In a recent interview held at a café in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul, following the conclusion of KBS2’s daily drama “Cinderella Game,” actress Han Groo reflected on her journey juggling the demands of filming and raising twins alone without a manager.
“Cinderella Game” tells the story of a woman used as a fake daughter by her enemy, who grows through revenge and healing. In the drama, Han Groo portrayed Goo Hana, a fiercely independent and responsible woman.
Despite the pressures, Han Groo revealed she took on the entire filming schedule without the assistance of a manager, explaining, “I wondered if I could do it. I endured it using the strength I built raising my children. Even without a nanny, I managed alone. Shifting that energy into work helped me realize I could push through,” she said.
Although she briefly considered hiring a driver due to fatigue, Han Groo ultimately drove herself to the filming set throughout the project, save for two occasions when she needed substitute drivers. “I even picked up my stylist alone. It was actually fun,” she noted.
“Driving to the set kept me awake and gave me time to plan my day. I also gained a new appreciation for the hard work of everyone on set.”
While filming, Han Groo received critical support from her mother and extended family, although there were difficulties. “At first, my aunt helped a lot, but there were emotional conflicts with the kids. At one point, she said she couldn’t do it anymore. It was chaotic, but I’m grateful we pulled through,” Han Groo recalled.
Talking about her twins’ initial reaction to her absence, she said, “In the beginning, they cried a lot. Since I had raised them almost entirely alone, it took time for them to adjust to other caregivers. It was tough at first, but now they’ve grown and become more independent. Watching that change was emotional for me.”
When asked if she had doubts about returning to work, Han Groo responded, “Before I resumed my career, I devoted myself completely to my children. I gave them everything. So although I was worried, I felt less guilt because I had truly done my best. Raising two kids alone gave me the strength to hold myself together.”
Through her heartfelt reflections, Han Groo’s story resonated deeply with many, highlighting the resilience and determination required to balance motherhood and career in the demanding entertainment industry.
