An actress cast on the spot after captivating a director with her “ordinary person beauty” on set
In the drama, Im Soo-hyang portrays Park Dora, a top actress who falls to rock bottom overnight, and she brilliantly depicts Dora’s journey towards a new life, practically playing a dual role. Her portrayal of these contrasting characters offered viewers a refreshing experience, and the show ended with a 21.4% rating, helping to revive the prestige of weekend dramas.
Behind Im Soo-hyang’s success lies an extraordinary debut story. In 2009, she visited the set of the movie “4th Period Mystery” as a mere visitor but caught the director’s eye and was immediately cast for a small role. Although it must have been possible because she was a well-prepared actress, Im Soo-hyang soon gained attention beyond this cameo, gradually emerging as a promising rookie in the industry.
Her true rise to stardom came in 2011, with writer Im Sung-han’s hit work “New Tales of Gisaeng”. Known for its unique setting of gisaeng culture in modern times and its “makjang (to take things too far)” elements, the show drew significant attention. Im Soo-hyang beat a 2000:1 competition rate to win the lead role of Dan Sa-ran, leaving a powerful impression on viewers. Despite being a newcomer, her stable performance garnered immense public support, making her a trending actress.
Im Soo-hyang’s aspiration to become an actress dates back to her first year in middle school when she received a casting offer while walking on the street. Although she became intrigued by the profession, she was set to leave for studies in the U.S. in a week. Despite moving as planned, she couldn’t shake off her dream of acting.
Eventually, she returned to Korea against her parents’ wishes to pursue acting in earnest. While still in middle school, she would take the KTX from her hometown Busan to Seoul every weekend for acting classes. Later, she entered Anyang Arts High School to lay the foundation for her career, eventually attending Chung-Ang University’s Department of Theater and Film, where she received more structured training.
Im Soo-hyang’s versatility shines through her ability to digest various genres. From dramas like “Gangnam Beauty” and “Graceful Family” to “When I Was the Most Beautiful”, she consistently broadened her acting spectrum with each role. In “When I Was the Most Beautiful”, she especially touched viewers with her deep emotional acting, earning rave reviews as an “acting grand prize-worthy” actress. From makjang dramas to romantic comedies and genre dramas, Im Soo-hyang has solidified her place as a prolific actress. Her fresh approach to each project has garnered admiration from the public, establishing her not just as a star but as a skilled actress.
The journey Im Soo-hyang has traveled has been anything but easy, yet she has steadily progressed along her path, honing her craft. Her years of hard work have made her a dependable actress who can handle any role with stability.
With her diverse filmography and wide acting spectrum, anticipation for her future projects only grows. From a chance casting on the street to overcoming 2000:1 odds to become a lead, Im Soo-hyang’s future acting journey is one to watch closely.
Source: Daum