Park Shin Hye: I Want To Play Darker Roles
Actress Park Shin Hye has become one of the biggest actresses in the region – we find out what makes her tick
By Pamela Chow for Weekender Singapore; Photos: Courtesy of One and Wikimedia Commons
Doe-eyed and dewy-faced beauty Park Shin Hye has risen to become one of the hottest stars in Asia, and her latest role in medical drama “Doctors” surprised many.
Appearing in hit dramas such as “The Heirs” and “Pinocchio”, Park has swerved away from her usual distressed-damsel characters. Now, she plays guarded and feisty rebel-turned-doctor Yoo Hye Jung.
This seems like a stark contrast to Park’s demure image, but the 26-year-old actress shares with Weekender how she has more in common with Hye Jung than many would expect.
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What have you been busy with recently?
I’ve been shooting “Doctors” since June and it’s my current focus now. I will be busy with this drama until mid-August.
How did you prepare for this medical drama?
We pretty much just dived into it. The drama didn’t start off with me as a doctor, so I was able to ‘grow up’ with Hye Jung.
Medical dramas are tougher than I’d imagined it to be – you have to know the medical procedures and portray it convincingly. Even little details like the sanitising of hands.
Your character this time is feistier. Will you be leaning towards this kind of role in the future?
It depends on what comes knocking next. I’m interested to play darker roles for my next dramas. It would be a change from my usual dramas and I’m looking forward to it.
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Like the young Hye Jung, you were also hurt by unkind people. How did you deal with negative comments?
First, you need to take yourself less seriously and keep your ego in check. A lot of times, we tend to overreact because of a comment. For example, someone can say that my acting is bad, but there would be another person who’ll say I’ve improved.
It’s all about perspective also. You choose what you want to listen. I choose to take criticism as a motivation to become better. I’ve been acting since young and the last thing I want is to be stagnant. I am glad to get all the support and feedback, it helps me.
Are you more guarded in real life like Hye Jung, or expressive like your previous characters?
It depends on the occasion and people I am with. But I am quite expressive. [Laughs]
Read the full exclusive interview with Park Shin Hye on Weekender Singapore here.
