Ku Hye‑sun Shines as a Judge—And Shifts a Bit in the Waistband
South Korea’s celebrated actress‑director Ku Hye‑sun surprised fans when she stepped onto the stage as a judge at the Chunsa Film Art Awards 2022 last month. Clad in a sleek black houndstooth two‑piece dress (yes, two‑piece—no skirt single!), the 37‑year‑old looked a touch fuller‑figured than her usual cinematic silhouettes.
After the ceremony, she made a sweet Instagram post explaining the change: “I gained a bit of weight because I was going through some things. I’ll definitely recover and head to the 2022 Busan International Film Festival.” The out‑of‑the‑blue note sparked an instant flood of anxious and supportive comments.
What’s Up With the Weight?
- Fans guessed it might be connected to the sad news of her beloved dog Gamja’s passing—she had shared that heartbreaking announcement back on September 14.
- Others speculated that the mental mix of grief and the recent chapter of her life—her divorce in 2019—could have been the secret recipe for the extra pounds.
Regardless of the speculation, the response was overwhelmingly positive. One fan wrote, “In Korean culture, women are pressured to be all bones. This is unhealthy! You look amazing—love that miniskirt and those killer legs!” Another replied, “You’re beautiful just the way you are. There’ll always be critics. Be confident, love yourself, and never apologise for being you.”
From Drama Darling to Art‑Fair Ambassador
Remember her breakout role as the vivacious heroine in the 2009 drama Boys Over Flowers opposite Lee Min‑ho? That’s still rocking the nostalgic fans’ hearts. But in 2019, she brought a different spotlight to her life by publicly filing for divorce from fellow actor Ahn Jae‑hyun—a move that stole headlines worldwide. It was a raw, honest confession that she’d handled it “a bit immaturely,” but she’s been slowly recalibrating her personal narrative.
Fast forward to 2024: she’s not just a movie star; she’s also a bold creator. She’s announcing a showcase of her own artwork at the Global Art Fair from November 3‑6, plus continuing to direct short films like Dark Yellow. And she’s slated to attend the next Busan International Film Festival on October 5‑6—so keep your eyes peeled for the next chapter in her creative spree.
What Makes Ku Hye‑sun Special?
Her ability to juggle Hollywood‑style “hard‑look” styling with very human moments—grief, growth, body confidence—makes her relatable yet aspirational. She’s proved that an artist’s canvas isn’t confined to on‑screen drama; it extends into everyday life, an online diary, and still unapologetic stands on personal wellness.
Bottom Line
Ku Hye‑sun’s latest public appearance was a testament to resilience: balancing a fuller figure, heartfelt sharing, and a thriving creative pipeline. Whether she’s upping her standards in film or making people feel safe to be “normal,” her presence speaks louder than any script. Exciting times are ahead—so let’s cheer her on as she continues to be “beautiful just the way she is.”
