Ha Yul-ri has named her role as Sohye in “The Tale of Lady Ok” the turning point of her acting career, saying the drama finally made viewers remember her by name.
In a wrap-up interview with Xports News on October 15 for tvN’s “Lotto 1st Prize Goes to Work,” Ha reflected on her shift from the fierce Sohye to Ji-hye, a timid sales-team contract worker — the opposite of the strong, outspoken roles in “The Red Sleeve,” “Pyramid Game,” and “The Tale of Lady Ok.”
Ha never expected to land the part. “I thought strong characters suited my image much better, so when I auditioned for Ji-hye, I figured I had no chance,” she said. She slowed her speech and softened her gaze — and found Ji-hye synced with her real self more than any character before. Off-screen, she says, she is shy and prefers listening to talking.
“The Tale of Lady Ok had to be the biggest turning point,” she said. “It was the drama that made many people recognize me as an actress.” Comments shifted from “Who is that actress?” to “That’s the one who played Sohye” — and many noticed the change in her eyes.
Ha felt no pressure following the hit, focusing on repaying viewers’ love through her work. Watching the finale, she got choked up, feeling the senior cast’s lines cheering her on: “You are a valuable person, and you’re doing well.” Her goal: to become an actress recognized by her name alone.
