Ha Ji-won discusses missing out on normal life with Sung Si-kyung

During a meeting in Euljiro featured on JTBC's Jiwon, Class of 2026, actress Ha Ji-won expressed regret over missing typical college experiences, such as group dates, because her career began at age 21.

Actress Ha Ji-won met with Sung Si-kyung to discuss the hidden side of her life as an actress and the hardships she faced during times when she could not enjoy a normal college life.

In this meeting revealed through JTBC's Jiwon, Class of 2026, Ha Ji-won transformed into a "freshman of the Class of 2026" to walk around the Euljiro area with Sung Si-kyung for a sincere conversation. The two spent time visiting a handmade donut shop and an LP record shop in Euljiro before continuing their deep conversation over daechang dishes and drinks.

"Like a bird in a cage"... The weight of being an actress

Ha Ji-won confessed to the psychological pressure hidden behind her glamorous life as an actress. She recalled a memory from when she lived in Bangbae-dong, where she went out alone to drink because she was in mental distress. Describing how she ended up just circling the neighborhood before having to return home, she mentioned how difficult it is to be unable to enjoy an ordinary daily life.

In particular, Ha Ji-won reflected on her past radio activities, stating, "There was a feeling like a bird in a cage." Explaining that she felt tied down by her life as an actress, she added that she was a different person back then, worrying about what might happen if she encountered a bad person. She also shared her sentiment that she has become more mature than she was then.

"Regret not having a college life"... Generational differences and empathy shared with Sung Si-kyung

Having started her career around the age of 21, Ha Ji-won expressed regret over her total lack of experience during college years. She noted, "I only started drinking after I turned thirty," saying she had no experience in the streets or bars that people in their early 20s enjoy as college students. This was because her activities in the entertainment industry prevented her from experiencing typical college life, such as blind dates or group dates. Ha Ji-won revealed that she always had a girlfriend before becoming a celebrity, explaining why she could not participate in many group dates or blind dates.

Conversations with Sung Si-kyung also touched upon generational differences and views on dating. When Sung Si-kyung hypothesized a romantic situation from college days, Ha Ji-won gave a realistic response, saying, "As a working professional, you meet with an older man alone." Furthermore, when Sung Si-kyung asked about her dating experiences during college, Ha Ji-won recalled that she always had a girlfriend before becoming a celebrity.

Amidst the atmosphere of Euljiro, the two shared their time by exchanging thoughts on music, food, and the trajectories of their lives. Considering Sung Si-kyung's musical tastes, Ha Ji-won attempted a musical connection by gifting him an LP from the Icelandic band Sigur Ros. Sung Si-kyung responded by introducing a cover album he recently released in Japan, continuing their sincere communication.

Source: original video (YouTube)