Actress Choi Hee-jin: Embracing New Challenges with ‘Sonya’ Character
Choi Hee-jin Graces Cosmopolitan’s July Issue – Sharing Insights & Inspiration
Spotlight on Choi Hee-jin
Choi Hee-jin, the rising star captivating audiences with her role as ‘Sonya’, the anthropomorphized cat in the JTBC drama More Beautiful Than Heaven, is making waves in the entertainment industry. With her recent feature in Cosmopolitan’s July issue, Choi explored her journey and the inspiration behind her standout performance.
The Role of ‘Sonya’
In an engaging interview, Choi expressed her delight in the audience’s reaction to her character. She shared, “It felt so surreal; I received a flood of messages from friends sending TikToks and Reels of ‘Sonya’. Even friends would text saying they keep seeing me in their algorithms!” Choi dedicated herself to understanding her character by observing feline behaviors, a task she approached with both curiosity and dedication.
The Learning Process
Reflecting on her preparation, Choi noted, “Since I don’t own a cat, I started by watching cat videos and reading related books. I even visited neighborhoods in Mokpo where many cats reside to observe them. Working alongside the veteran actress Kim Hye-ja helped me embody the feline essence of ‘Sonya’. Hye-ja’s encouragement was invaluable; she would say, ‘Wow, you really seem like a cat!’ Her compliments boosted my confidence immensely.”
Personal Reflections
Outside her onscreen roles, Choi Hee-jin is a cinephile, curating her film collection under the hashtag #HeeJinMovieList on Instagram. “It’s a list I’ve maintained since my university days, filled with films that uplift me or inspire my craft,” Choi explained. For her, a good film offers lasting impressions and a sense of healing, drawing examples from La La Land which presented a resonate sense of personal and professional growth.
Embracing Challenges
Her adventurous spirit drives her artistic pursuits. Choi candidly discussed, “Challenges are the reason I pursue this career. Every new character and project offers unique learning experiences. Presently, I’m filming Idol Eye (tentative title) which is continually inspiring me with fresh insights.”
Choi’s feature and conversation with Cosmopolitan are available in the July issue, on sale nationwide.
