Actress Seo Yea-ji made her appearance on a variety show after 8 years, opening up about various stories surrounding her.
On the afternoon of the 30th, Seo Yea-ji appeared as a guest on TV CHOSUN’s 'The Dish of Chef Hong Young-man,’ taking a trip to Wonju, Gangwon Province. This is Seo Yea-ji's first variety show appearance in 8 years.
Seo Yea-ji, who revisited Wonju, the filming location of tvN’s 'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay,' stated, "We filmed 'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay' in Gangwon Province," adding, "There are many hidden great restaurants in this area."
The two people, having enjoyed gamjaongshim (potato dumplings), shared stories while tasting potato pancakes and gamjaongshim. Seo Yea-ji, who debuted through the sitcom 'Potato Star 2013QR3,' explained, "I didn’t study acting. I got to know the great sitcom director Kim Byung-wook by chance, and he made me the offer."
In response to Hong Young-man's question about her liking alcohol, Seo Yea-ji said, "I don’t particularly like it, but I can consume it well," adding about her drinking capacity, "It becomes the next day when I get home."
Seo Yea-ji, who also cooks often at home, noted, "I officially started cooking during the severe COVID-19 situation in 2022. I used to pack two lunch boxes—one for my manager and one for myself—when going to the filming set. I even made a vegan pumpkin cake for my manager's birthday."
The two then headed to a makguksu (buckwheat noodles) restaurant. Seo Yea-ji stated, "I’ve had makguksu only once in Gangwon Province. I couldn’t remember the taste at that time because I was tired," adding, "Even though I’ve come here for a few months to film, I think today is the first time I can leisurely take in the view."
After 12 years since her debut, during which she has appeared in 22 works, Seo Yea-ji remarked, "I’ve played many dark roles. Because I have many scars, I’ve often taken on roles where revenge is a way to overcome them," adding, "There were some stressful aspects. When I take on a malicious role, it's tough because some people think that’s my character. It makes social interactions hard."
The final dish for the two was grilled pork belly with hot pepper paste over a charcoal fire. Hong Young-man asked if she had ever felt frustrated acting, and Seo Yea-ji replied, "Yes, many times. But since it’s not something that happens overnight, I thought I had to accept and get over it."
Seo Yea-ji then revealed, "But, as time goes by, I realize that some people have misunderstood me more than I thought. That has become an immense stress over time." To this, Hong Young-man advised, "Just don’t look at the comments."
Additionally, on this day, Seo Yea-ji also premiered her cover dance of Jennie’s 'Mantra,' which she had showcased at the fan meeting.
[Photo] Screenshot of 'The Dish of Chef Hong Young-man' broadcast
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