Ajoomma’s Auntie: Huifang’s Unconventional Trail to the Big Screen
Hong Huifang may have earned her stripes over nearly 40 years, but this 61‑year‑old is flipping the script on what makes a role “beautiful.” In the latest drama Ajoomma, she’s shown that being “ugly” can be a lot less stressful than trying to look like a postcard.
From Vengeful Aunties to Stripper Roles – the “Ugly” Spectrum
- Play “ugly” characters? No sweat.
- Struggle with the constant pressure to look flawless? Daily headaches!
- Her shrugging remark about the 1997 drama Price of Peace: “I can accept no‑homages to ugly faces, but Ajoomma is not even close.”
In a recent interview with Shin Min Daily News, Huifang admitted that a “beautiful” role actually turns her into a histrionic diva, more than the usual “ugly” role. She loves playing someone who is the complete opposite of herself – it’s almost like a clean‑room experience.
Meet Auntie – The Real‑Life SO – and Her New Identity
In Ajoomma, her character is a middle‑aged Singaporean house‑wife turned widowed matriarch. She juggles family expectations while her son, Sam at 28, is ready for the world of adult life. Auntie’s solo trip to South Korea turns into a wild roller‑coaster of romance, heart‑strings, and a few unlikely friends.
Why portray “not‑beautiful” folks? Huifang says it’s all about showing that happiness comes from the inside, not the outside skin.
Which Role Will She Take Next?
She’s careful about the limit. She’s not born wanting to star opposite her own kid or the “young male lead.” Her answer? It depends on the script and the “goodness” of the role.
“If it’s a solid script I won’t mind, but I also care about how the main actor reacts, and just how famous he is,” Huifang added – she chuckled about “not wanting to ruin their reputation.”
Box‑Office Buzz and the Oscars
“Huifang is currently in the running for the Best Leading Actress award at Taiwan’s Golden Horse Awards, happening on Nov 19.”
“Just so you know, Ajoomma was Singapore’s official entry for the 2023 Oscars.”
Holy Weight Gain (And Loss) in Ajoomma
- Huifang had to put on 6–7 kg for the role.
- Then the director asked her to shed it back.
- Her best moment: “I ate and ate, and the weight change was the happiest time.”
The Co‑Stars Who Became Her “Family”
“Both Kang Hyung‑suk and Yeo Jin‑goo feel like they’re my sons,” Huifang told us. “I had a closer bond with Kang because of the screen time.”
Busan International Film Fest: A Crowd of Tears
The premiere on Oct 7 at Busan left the crew and cast in tears (no joke). The cast, crew, and director all said they cried for different reasons – the story was just so moving.
She told a local news outlet, “I couldn’t help but cry during scenes with the male characters. I’m proud but not complacent.”
Her husband, Zheng Geping, got emotional too. He didn’t put his wife on a scale but said his tears were because the storyline moved him deeply.
When the Film Goes to Theaters
Fans, if you’re in Singapore, you’ll get a chance to watch Ajoomma starting Oct 27, with sneak previews from Oct 21 to 24.
For those who missed the film, the take‑away: Huifang proves that bravery isn’t about looking pretty, it’s about being authentic, even if you have a laugh‑out‑tainting belly button or a scar‑laced smile. Cheers to her journey, and for anyone who wants to play a role that’s truly challenging!
