From her captivating K-dramas like The Atypical Family and The 8 Show to her standout roles in acclaimed films like Han Gong-ju and The Wailing, Chun Woo-Hee has demonstrated remarkable versatility as an actress. Despite never planning for a career in the spotlight, she has effortlessly embodied a vast spectrum of complex characters over the past two decades, winning over legions of devoted fans – including one lucky admirer whose wedding she attended.
She began her acting career in high school
She landed her first acting role at the age of 17 whilst still in high school, playing a small role in Love So Divine (2004). Shortly after, she received roles in Mother (2009) and Sunny (2010), before landing a lead part in Han Gong Ju (2013), launching her into stardom. Chun’s acting achievements are underscored by 11 awards recognising her renowned performances, in addition to her acting credits spanning 24 movies and 6 television dramas.
She never thought of acting as her career
In an interview, she revealed that her open-minded and laid-back attitude got her through the earlier stages of her career. In her words, the absence of a strict goal to become an actor allowed her to avoid overthinking the professional aspects, empowering her to focus more sincerely on her genuine love of the art form. Paradoxically, she suggests that if she had harboured an intent dream of acting, she would have given up before turning 30.
She only had four months of vocal training before her role in Love, Lies (2016)
In preparation for her role in Love, Lies (2016), Chun only had four months of vocal coaching before filming. Despite this being her first time receiving formal training, her mesmerising rendition of Heart of Joseon – a song that demands exceptional vocal control – was a testament to her natural talent and raw emotional expressiveness. She told the South Korean broadcast channel KBS that the process was incredibly challenging, and she had no plans to pursue singing again in the future.
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She has been racking up those frequent flyer miles
Chun Woo-Hee’s adventurous and bold spirit is reflected not just in her acting roles, but off-screen as well. With the opportunities for travel recovering in the past few years, she has been spotted canoeing in Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Canada, posing in a chic outfit on the sunny streets of Paris, and crossing Mongolia off of her bucket list.
If she could have a superpower, she would choose teleportation
While her character in The Atypical Family does not have superpowers, she suggests to SBS News that her power is her ability to ‘deceive’ others. In the meantime, Chun herself wishes for the capability to move through space, making travel between filming locations and leisurely activities more comfortable.
She is devoted to her fans, and attended one of their weddings
Earlier in May 2024, Chun Woo-Hee attended the wedding of her long-time supporter. Surprising her fan of 13 years with a letter, Chun also gave a heartfelt speech to congratulate the happy couple on their special day.
She has an expansive spectrum of characters in her acting portfolio
In an interview, Chun explained that in the earlier stages of her career, she felt inexperienced and thus pushed herself to choose challenging roles that required in-depth psychoanalysis of the character. From playing the neighbourhood crush in Mother (2009) to the brutal antagonist in The 8 Show (2024), she elaborates that she enjoys trying new roles and continuously getting to know fresh characters.
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Zi Ying OngCredit
Lead Image: The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images
