In an interview released on April 19 by Harper’s Bazaar Korea, Chae Seo-an shared how she spent her time following the end of “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” where she played the memorable role of Young-ran, wife to Park Sung-gil (played by Choi Dae-hoon).
“We finished filming ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ in 2023,” Chae Seo-an began. “Right after that, I shot an independent film called ‘The Fugitive’. Then I took some time to part ways with my previous agency and figure out what was next.”
During this transition, she took on multiple part-time jobs upon a friend’s recommendation, including working in rice cake and cookie factories, electronics manufacturing, research facilities, and even assembling card terminals, door locks, and CCTV components. She recently left her job in CCTV quality control about a month ago.
Despite the unexpected turn, Chae Seo-an looked back with warmth and a sense of growth. Her journey to “When Life Gives You Tangerines” was no less fateful. “I was in a really uncertain place when I got the audition call. When I heard I was cast, it felt like a dream.”
Although her role was not a lead, Chae Seo-an became a fan favorite as the gentle but strong-willed “Hak-ssi’s wife.” “I didn’t expect so much love. My family was overjoyed. It still doesn’t feel real, but my heart is full,” she said, smiling.
Born in 1996, Chae Seo-an debuted in 2021 with KBS2’s “Police University,” and has since been building an impressive filmography with roles in “The Witch: Part 2,” “Moonshine,” and “Pale Moon.”
Now that the world is taking notice, fans are eagerly anticipating her next move—one hopefully free of factories and filled with more unforgettable screen moments.
