Kim Hieora Returns with 'The Savior' After School Bullying Allegations

Kim Hieora, who faced school bullying allegations nearly two years ago, has made a comeback with a deeper and more serious persona, thanks to her role in 'The Savior.'

On the 23rd, Kim Hieora was interviewed at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, about her role in the film 'The Savior.' She arrived in a neat navy jacket, greeting each member of the press and lifting the atmosphere.

'The Savior' is a mystery occult film about miraculous events that occur to Youngbeom (played by Kim Byung-chul) and Sunhee (played by Song Ji-hyo) after moving to the blessed land of Obok-ri, only to discover that these miracles come at the cost of someone else's misfortune. Kim Hieora plays Chunseo, a character who struggles to find out why her son Minjae suddenly becomes unable to walk.

For Kim Hieora, this project was like a real 'savior.' After allegations surfaced in September 2023 about her involvement in a notorious school gang during her school days, she returned to the screen with this film, marking her first commercial movie.

When the bullying allegations arose two years ago, Kim Hieora immediately left for the United States. Reflecting on that time, she said, "I didn't go to the U.S. for work. I felt like I had to do something. I needed to learn English, so I took English and songwriting lessons from composers and producers in LA. Expressing the messages of difficult times through lyrics or music was beneficial. It filled my senses and gave me courage."

Kim Hieora added, "It wasn't all happiness, but it was definitely necessary and a time of valuable experiences. I met many benefactors and had precious experiences." She continued, "I realized that I am inherently someone who needs to act. During my break, I felt a strong desire to act, and when I met the character Chunseo, I didn't have to try hard to understand her; my desperation naturally came through. My perspective has broadened. I used to understand things with my head and data, but now I find it much better to understand and empathize with various people. I feel I've deepened as an actor."

Kim Hieora expressed that her time and experiences in the U.S. were very helpful and showed interest in overseas activities. She said, "I stayed for about nine months due to visa issues. I shot an independent film in the U.S. and am working with an American management company. I'm also auditioning. I want to try overseas activities."

She added, "There are Broadway and Hollywood in the U.S., so I thought about what I could experience and learn while taking a break. When I went to meetings in the U.S., they were surprised to see me alone. Of course, my first priority is Korea. Acting in my native language makes me happy. But with K-pop, K-drama, K-movies, and K-food being so active, it seems that good opportunities come when you act well in your native language."

After nine months of valuable experiences and self-reflection in the U.S., 'The Savior' became a special project for Kim Hieora. She said, "'The Savior' is my turning point, a new beginning, a new chapter. I love the title of the work. The characters searching for miracles resonate with me in many ways." She added, "I want to be a good actor rather than a famous one. I hope to be an actor that people trust. I want to build trust and cherish acting."

She also expressed a desire for softer roles, saying, "I have a desire for soft roles. I can do melodrama or romantic comedy well. I want to try indecisive roles too." However, she humbly noted, "But I still lack a lot of experience, so it doesn't make sense to choose characters. Even if it's the same villain, there are many ways to express it depending on the character and situation. I still need to study."

By Yeji Ryu, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr