Han So Hee says criticism is natural if she performs poorly: ‘I should do well for what I’m paid’

Han So Hee shared her straightforward view on acting, saying she believes criticism is natural if she does not perform well enough for the work she is paid to do.

The actress spoke about her mindset during an interview for her upcoming film *The Intern*, which is set to open on September 16.

In the Korean adaptation of the 2015 Hollywood film, Han So Hee plays Sun Woo, the CEO of a fast-growing fashion startup. Choi Min Sik stars as Gi Ho, a veteran worker who joins her company as a senior intern.

While discussing what it was like to act opposite an experienced actor such as Choi Min Sik, Han So Hee said she tries not to let pressure interfere with her performance.

*“I don’t think there is anything good about being nervous,”* she said. *“I try to focus on Gi Ho and Sun Woo rather than thinking of us as Choi Min Sik and Han So Hee.”*

She then explained the strict standard she sets for herself as a professional actress.

*“I act with the mindset that I may never see them again,”* Han So Hee said. *“If I don’t do well, getting criticized or scolded is natural. My mindset is that I should do well for what I’m being paid.”*

She added that effort alone is not enough in a competitive industry.

*“Anyone can work hard. If you want to survive, you have to be good,”* she said.

Han So Hee also revealed that she pushed herself especially hard on *The Intern* because she was working alongside Choi Min Sik. She said she knew she could not compete with his decades of experience and instead focused on matching his energy as much as possible.

*“Doing my best in every project is something I naturally have to do,”* she explained. *“With Choi Min Sik in front of me, I thought that simply being able to respond to his energy would already be a success.”*

She also praised Choi Min Sik’s ability to switch instantly from joking around off camera to becoming completely focused once filming began, saying the experience taught her more about concentration and professionalism.

For Han So Hee, that same attitude appears to shape how she approaches her own career. Rather than relying only on effort or reputation, she said she believes actors should ultimately prove themselves through the quality of their work.