ENTERTAINMENT
Veteran Actress Kim Hee-ae Continues to Shine in Her 41st Year of Acting

On the 7th, Kim Hee-ae held an interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, discussing her latest film 'Ordinary Family.' She appeared in a casual style, wearing a gray T-shirt and a denim jacket, showcasing her unique elegant beauty despite the wrinkles around her eyes.

In the film, Kim Hee-ae plays the role of Yeon-kyung, the wife of Jae-kyu (played by Jang Dong-gun). Yeon-kyung is a freelance translator who balances her career with her roles as a wife and mother.
Kim Hee-ae described Yeon-kyung as "a character who is the same inside and out, honest and straightforward." She added, "Considering she does volunteer work and takes care of her mother-in-law, she's practically an angel. There's a saying that there's no filial child in caregiving. No one truly enjoys taking care of a dementia-stricken mother who spits and hits."
She emphasized, "She's practically an angel," and added, "Even if it's for show, being able to do that is remarkable. People around me who care for their parents find it tough. They often say, 'We shouldn't make our children do this.'"

When asked if she is a loving and playful wife in real life, she laughed and said, "I try to be." Kim Hee-ae added, "I didn't want to do it before, but it's a virtuous cycle. If I cherish him, he cherishes me back. It's the same in all relationships, not just between couples."

Kim Hee-ae revealed that she persevered to reach 'Ordinary Family.' She said, "After playing Hoonam, I only got roles like Hoonam. After 'My Man's Woman,' I kept getting femme fatale roles. I skipped a few years. Then 'Secret Love Affair' came along. By holding out, a good opportunity came, and I did well, which became part of my career and broadened my spectrum. 'The World of the Married' extended my career. 'Storm' and 'Queenmaker' also received good responses. I got good results, and my career continued."
Despite being a veteran, Kim Hee-ae's passion is like that of a rookie. She said, "Acting practice is a given. There's no actor more pathetic than one who doesn't practice. I'm older, so I have to do 2-3 times more." She added, "When opportunities come, I don't shy away. Working with talented colleagues excites me. I think it's cool to work with much younger juniors."
Kim Seo-yoon, Ten Asia Reporter seogugu@tenasia.co.kr