Ha Ji Won
Info
🙂 Native Name: 전해림 (Jeon Hae-rim)
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: June 28, 1978
🏠 Birth Place: Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Cancer
📏 Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
💍 Spouse: Not married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Ha Ji-won, born Jeon Hae-rim on June 28, 1978, in Seoul, South Korea, is a renowned actress celebrated for her versatility across various genres, including action, drama, and romance. She pursued her passion for acting from a young age, eventually earning a degree in Film and Television from Dankook University.
Ha Ji-won’s acting career commenced with supporting roles in television dramas, but her breakthrough arrived with the horror film “Phone” (2002), which garnered her critical acclaim and established her as a leading actress. She continued to showcase her range with notable performances in films like “Sex Is Zero” (2002), a romantic comedy, and “Closer to Heaven” (2009), a poignant drama about a couple facing terminal illness.
In television, Ha Ji-won gained widespread recognition for her roles in historical dramas such as “Damo” (2003) and “Hwang Jini” (2006), where she portrayed complex characters with depth and authenticity. Her performance in the romantic fantasy series “Secret Garden” (2010–2011), alongside Hyun Bin, further solidified her status as a top Hallyu star, earning her numerous awards and international fame.
Beyond acting, Ha Ji-won has ventured into writing, publishing her memoir “At This Moment” in 2012, where she reflects on her career and personal growth. She has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, supporting various charitable causes. Throughout her illustrious career, Ha Ji-won has remained a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry, admired for her talent, dedication, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
Hobbies
Horse Riding: Ha Ji-won has developed a passion for horse riding, a skill she honed for her role in the historical drama “Empress Ki.” Her dedication to mastering this skill showcases her commitment to her craft.
Martial Arts: To prepare for action-packed roles, she has trained in martial arts, including Hapkido and Kendo. This training not only enhances her performances but also reflects her dedication to physical fitness.
Jazz Dancing: Ha Ji-won enjoys jazz dancing, which complements her dynamic acting roles and showcases her versatility as a performer.
Swimming: She finds relaxation and maintains her fitness through swimming, a hobby she has cultivated over the years.
Traveling: Ha Ji-won has expressed a love for traveling, often sharing her experiences and the inspiration she draws from different cultures.
Interests
Fashion: Known for her elegant style, Ha Ji-won has a keen interest in fashion and has been featured in various fashion magazines.
Photography: She enjoys capturing moments through photography, often sharing her work on social media platforms.
Literature: Ha Ji-won has a profound appreciation for literature and has even published her own book, “At This Moment,” where she reflects on her life and career.
Music: She has dabbled in music, releasing a song titled “Now In This Place” for the “Empress Ki” soundtrack, showcasing her vocal abilities.
Cooking: Ha Ji-won has expressed an interest in culinary arts, often experimenting with new recipes and cuisines.
Facts
Stage Name Origin: Her stage name, Ha Ji-won, was inspired by her manager’s first love, a name she thought was pretty and bold.
Failed Numerous Auditions: Before her debut, she faced over 100 failed auditions, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Versatile Actress: Ha Ji-won is acclaimed for her ability to portray a wide range of characters, from action heroines to romantic leads, earning her the title of one of South Korea’s most versatile actresses.
International Recognition: She became the first Korean actress to sign with Hollywood’s United Talent Agency (UTA) in 2013, marking her entry into the global entertainment scene.
Philanthropy: Ha Ji-won is actively involved in charitable activities, including donating scholarships to students pursuing arts and physical education.
Secrets
Private Personal Life: Despite her fame, Ha Ji-won keeps her personal life private, rarely discussing her relationships or family matters in public.
Fear of Heights: She has admitted to having a fear of heights, which she had to overcome for certain action scenes in her projects.
Introverted Nature: Contrary to her on-screen persona, Ha Ji-won considers herself introverted and enjoys spending time alone to recharge.
Perfectionist: She is known to be a perfectionist, often immersing herself deeply into her roles to deliver authentic performances.
Early Career Struggles: Before achieving fame, she faced numerous rejections and hardships, which she seldom discusses, highlighting her humble beginnings.
Funny Things
Prankster on Set: Ha Ji-won is known among her co-stars for her playful nature, often pulling light-hearted pranks during filming to lighten the mood.
Laughter Fits: She has a tendency to burst into uncontrollable laughter during serious scenes, leading to multiple retakes.
Mimicking Accents: Ha Ji-won enjoys mimicking various accents and dialects, entertaining her colleagues with impromptu performances.
Clumsy Moments: Despite her graceful image, she has had her share of clumsy moments, such as tripping over props on set, which she laughs off gracefully.
Foodie Adventures: She once confessed to sneaking out during filming breaks to explore local street food, much to the amusement of her staff.
Fears
Public Speaking: Despite her acting prowess, Ha Ji-won experiences anxiety when speaking in front of large audiences outside of her acting roles.
Insects: She has a notable fear of insects, often reacting dramatically when encountering them, which has been a source of amusement on variety shows.
Deep Water: While she enjoys swimming, Ha Ji-won has expressed discomfort in deep water, preferring to stay within safe depths.
Ghosts: Having starred in horror films early in her career, she developed a fear of ghosts and avoids watching horror movies alone.
Failure: Ha Ji-won harbors a deep-seated fear of failure, which drives her to continually challenge herself and strive for excellence in her craft.
News
Upcoming Mystery Drama Role (September 2023): Ha Ji-won is in discussions to star in the thriller drama “Murder Case of a Visiting Tutor in J Apartment,” marking her potential return to television since “Curtain Call.” The series will follow a protagonist investigating the murder of a friend and fellow tutor.
Guest Appearance on ‘You Quiz on the Block’ (November 2023): On November 29, 2023, Ha Ji-won appeared on the 221st episode of tvN’s “You Quiz on the Block,” where she discussed her personal life, including her admiration for her mother and her hobby of stargazing.
Revealing Past Casting Decisions (November 2023): During her appearance on “You Quiz on the Block,” Ha Ji-won shared insights into her decision to decline working with actor Lee Seo-jin in the past, providing fans with a rare glimpse into her career choices.
Establishing Her Own Agency (February 2024): Ha Ji-won discussed her decision to start her own entertainment agency after receiving numerous offers from other companies. She expressed a desire for freedom and independence in managing her career, leading to the establishment of her own company.
In Talks for Political Thriller ‘Climax’ (November 2024): Ha Ji-won is reportedly in negotiations to star alongside Joo Ji-hoon in the political thriller K-drama “Climax.” The series is expected to depict the story of a married couple navigating the complexities of political ambition, with filming anticipated to begin in early 2025.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Ha Ji-won, primarily celebrated for her acting prowess, has also ventured into the music scene through various endeavors:
1. Music Video Appearances: Ha Ji-won has featured in several music videos, collaborating with various artists:
- “Mother’s Diary” (2000) by Wax: She portrayed a pivotal role, marking her early involvement in the music industry.
- “Oppa” (2003) by Wax: Her appearance in this music video further showcased her versatility.
- “Love Story” (2008) by Rain: She starred alongside Rain, adding depth to the narrative of the song.
- “Daddy” (2015) by PSY: Ha Ji-won made a cameo appearance in this popular music video.
2. Singing Performances:
- “Oppa” Stage Performance: Ha Ji-won performed Wax’s song “Oppa” on stage, blending her acting and singing talents.
3. Songwriting:
- “Now In This Place” (2015): She wrote the lyrics for this song, which was composed by singer The Film and released in June 2015.
While Ha Ji-won’s primary acclaim stems from her acting career, these musical endeavors highlight her multifaceted talents and contributions to the entertainment industry.
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