Han So Hee’s Hidden Act of Kindness: 50 Million Won Gift for Theater Students

Han So Hee, who was praised for her powerful performances in “My Name” and rising status in the Korean entertainment industry, has once again shown that her heart is as big as her talent. Recently, it was revealed that the actress quietly gifted laptops worth over 50 million Korean won (approx. 36,000 USD) to 43 students at the Seoul Institute of the Arts, without ever intending for the story to go public.

According to action director Kim Min-soo, who worked closely with Han So Hee on the 2021 drama “My Name”, the actress volunteered to conduct an intensive one-week action workshop for acting majors last July. Though initially scheduled to teach for a single day, she surprised everyone by training the students for four hours daily, diving deep into not only action choreography but also facial expressions and emotional delivery. She was also friendly and familiar with the students, to the point they call her “team leader” throughout the special lecture.

On the final day, Han So Hee gifted each of the 43 students a laptop, entirely out of her own pocket. She had reportedly been moved by a student struggling with a broken phone, and after learning of some students’ financial challenges, decided to help in a way that would support their education and future careers.

Kim estimates the total cost of the surprise gifts to be over 50 million won, and adds that in his decades of running action schools, he’s never seen anything like it.

So why did it take nearly a year for the story to surface? Because Han So Hee specifically asked students and staff not to tell anyone. It was only after Kim insisted that her kind act “deserved to be known, regardless of the amount,” that he decided to share the story publicly.

Additionally, Han So Hee didn’t stop at just the gifts. On the students’ graduation day, the actress put on her own makeup and personally handed out certificates, staying connected with them in a group chat even after the workshop ended.

“She might look cool on the outside, but she’s warm, humble, and loyal,” Director Kim said. According to him, when they first met, he was worried because she had no athletic background and looked weak. However, as Han So Hee came to the action school everyday and practiced tirelessly until she improved.

Meanwhile, Han So Hee is currently preparing for the release of her upcoming film “Project Y,” co-starring Jeon Jong-seo. The story follows two women fighting to escape rock bottom by stealing hidden cash and gold bars.