Thanks to mrs. han
From mbest.co.kr
Interview with Choi Ji-woo
It is no exaggeration to say that Choi Ji-woo is now no longer just a Korean star since The Winter Sonata gained an amazing level of popularity in many Asian countries. NHK, the Japanese broadcasting company, is even making a documentary about her, which will be broadcast this coming March. Her latest drama, The Stairway to Heaven was another big hit, and many people have highlighted how much her acting has improved. So, how does she feel about her success?
Your latest drama, The Stairway to Heaven, was a smash hit. Are you satisfied with the result?
Choi: I was totally immersed in the plot, and my fans' warm affection encouraged me a lot. However, I wasn't 100% satisfied with my acting. Whenever I see myself on television, I always say to myself, "I could have done better than that."
You shed a lot of tears in the drama, and your acting was very real. I guess having to cry that much was hard.
Choi: I shed a shower of tears without difficulty as the story was so sad. I skipped meals before I shot sad scenes because it helped me express my sorrowful emotions better. Listening to melancholic music was also helpful. Sometimes I couldn't stop crying even when the scene was over. On extremely cold days, however, it wasn't that easy to concentrate on the emotion.
In the drama, your character(Han Jung-seo) forgave your wicked stepmother and sister. If you were in her shoes, could you do the same?
Choi: Wow... that's a really difficult question. If I were in her shoes... I'm not sure if I could forgive them or not. However, if I were facing death, I think I would at least try.
Do you have any unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories?
Choi: As you know, I had to run so many times. One day, I fell over by mistake and hurt my knee. A few days later, during another running scene, I fell over again, and started bleeding in the same spot. On that day, while we were shooting a tearful scene, my partner Kwon Sang-woo got a nosebleed all of a sudden, but he didn't realize that he was bleeding. So, I burst into laughter and we had to do the scene again.
What is your favorite scene in the drama?
Choi: All the actors and production staff enjoyed shooting the whole drama, and every single scene is precious to me. But I love the scene at the ice rink most when I say to Kwon, "Love is something that comes back!"
You have only played angelical characters so far in various TV dramas and movies. Do you think it will be possible for you to play a wicked woman someday?
Choi: Well, of course, I'm an actress and I would love the challenge of playing diverse and interesting roles. If I were offered a role of an evil woman, I would definitely grab the chance. But of course, I wouldn't be able to portray the character realistically because I'm such a nice person.(laugh)
What were the most difficult aspects of shooting the drama?
Choi: I'm very sensitive to the cold, and I get cold easily. As chance would have it, I usually get cast in dramas set in winter.
What led you to become an actress?
Choi: I wanted to experience various lives. As an actress, I can become an entirely different person from one movie or drama to the next. Being a totally different person is really wonderful!
Have you ever regretted being an actress?
Choi: Yes, I have. It's difficult to have a private life as a public figure - I can't even go to public places freely. I am also tormented with self-doubt when people start false rumors about me.
Conversely, when do you feel happiest as an actress?
Choi: When my fans say, "You've bolstered my courage." As you know, many of my characters had very difficult lives, but they tried to overcome their pain, I think that encourages and inspires people. I'm proud that I can help people in that way.
If you weren't an actress, what do you think you would be?
Choi: Well... if I weren't an actress, I guess I would be a Mrs. Homemaker. (laugh) Actually, I want to challenge and learn so many things: I want to be good at English, Japanese, and so on. I'll try to learn these things whenever I have the chance.
What is your ideal type of man like? Who is closest to your ideal type among actors?
Choi: I like a manly but warm-hearted man. Before everything else, however, he has to love only me! I'm not interested in men who treat love lightly. But I can't reveal the name of the actor who is closest to my ideal type because it will start rumors.
How do you spend your free time?
Choi: I sleep a lot, like a log. From time to time, I go to the movies with my mother or have a chat with my friends. I also enjoy shopping.
Do you want to be an actress again in your next life?
Choi: Definitely! I think being an actress is a wonderful job! Many people tell me that my acting has improved remarkably, and I'd like to proceed further. In my next life, I would improve even more and become the world's best actress.
