Model-turned-actress Jeong Hye-in (34), known as ‘Hyecom’ these days, has taken on her first melodrama challenge through the film ‘Sunny Day’ (directed by Lee Chang-moo).
Meeting at a café in Samcheong-dong on the 13th, she showcased her unique visuals that looked like they were torn from a comic. After greeting the press with a bright smile, she expressed, “I feel nervous and pressured as the release approaches, but I’m very excited” about meeting the audience.
Jeong Hye-in stated, “We started filming last winter and are finally presenting it after a year. It’s a warm and small film, and I’m glad to meet the audience so quickly. I hope everyone enjoys it as it was made with a lot of love and effort from many people.”
‘Sunny Day’, themed around ‘Restarting Life’, begins with superstar Seon-hee (played by Jeong Hye-in) returning to her hometown of Wando after a divorce lawsuit and meeting her first love, Dong-pil (played by Choi Daniel).
Seon-hee, who was doing well in her hometown, moved to Seoul to pursue her dream of becoming an actress but was used by her husband, the CEO of an investment company. Trying to get a divorce wasn’t easy, so she returned to her hometown and reunited with Dong-pil. They each go through trials but heal each other by embracing their pains.
She said, “I thought I could show a different side from the strong characters I’ve played before, so I took on this challenge. I felt that Seon-hee was a character that resembled my inner self, which is different from my outward image. That’s why I liked Seon-hee even more and wanted to express her.”
“I really wanted to do a melodrama. It’s everyone’s dream, right? I had a wish to do a fresh and beautiful melodrama at least once, and I was grateful to get this opportunity. I wanted to show a different tone, appearance, and atmosphere, so I paid close attention to the details.”
The set and the results were as satisfying as expected. Jeong Hye-in shared, “The filming location being an island and maintaining a soft, dreamy emotion made everything naturally smooth, fun, and delightful. The process of getting closer to my co-actor was quicker than usual, and the chemistry was comfortable. I recalled my past self and thought about my first love, spending an emotionally fulfilling time.”
Jeong Hye-in praised her co-actor Choi Daniel (playing Jo Dong-pil), saying, “I think I could express it in such words throughout the filming. I fell into him (Jo Dong-pil + to seep in).”
She added, “As I slowly began to open my heart, Daniel oppa led me very well until I deeply fell for Dong-pil. At some point, it felt like I was naturally immersed in the romance.”
“Thanks to oppa, I think I was able to become ‘Seon-hee’ more easily than I had feared. Before matching my rhythm with him, he had a strong image of the ‘ideal first love church oppa’ for everyone. But when I met him in person, he was kind and had a warm presence. He was a really good actor and a good person.”
She reunited with Kang Eun-tak, with whom she had acted as a couple in the drama ‘Until the End of Love’ (2018), after seven years. Jeong Hye-in expressed, “We were rivals in the previous work, and it’s the same this time. I felt a bit more comfortable, and he helped me not to feel nervous on set. I learned a lot from him.”
It’s impossible to talk about Jeong Hye-in without mentioning the 2021 SBS variety show ‘Goal Dae Nyeo’ (hereafter ‘Goal Dae Nyeo’).
Gaining public attention through her appearance on ‘Goal Dae Nyeo’, she is a key member of the FC Actionista team. Showcasing aggressive play based on strong stamina and speed, she is also known as ‘Hyecom’. With her exceptional kicking power and ball-keeping skills, she has established herself as a key player on the team, consistently performing since the early days of the program. Last year, she even won the Best Female Award at the SBS Entertainment Awards.
When asked about her ‘Goal Dae Nyeo’ colleagues’ reactions to her becoming the lead in a melodrama, she shyly covered her face, saying, “I feel more embarrassed. I’m so shy.” She continued, “I’m used to showing my soccer skills, but seeing myself as the lead in a melodrama on the big screen makes me feel awkward. Still, it feels good. I’m receiving a lot of support from those around me.”
“As I’ve been doing this for a long time, it’s a process of refinement, but I think I’ve accumulated inner sadness as well. Like everyone else, as I became an adult and experienced reality, it happens. Just like Seon-hee in our movie. As an actress known to the public for a long time, I’ve had many inner pains while taking on various challenges. ‘Exercise’ has been the healthiest and most powerful escape for me. ‘Goal Dae Nyeo’ has been a precious experience that allowed me to experience group life, and I’ve gained recognition, friends, and health. It’s a wonderful gift, and I’m receiving very good energy.”
Of course, there are things that cannot be overcome by exercise. It’s the pain of breakup. Jeong Hye-in candidly revealed, “In fact, I had a partner while filming this movie. Now, we have broken up,” surprising everyone. When asked if it was okay to report this, she confidently replied, “Of course.”
Jeong Hye-in shared, “I can usually relieve work-related stress and most other things through exercise, but the pain of breakup is different. Fortunately, I can now talk about it calmly. Of course, there’s no beauty in any breakup, but we decided to remain friends. It was painful at first, but I’ve managed to keep the beautiful memories as time went on.”
Finally, when asked about her current ‘ideal type’, she replied, “A comfortable person with whom I can share hobbies.” Jeong Hye-in expressed, “I hope we can always be comfortable together, sometimes like friends and sometimes like lovers. I like someone with a gentle, soft tofu-like appearance, which is the opposite of mine. Above all, I want to meet someone who gives me a sense of stability.”
“I’m personally proud and happy to meet the audience with a warm story and a new face after a long time. Even though it’s a cold and chilly season, I hope that for a moment, you can spend a little warm and fluffy time with our movie.”
The film ‘Sunny Day’ will be released on the 19th.
