Hong Huifang Goes From “Just a Mom” to a Movie Moneymaker
What seemed like a simple “normal mother” gig turned into a blockbuster role for veteran Singaporean star Hong Huifang. In February, industry tongues buzzed that she’d landed a spot in the Singapore‑South Korea joint‑venture Ajoomma, a film helmed by Anthony Chen and featuring Hometown Cha‑Cha‑Cha’s own Kang Hyung‑suk. Little did she know what a wild ride was waiting.
When the Script Came In
- On a breezy April 6, Hong chatted with Lianhe Zaobao. She was “completely blindsided” when the script revealed that 80 % of the story hinges on her character—talk about a slice of spotlight.
- Most scenes are shot in South Korea, so she’s practically a citizen of Seoul for the film’s duration.
- At 61, she declared the role marks the “no‑regrets” moment of her almost 40‑year career. “It’s been worth every single matinee,” she gushed.
On the Field in Seoul
- She zipped into Seoul late‑December, swapped Singapore’s skyline for bustling Hongdae, and returned only after a solid two‑month stint.
- “You don’t even have to think about your next film, your next paycheck, or even your next snack,” she laughed. “All I did was work, nap, and chow down—no distractions.”
- In a move that would make any traveler jealous, Hong chose to stay with the director and crew instead of a hotel. Picture her boardwalk‑style “staycations” on Seoul’s streets, bus rides, and street‑food adventures between shoots.
K‑Drama Enthusiast? Maybe Not…
Despite filming in Korea, Hong confessed she wasn’t a die‑hard K‑drama fan to begin with. The turning point? A binge of Crash Landing on You. “I woke up in mid‑episode and couldn’t stop—slept through more episodes than I watched,” she joked.
She even admitted that if she had to shoot a 7 am scene the next day, she’d watch until 6 am, then jump straight into action. Talk about the ultimate sleep‑mode schedule!
Why It Means the World
With a role that large and a film that crosses borders, Hong swears this isn’t just another credit—it’s the shining capstone of a lifetime. She’s thrilled to be part of something that’s felt in her bones and said that no matter how many films she’s done, this is a “no‑regrets” moment she’ll keep humming for decades.
