(Following [Interview②]) The entertainment industry-themed 'Precious My Star' is a work that brings back memories for Uhm Jung-hwa as well. When asked if there is anything she would like to change if she could go back in time, Uhm Jung-hwa pointed to 'anxiety.'
"I think I was always anxious back then. I loved this job so much that I wanted to meet good projects quickly and keep moving forward, but during times when there were no projects, it was painful. I think I made myself suffer a lot due to impatience, wondering, 'Why aren't good projects coming to me?' So I wonder how it would have been if I had filled that time with something more productive."
It seems she still hasn't completely escaped that anxiety, but now she feels she knows how to fill the gaps between projects.
"I started to understand how to fill and enjoy the time when projects are not given to me after turning forty. I realized late that the time as Uhm Jung-hwa without projects could be this good. I'm traveling, walking my dog, chatting with friends on walks, and watching a lot of books and movies to fill that time."
Since her debut in 1992, Uhm Jung-hwa has maintained her position as a 'top' actress and singer for over 30 years, holding onto the title of 'multi-tainer.' Wasn't there pressure in her position as a leader?
"Rather than pressure, I think I was always scared and felt lost. I couldn't see the future. But because I loved it, I wanted to keep going, thinking that if I did, my juniors could also walk this path. If there is no path, I thought it would be good to try it myself and create a path for my juniors to follow."
In particular, she is positively influenced by her peers like Go Hyun-jung, who are actively working.
"It really gives me strength. I feel like we gain strength from each other, thinking, 'They're still doing great.' This makes me think that we have more stories to tell in the future. My friends of this age are creating paths, and I feel like we are energizing each other and dreaming together."
Recently, she mentioned that she has thought about making a comeback as 'singer' Uhm Jung-hwa, saying, "I've always thought I want to keep making albums."
"I was really happy while doing concerts. Before doing them, I had a lot of fears, but after doing it, I thought I could enjoy the next concert even more. I need to prepare an album to hold a concert, so I have to keep going to meet that moment."
From 'Doctor Cha Jeong-sook,' which tells the story of a 20-year housewife becoming a first-year resident, to 'Precious My Star,' where a top star with a career break pursues her dreams, Uhm Jung-hwa is telling stories of 'dreams' in two consecutive works. What dreams remain for Uhm Jung-hwa, who has achieved success in various fields?
"I want to continue doing this work, for a long time, and do it well. I still feel there are many areas where I am lacking. I want to be an actor who continues to grow without fading with time."
While actively working as an 'all-time legend,' Uhm Jung-hwa still talks about her dreams with shining eyes, reminiscent of Bong Cheong-ja, who strives to regain her lost dreams in 'Precious My Star.' This made it clear why she is a 'star' loved across generations.
Uhm Jung-hwa, who didn't think she would receive such scripts in her 30s and 40s, is looking forward to the acting she will do in the future, and expectations are building for her continued activities.
[Kim Mi-ji, Star Today Reporter]
