Song Hye-kyo interview: 'Song Joong-ki made my heart flutter'

Actress Song Hye-kyo, star of the "Descendants of the Sun" / Courtesy of UAA

Song Hye-kyo shares thoughts on 'Descendants of the Sun'

By Park Jin-hai

The impact of a single drama “Descendants of the Sun” seems to be lasting longer and stronger than any other hallyu, or Korean wave, drama than before.

Although the two-month-long military romance reached its finale last week, the popularity of the drama is yet to wane, where every comment related to its stars graces headlines.

Song Hye-kyo, the heroine of Descendants of the Sun and one of the most influential hallyu stars, finally shared her thoughts about the megahit drama.

“Song Joong-ki played his role so attractively, which even made my heart flutter,” said Song, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, Wednesday. “After I finished filming in December, when the drama was aired, I watched it as a viewer and fell for his charms. After all, I’m really happy that the drama ended well.”

To quench the thirst for the drama, KBS is airing a three-episode special program from Wednesday, which will show some of the highlights and behind-the-scene footage.

Below is an excerpt from the interview with Song.

A scene from "Descendants of the Sun"

Q: You had great romantic chemistry with your co-star Song Joong-ki. Could you share the secret on how to make such great chemistry?

A: With the drama, Song has earned a lot of fandom. When I first read the script, I thought that this drama’s success depended on how the lead actor plays his part and he made it possible.

He played his role so attractively that it even made my heart flutter. That led to the unexpected response from the viewers.

Q: You declined Mitsubishi Motor’s offer to model. Could you tell us the values that you put on chasing your acting career?

A: I was surprised to see the news coverage about that incident. I think even if it were not me, other Korean actors and actresses would have done the same.

All of my activities relate to talks with Professor Seo Kyoung-duk, which began after I realized that I couldn’t find Korean language booklets at famous museums overseas. While having conversations with Seo, I realized that there are many activities to promote Korean culture, so I joined in.

Since I do not know about all historical facts, by consulting with him I’m learning a lot.

Whatever others say, I will continue to do what I believe is right.

Q: Some pointed out the drama unfolded too fast lacking probability in the last two episodes. Do you agree?

A: The drama was filmed to the last scene in advance, which was omitted later before it was aired. Since I read the whole script and acted my part, while I was filming the drama, I never thought about it lacking probability.

Although some people have negative views on it, I personally liked the ending and since it was a drama, I think it is acceptable to have such a thing.

Q: What is your understanding on your role, Dr. Kang Mo-yeon? She was a rare character for screenwriter Kim Eun-sook to write.

A: Kim said that Kang was the first heroine she wrote about who had such a straight talking and confident manner.

Before I met with Kim, the character had not been entirely shaped. When Kim met me and saw my bright side, she retouched the script and that was what created the character Kang.

Q: What did you learn from the drama?

A: When I was in my 20s, I thought that it might be easier to act. But it didn’t get any easier at all. When I begin shooting, I get nervous as I am under pressure to do my job well.

Q: What do you personally think about actor Song?

A: Song Joong-ki is known for his sincerity and manners. Although there were difficult scenes including the earthquake, Song was the same all the time.

The total shooting period for the drama was nearly double that of other dramas. For the whole six months, Song could have been edgy and lose his temper, but he didn’t.

He is younger than me, but I thought I found many things to learn from him. He did his job perfectly in the drama, and he is such a great person.

Q: Your acting has been outstanding in the drama. What kind of actress do you want to be remembered as by viewers?

A: Regardless of the success of a drama or film, I will be satisfied if viewers say that my acting has progressed and has gained more depth.

I personally think that it is acceptable if I take a step forward and can act with more diverse expressions and feelings.

I don’t usually paint a big picture on what I’ll do in the future. One thing that is clear is that I will do my best in the current place where I am at.

Q: What kind of genre or character do you want to do next time?

A: There aren’t such diverse characters that an actress can do here, compared with actors. It’s not that there aren’t as many talented actresses as actors.

I wish screenwriters would create more diverse female characters, showing different sides of actresses in dramas and films.