead, she has turned her perceived weakness into a strength. In her own words, “Even though people say I’m not beautiful, I’m never affected because I know where my strengths lie.”
Chun’s confidence in her abilities and her understanding of her unique strengths have driven her to showcase her talent. “I try to think that my face is a good face, the face of an actress. So I want to prove it through acting,” she said.
Chun’s resilience and determination are evident in her continued success and the memorable roles she has portrayed over the years. Her performances in dramas like The Atypical Family and The 8 Show on Netflix are testament to her versatility and skill.
Finding Her Identity in Acting
Interestingly, Chun Woo Hee never dreamed of becoming an actress. Coming from a family of cooks, she initially had no clear career aspirations. It was only after she started acting that she discovered her passion and identity.
“When I was young, I didn’t have any dreams. But when I started acting, I felt like I had found my identity,” Chun explained. “When I went to the shooting location and they called Chun Woo Hee, I felt like, ‘Oh, that’s me.’”
Despite not having an agency to support her in the beginning, Chun remained undeterred. She traveled alone to shooting locations, treating each trip as an adventure. This independent spirit helped her carve out a successful career, making her unique face an asset rather than a hindrance.
Chun Woo Hee’s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Her ability to turn challenges into opportunities has made her a standout actress, and her roles continue to captivate audiences. So, what’s your favorite Chun Woo Hee role?
Chun Woo Hee’s story is inspiring, showing that embracing one’s uniqueness and staying resilient can lead to success in the face of adversity. Her journey encourages aspiring actors and actresses to focus on their strengths and remain true to themselves, no matter the challenges they face.