“You’re too ugly. Acting’s not for you.” That was the harsh verdict from one audition panel. A young girl stood there, filled with dreams, only to be met with icy rejection.
But instead of breaking down, she held on—with even more love for acting—and became a celebrated actress who eventually graced the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival.
That girl is Chun Woo-hee.
Humble Beginnings with a Warm Heart
Born in Icheon, South Korea, Chun Woo-hee grew up with a potter father and a mother who ran a restaurant. Her down-to-earth childhood earned her affectionate nicknames among fans like “rice spoon heiress” and “second-gen rice thief”, thanks to her wholesome image and upbringing.
She was also a model student—always class president or school leader—recognized early on for her sense of responsibility and character.
The Spark on Stage
Chun first discovered acting when she joined a theater club in high school, simply tagging along with a friend. That first experience on stage felt strange but mesmerizing. She instantly knew: this was her path.
Battling Beauty Standards
However, the road to becoming an actress was brutally tough. Although her acting skills were praised, she was often told she didn’t look like a star. “You’re not pretty enough”, “You don’t have the right face for this”…
Instead of letting those words crush her, she responded with a smile, “I must be destined for big things if I’m hearing stuff like this.”
She even coined the term “Woo-hee’s mindset” to describe her ability to turn negativity into motivation.
A Breakthrough Role in “Sunny”
Her breakout moment came with the film “Sunny”, where she portrayed the unhinged character Sang-mi. Her intensity caught the attention of the Korean film industry, with one crew member writing her a letter, “Please become Korea’s female Gary Oldman.”
That message lit a fire in her, and her resolve to never quit acting solidified.
Stepping Onto Cannes with “The Wailing”
Her chilling performance as the mysterious woman in “The Wailing” left viewers captivated. The enigmatic role sparked widespread interpretation and further proved her versatility as an actress.
Now two decades into her career, Chun Woo-hee still says, “I believe I can become an even better actress.” And with each new role, she keeps proving just that.
From hearing “you’re too ugly to act” to stunning critics and fans alike with her talent and emotional depth, Chun Woo-hee’s journey is a powerful story of inner strength, resilience and unwavering passion.