Seo Hyun Jin, who many fans may know as a first-generation idol before becoming a successful actress, opened up about her time in SM Entertainment’s girl group MILK and why she doesn’t feel disappointed about their absence from SM’s 30th-anniversary lineup.

On December 6, during an interview at a café in Seoul to promote her Netflix series "The Trunk", Seo Hyun Jin shared her thoughts about being recognized as a girl group member-turned-actress.

She humbly laughed, saying, “I was only active for about a year. It feels undeserved to be called a first-generation idol, but it still makes me happy when people refer to me that way.”

Seo Hyun Jin debuted in 2001 as part of MILK, under SM Entertainment. Reflecting on her idol days, she admitted, “Idols now see their roles as a profession, but back then, I didn’t think of it as a job. That might be why I couldn’t continue being an idol—it didn’t feel like work to me. These days, idols are doing such an amazing job because they take it seriously as their career.”

When asked if she was disappointed that MILK wasn’t featured in SM Entertainment’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, Seo Hyun Jin had a cheerful response: “I didn’t even know it was SM’s 30th anniversary! Let’s just say neither SM nor I are upset about it.”

The actress also shared her perspective on her acting career. “I don’t often think of myself as an ‘actress.’ That feeling comes when I’m on set because I see everyone working so hard, and it makes me feel responsible too. But when a project ends, I feel like I’m just unemployed. Outside of work, I want to live as just Seo Hyun Jin.”

As she approaches her 40s, Seo Hyun Jin reflected on aging and life’s changes. “I definitely feel myself getting older. On set, even the mothers of child actors are younger than me. It made me realize, ‘Oh, I’m at an age where I could have a child that old.’”

When it comes to marriage, she shared, “If I meet someone wonderful, I’ll get married. But for now, I’m more focused on growing as an adult and living my life properly.”

Seo Hyun Jin stars in the Netflix original drama "The Trunk", which premiered on November 29. The series is a mystery romance about two people dealing with their own loneliness and finding unexpected love through a unique contract marriage service. Seo Hyun Jin plays "Noh In Ji", a woman hurt by marriage, while Gong Yoo stars as "Han Jung Won", a man struggling with solitude despite being married.

Fans are excited to see Seo Hyun Jin’s performance in the series, which is based on the novel by Kim Ryeo Ryung and directed by Kim Kyu Tae ("It’s Okay, That’s Love").

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]