Son Ye Jin Reflects on Career Struggles and Renewal at Busan Film Festival
Honest Confessions from a Global Star
At the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), acclaimed actress Son Ye Jin offered a rare and heartfelt glimpse into her long career and personal challenges. Known for her elegance and emotional depth on screen, the actress surprised fans with her candid honesty about the difficulties she has faced behind the spotlight.
âHonestly, my 20s are only left in my works,â she admitted. âI couldnât really enjoy my youthâacting was painful, and I didnât enjoy it. But my desire to do well kept me going.â
Anxiety After Marriage and Motherhood
The actress revealed that after marriage and becoming a mother, she felt anxious about whether audiences would still embrace her.
âI wondered if I could still do romance roles, if people would still want me,â she confessed. Her uncertainty echoed the fears of many working women balancing personal milestones with professional expectations.
Yet, instead of letting fear take over, Son Ye Jin found encouragement by looking at trailblazing senior actresses such as Youn Yuh-jung, Kim Hye-ja, Jeon Do-yeon, and Kim Hye-soo. âI realized thereâs a path for me too,â she said, her voice filled with quiet determination.
Rediscovering Joy in No Other Choice
Son Ye Jinâs upcoming film No Other Choice (also translated as It Canât Be Helped) has marked a turning point in her career. Directed by Park Chan-wook and co-starring veteran actor Lee Byung-hun, the project has already generated anticipation both in Korea and internationally.
Reflecting on the experience, she explained, âBefore, I always felt heavy responsibility, but this time I could enjoy it more because director Park Chan-wook and senior Lee Byung-hun were there.â
Her words revealed a newfound lightness and joy in actingâproof that even after decades in the industry, renewal is possible.

An Encouraging Message to Fans
Despite the struggles she described, Son Ye Jin ended her remarks on an uplifting note, encouraging others to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly.
âIf thereâs something you want to do, you should try it with everything you have,â she said. âThen there will be a moment when it shineHer message resonated deeply with fans, showing that her influence extends beyond the screen. By sharing her vulnerabilities, Son Ye Jin not only reaffirms her place as one of Koreaâs most beloved actresses but also inspires others to embrace resilience and courage.
