Actress Jo Soo-min Reflects on a Decade Away from Acting for School Life

On December 18, actress Jo Soo-min shared insights about her ten-year hiatus from the entertainment industry to focus on her education during an interview at the Outer Universe headquarters in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul. This interview followed the conclusion of the Channel A weekend drama, Marriage You (결혼해YOU), which aired its final episode on December 12.

Marriage You is a comedic family drama that follows the story of a public servant, Jeong Hana, who is a staunch advocate for remaining single. In a twist of fate, she finds herself trying to arrange a marriage for a bachelor from an island, Bong Cheol-hee, in order to escape a marriage fraud promotion team. The show resonated with viewers, offering a mix of humor and relatable situations surrounding the themes of marriage and singlehood.

Jo Soo-min portrayed the strong-willed and independent character Jeong Hana, whose belief that living alone is the best option leads to an ironic situation where she must facilitate a marriage. Her nuanced performance of Jeong Hana's emotional journey received widespread acclaim.

Debuting in 2006 with the KBS drama Seoul 1945, Jo gained recognition as a child actress through roles in popular series such as The Legendary Princess (소문난 칠공주) and The Transparent Man (투명인간 최장수). However, she chose to step away from the spotlight for a decade to experience a normal school life, a decision she does not regret. "I believe it was the right choice. My closest friends are from that time, and I feel fortunate to have met true friends during my school years. If I had been active in the industry, I might have regretted missing out on those experiences," she reflected.

Now in her 18th year since debuting, Jo Soo-min humorously noted that some refer to her as a senior in the industry, although she feels like she is starting anew after spending her middle and high school years as a student.

During the filming of Marriage You, Jo Soo-min encountered young child actors, which brought back memories of her own early career. "Whenever we filmed, the kids would run up to me, and it made my heart flutter. I love children, and it reminded me of my time as a child actress. I was concerned about their well-being during shoots, so I made sure to take care of my condition and tried to interact with them like an older sister," she shared. She also expressed relief that filming conditions for child actors have improved compared to her own experiences.

Since her return to acting in 2019 with the drama Touch Your Heart (진심이 닿다), Jo Soo-min has been consistently active, appearing in various projects each year. She emphasized her dedication to fully embodying her characters, stating, "When I take on a role, I strive to understand how the character thinks and what actions would be best from their perspective. I believe that my efforts to delve into the character are what audiences appreciate."

Looking ahead, Jo Soo-min is set to meet her fans in a new film next year. She expressed her desire to showcase a different side of herself, stating, "Through Jeong Hana, I have shown a lovable and warm image, but next year, I hope to present a new character and a fresh look. I plan to engage with fans through various content, including variety shows and YouTube."