Actress Lee Da Hae has opened up about the difficulties of returning to acting after spending years away from Korean television dramas, revealing that fewer available roles and changes in the entertainment industry have made her more cautious about choosing new projects.
On October 21, Lee Da Hae appeared on the YouTube channel A-Class Jang Young Ran, where she discussed her acting career, her popularity in China, and the reasons viewers have not seen her regularly in Korean dramas in recent years.
During the conversation, host Jang Young Ran mentioned that many viewers had missed seeing Lee Da Hae on television and were curious about her extended absence.
In response, the actress explained that finding suitable acting opportunities has become more difficult as she has grown older.
Lee Da Hae shared, "I think many actresses around my age will understand this, but the range of roles available to us becomes narrower."
She also pointed to the current situation in the Korean drama industry, explaining that the challenging market has made her think more carefully before accepting new projects.
"The drama market isn't doing very well these days, so I find myself thinking much more carefully when choosing a project," she said.
Beyond the limited roles, Lee Da Hae admitted that spending a long time away from acting has affected her confidence.
The actress revealed that she sometimes questions whether she can still perform as well as she did earlier in her career.
She confessed, "I guess I've become a little timid. I also wonder whether I'll be able to do a good job."
Her comments offered a personal look at the uncertainty she has experienced while considering a return to acting.
Lee Da Hae first gained recognition through Korean dramas before becoming widely known for her leading role in the romantic comedy My Girl.
The 2005 drama became a major success and helped establish her popularity beyond South Korea, particularly in China.
During the interview, Lee Da Hae recalled how dramatically her career changed following the success of My Girl.
She explained that the drama brought her numerous opportunities, including public appearances and advertising projects.
"After My Girl, my popularity really took off. I attended so many events and filmed so many advertisements. Everything was happening so quickly, and I received so much love," she recalled.
The actress also revealed that the drama remains popular among Chinese audiences even after many years.
She shared, "Even now, when I attend events in China, they still play the background music from My Girl."
Following her breakthrough, Lee Da Hae continued building her acting career through dramas such as Hello! Miss, The Slave Hunters, Miss Ripley, and IRIS 2.
However, despite her earlier success and continued recognition among international audiences, she acknowledged that the opportunities available to actresses can change over time.
Her latest remarks highlighted not only the difficulties of taking on new roles after an extended break but also the personal pressure she feels when considering her next project.
Rather than rushing into another drama, Lee Da Hae suggested that she has become more careful about choosing roles that suit her abilities and the current entertainment market.
While she did not announce a new acting project during the interview, her comments showed that she continues to think seriously about her future as an actress.
For Lee Da Hae, returning to Korean dramas is no longer simply about finding another role. It also involves rebuilding her confidence and navigating an industry where she feels the choices for actresses her age have become more limited.
