[Interview] Im Soo-hyang Always Felt Judged

JTBC drama "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" actress Im Soo-hyang is in the peak season of her life. She has had a happy summer thanks to her role of Kang Mi-rae.

She claims she grew up and healed thanks to "My ID is Gangnam Beauty".

"My ID is Gangnam Beauty" is about a woman who was bullied for her ugliness as a child and grows up to get plastic surgery only to find out university campus life wasn't what she dreamed of.

Many actresses turned down the role for the reason that the main character was a woman who becomes pretty after plastic surgery. However, Im Soo-hyang did it. "I am a fan of the original "My ID is Gangnam Beauty". There was the pressure of [the concept of] plastic surgery, but those who know the original will understand what a nice person Mi-rae is. I wanted to do it well although I know Mi-rae can be frustrating at times".

Im Soo-hyang made the right choice. She made a great impression for herself, even greater than her time in "New Gisaeng Story". It was a chance for her to prove her true self.

"I received comfort when playing Mi-rae. The drama focuses around the outer beauty, which I am sensitive to because of my job. I am always being judged, so I can relate to Mi-rae and the drama".

Im Soo-hyang also had a time when she was very low in self-esteem like Mi-rae. "I get hurt when I read nasty comments about me. No one will not be affected by it. This builds up and ends up bringing our self esteem down until we get complimented and then we feel better. Life is that way for everyone and not just actors".

"I decided to try and focus on the inner beauty more than the outer beauty. The drama has made me stronger. I decided to love myself more. I'm sure I shouldn't be overly confident about myself, but I've decided to love myself more".