Song Ji Hyo: The Real‑World Wonder Behind the Camera
Ever meet a celebrity who’s as genuine offstage as she is on‑screen? I recently sat down with Song Ji Hyo and discovered she’s the definition of down‑to‑earth.
Backstage at KBEE 2018
During the Korea Brand & Entertainment EXPO 2018, Ji Hyo was an ambassador. She that asked the translator to speed up–“Sorry, but you’re running late!”—and then laughed it off. No diva, no fuss.
When I brought her back to Singapore, she burst out, “It’s so good to be here!” and switched to English, “I’m super happy.” She even confessed, “I love coming back to Singapore; every visit feels like a hug.”
“Mong Jihyo” vs. True Jihyo
Fans call her “Mong Jihyo” because of her “blank” moments on Running Man, but in an interview she was anything but blank. She tackled questions with effortless honesty, showing the real, human side that fans miss in the scripted scenes.
She joked: “I’m just human – I get hurt and feel down sometimes. The Running Man character is a character, not me.”
Sleep = Skin (And Genius)
- Sleep is her “secret” to glowing cuteness. Instead of a full‑fledged skincare routine, she says, “I use the time I’d spend prepping for a show to sleep instead, so I’m refreshed and ready.”
- She laughed: “Everyone thinks I have good skin, but the truth? Sleep is my best beauty product.”
Which Role Feels Like It Belongs?
Ji Hyo reveals she never plays a character unless she sees part of herself in it. “In every role, there’s a piece of me; that’s how I connect.” She thinks this mindset stretches beyond acting.
Future Quest: “I Want to Try Everything!”
“I’m ready for new challenges,” she chuckles. “I’ll’t block a genre; I’ll test every wacky role I can think of.”
Evolving Interests with Age
- Early on, she gravitated toward romantic storylines.
- Now, she’s drawn to familial love, domestic dynamics, platonic bonds, animal affection—all the real‑world threads that make stories feel real.
- She says: “Growing older opens my eyes to more varied narratives.”
Writing a Drama: Keep It Real, Keep It Happy
She muses on writing a drama: “If it’s only happiness, it’s too perfect. I’d want a mix—99% joy, 1% sorrow—to keep things authentic.” She insists on avoiding horror, preferring a drama that shows pain but ultimately uplifts.
Past Adventures & Aspirations
From dog‑training to dancing, Ji Hyo enjoyed trying everything—but none were lazily easy. She was intrigued by:
- Custom apparel that super‑diagnoses posture.
- Skin‑type‑specific cosmetics to help you pick the right products.
- “I want society to have more functional, personalized gear—see how we’re all sitting too much, messing up posture.”
Managing the Spotlight and Stress
Even with constant scrutiny, Ji Hyo stays centered by spending quality time with loved ones. “Those moments help me heal and let off steam.”
Christmas? Just Home Sweet Home
When asked about Christmas plans, she shrugged, “I’m not big on celebrations. I’ll just be at home, doing whatever feels normal.”
Closing Note
Song Ji Hyo may have dazzled fans on
Running Man
and beyond, but her true charm lies in authenticity—an actress who connects, laughs, and lives fully, both onstage and off. The result? An unforgettable, relatable star.
