Why Han So-hee turned to diary writing after removing her tattoos

Han So-hee / Coutresy of 9ATO Entertainment

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Actress Han So-hee, 32, has found a new way to spend her time, turning to diary writing as a tool to manage her emotions.

Han recently spoke about her daily life during a promotional interview for the film “Project Y” held in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. Once known for the tattoos on her arms and other parts of her body, Han has now removed them entirely.

“As I work, I have to wear dresses and portray a wide range of characters. Having tattoos limited the clothes and roles I could take on, so I decided to remove them. I can always get them again later,” she said, adding that “the removal process was extremely painful."

After relying on exercise to relieve stress, she said she has recently become absorbed in keeping a diary.

“These days, I write in a diary. Writing a diary helps a lot when it comes to managing your emotions,” Han said.

As the trend of “decorating diaries” continues to gain popularity among Generation Z and millennials, Han said starting her diary at the beginning of the year helps calm her mind. With mental health considered just as important as physical health, the question arises as to whether diary writing truly helps regulate emotions.

For many young people, a diary is more than a place to write daily entries. It serves as a space to organize work, plans, goals, emotions and self-reflection, helping individuals care for themselves. Decorating a diary with stickers and personal touches allows people to express their tastes, often bringing stress relief and a sense of healing.

Writing down emotions in a diary is known to be an effective way to manage feelings by creating distance and encouraging reflection. Honestly recording moods and emotions can reduce stress and anxiety while improving self-understanding. Studies have also shown that expressive writing activities help improve emotional regulation.

Putting emotions into words helps organize thoughts, leading to calmness, reduced stress and emotional stability. It can also ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. By tracking daily routines and emotional triggers, individuals can identify patterns and gain a more objective understanding of themselves.

Experts recommend writing down daily emotions along with the reasons behind them. Being honest rather than embellishing feelings helps reveal recurring stressors over time.

Keeping a gratitude journal alongside emotional records can also be beneficial. Actress Song Hye-kyo is known to continue writing gratitude journals, and experts suggest listing one to three things to be thankful for each day, including even small moments like “a warm cup of coffee” or “a good lunch.” This practice can help end the day on a positive note and foster a more optimistic mindset.

Writing down tasks for the next day, prioritizing them and reflecting on their importance can also reduce stress and help manage time more efficiently. Ending the day with a warm message to oneself, such as “You worked hard today,” is encouraged as a form of self-compassion.

Experts note that writing by hand in a physical diary, rather than on a smartphone, can have a calming effect. The practice of copying meaningful passages by hand has remained popular, and diary writing can offer similar benefits. There is no need to focus on length or perfection, as even three honest lines are enough to begin.

This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.