Choi Hee-jin Expresses Admiration for Kim Hye-ja: 'My Idol and Mentor'

Actress Choi Hee-jin recently expressed her admiration for fellow actress Kim Hye-ja, calling her "my idol and mentor."

In a recent interview at the Saram Entertainment office in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Choi discussed her role in the Genie TV original drama 'Idol Idol.'

The drama, which concluded on the 27th, follows the story of idol Do Ra-ik (played by Kim Jae-young), who becomes a murder suspect. Star lawyer Maeng Se-na (played by Choi Soo-young) must prove his innocence, navigating between fandom and suspicion in this romantic drama. Choi Hee-jin played Hong Hye-joo, the naturally beautiful second daughter of a chaebol family and Do Ra-ik's ex-girlfriend.

Reflecting on her experience working with Kim Jae-young and Choi Soo-young, Choi Hee-jin said, "I learned a lot from both of them." She recalled, "There were many emotionally challenging scenes, and Kim Jae-young was very supportive and encouraging, which helped me complete the filming successfully." About Choi Soo-young, she added, "As a huge fan of Girls' Generation, I was quite nervous, but she took great care of me and helped me a lot."

When asked if there is an actor she wishes to work with in the future, Choi Hee-jin immediately responded, "I would love to work with Kim Hye-ja again." Previously, Choi played the role of Sonya, a cat raised by Kim Hye-ja's character Lee Hae-sook, in the JTBC drama 'More Beautiful Than Heaven,' which ended in May last year.

Choi Hee-jin expressed, "Kim Hye-ja is truly like an idol to me. She treated me like her real granddaughter on set. It was an honor to act as her cat." She continued, "I would be thrilled to meet her again in another project. It would be an absolute joy to reunite with her," she said with a smile.

Reporter Se-yoon Jung, Ten Asia yoon@tenasia.co.kr