Jo Yeo-jeong Discusses Her Role in 'Hidden Face' and the Impact of the Academy Awards

Actress Jo Yeo-jeong (43) captivates audiences with her multifaceted performance in the film 'Hidden Face', which premiered on November 20, 2024. This movie is based on a Colombian film of the same name and features a gripping storyline where Seong-jin searches for his missing fiancée, Su-yeon, only to encounter her junior, Mi-joo. The film unfolds as a unique thriller set in a confined space, directed by Kim Dae-woo, known for his works 'The Servant' and 'Infection'.

After a five-year hiatus since her role in the acclaimed film 'Parasite', Jo expressed her excitement about returning to the big screen. "I don’t think I feel more nervous just because it’s been a while. I get equally anxious before any release," she shared. "The fact that the film is being released is a great joy, and that feeling is what stands out to me right now."

In 'Hidden Face', Jo portrays Su-yeon, an orchestra cellist who confronts the unveiled truth. Reflecting on the positive reviews following the press screening, she admitted, "I feel good, but I’m not sure how to express it. I tend to suppress my emotions, so I can’t be overly joyful. I’ve been filming in the Namhae area recently, so I haven’t read all the articles, but I’ve seen some great reviews while traveling by train. I sincerely appreciate the kind words."

Jo Yeo-jeong expressed her trust in director Kim Dae-woo, with whom she has collaborated on three films, including 'The Servant' and 'Infection'. She noted the different genres of their projects, saying, "'The Servant' was a historical drama, 'Infection' was a period piece, and 'Hidden Face' is contemporary. I was curious about how the director would approach each genre. Since he trusted me with this role, I worked hard to meet his expectations." Regarding the label of being Kim Dae-woo's muse, she humbly remarked, "I think I’ll have to prove myself again in my next project."

When asked about her choice to work on this film, Jo revealed, "Honestly, I didn’t feel the pressure of the genre. The script was so engaging that I almost forgot it was an erotic thriller. I intended to focus on the character Su-yeon while reading, but I found myself immersed in the script. From the moment Su-yeon with her bangs appeared, I felt something special and wanted to be part of this project. As I read further, I was surprised by the twists and wondered if I could pull this off. I had a strong desire to play this character, but I was also worried."

Jo also praised her co-star Park Ji-hyun for her impressive performance. "I received a lot of positive motivation from her. We had a scene in a café and at the airport where she was so still, like a plant. I felt I could draw out Su-yeon’s character by watching her. She was a partner who instilled confidence in me. After filming in the café, we ran into each other in the restroom, and I told her, 'Ji-hyun, you’re really good,' to which she shyly replied, 'Thank you.' I was completely captivated by her charm from the moment we started filming. When she asked why I complimented her so much, I told her, 'I couldn’t do what you do at your age.'"

Even after filming, Jo maintains a close friendship with Park Ji-hyun. She remarked, "Outside of work, she seemed more like a child. This shows how professional she was during filming. When I saw her off set, she looked like a girl, and I found her adorable for her age."

Jo reunited with Song Seung-heon after ten years since 'Infection'. She shared, "Looking into his eyes is just comforting. There was a scene where I said, 'Seong-jin, you’re a maestro,' and he truly embodied Seong-jin. He made it easy for me to express myself without hesitation on set."

When asked if she felt disappointed about Song Seung-heon’s betrayal in both films, she laughed and said, "Not at all. He treats me well and often buys me delicious food."

Song Seung-heon also expressed his admiration for Jo, jokingly mentioning that he hoped to ride on her coattails after her experience at the Academy Awards with 'Parasite'. Jo reflected on the title of 'Academy Award Actress', saying, "It’s a mixed bag. It can be a burden, but it also serves as motivation. It’s a sign of good things happening as I evolve as a person. I don’t have a grand vision for the future, but I can’t stop evolving. I believe in giving my best every day so I can sleep soundly at night."