Son Na Eun discusses pressures transitioning from Apink idol to actress
Son Na Eun candidly spoke about the pressures she has faced as an idol-turned-actress and how she has gradually learned to become more independent.
On July 22, actress Ha Ji Young posted a new video titled “Son Na Eun talks about her first meeting with So Ji Sub, getting approached overseas, ‘Agent Kim Reactivated,’ and the real Son Na Eun” on her YouTube channel.
During the interview, host Ha Ji Young asked Son Na Eun about her first impression of actor So Ji Sub, her co-star in the SBS Friday-Saturday drama ‘Agent Kim Reactivated‘.
Son Na Eun: “It was during the script reading, and I was honestly amazed. I’ve watched so many of his projects over the years, and he’s famous for his nickname ‘So Ganzi’ (So Cool). I expected him to have this incredible aura, and when he was sitting there, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Wow.'”
When Ha Ji Young mentioned how awkward the atmosphere was during their first meeting because both actors are shy, Son Na Eun laughed and addressed the cast dynamic.
Son Na Eun: “So Ji Sub, Yoon Kyung Ho, Choi Dae Hoon, Joo Sang Wook, and I are all introverts. Isn’t that surprising?”
Son Na Eun: “They don’t seem that way because they’re completely different when they’re acting. I’m the type of person who starts conversations first because I worry the other person might feel uncomfortable, but since they were my seniors, I didn’t know what to say. I spent the entire shoot thinking, ‘What should I talk about?'”
Son Na Eun also reflected on how her own personality once held her back. She admitted she used to limit herself and now feels she missed out on experiences when she was younger.
Son Na Eun: “I used to put so many limits on myself. I’d tell myself, ‘I shouldn’t do things like this.’ Looking back, I feel like I missed out. I should have experienced more when I was younger, and I regret that. Things have gotten much better now. I didn’t force myself to change—it just happened naturally. Now I can comfortably talk to people I’ve just met.”
She revealed that even into her mid-to-late twenties, simple everyday tasks such as going to the bank or walking around by herself felt difficult.
Ha Ji Young encouraged her, saying that because she entered the entertainment industry at such a young age and spent much of her career under the protection of those around her, she is only now beginning to experience an independent life.
Son Na Eun: “I think that’s true. I really feel like I’m living as myself now. It feels great, but with that also comes a greater sense of responsibility.”
The actress also spoke honestly about the pressure that comes with being labeled a singer-turned-actress.
Son Na Eun: “I always feel like people are judging me. And because I started out as a singer, there’s an extra layer to that. I still feel it sometimes. It’s gotten much better, but I’m trying not to dwell on those thoughts”
Son Na Eun: “That’s why I work even harder and try to keep improving. When I go to filming, I make an effort to approach people first and smile so I can feel more comfortable. Because of that, I now feel like I can really handle it”
Son Na Eun debuted as a member of Apink in 2011 and rose to fame through the group’s many hit songs. After officially leaving the group in 2022, she has focused on building her acting career.