I absolutely love the term ‘New Beauty.’ It resonates with the idea of one’s own beauty as if I’ve become the new era's representative icon. It’s a gratifying feeling that makes me proud, like I‘ve lived my life well. Haha. I’m genuinely happy.

The musical Kinky Boots is currently in full swing, and Gwanghwamun Love Song starts on October 23rd. On TV, I’ve recently joined MBC’s Midnight Horror Story. It’s a show where the cast members, known as "horror storytellers," unravel spooky tales submitted by viewers. Interestingly, we don’t see any reenactments during filming, but to help the audience immerse themselves in the story, we must act as if we’re watching the scenes unfold. Lately, people I run into keep complimenting my performances, saying they enjoy the show and my acting, which I hadn’t expected. Thanks to this program, I feel like I’ve been firmly recognized as a variety show personality and an actor, for which I’m incredibly grateful. Also, I’m thrilled to have taken on the role of MC for the revamped SBS show, What on Earth!, which promises to be much fun.

I've been a musical actor for 23 years, and I can cross over into so many different genres because of my musical background. Musicals provide a strong foundation. It’s a comprehensive art form that requires singing, dancing, and acting, which all come into play in various fields. The process of putting on and removing makeup has been helpful for beauty segments in home shopping. My experience wearing a wide range of costumes on stage has allowed me to navigate fashion-related shows. Since musicals are performed live, I’ve also adapted well to radio hosting. Acting for TV dramas or films and even performing on music shows that require singing all stem from the core strength that musical gives me. It’s what enables me to embrace any challenge with an open mind.

The key to maintaining positive energy is self-awareness. I constantly strive to view myself objectively. For example, this past summer was brutally hot. I had an outdoor event, and the outfit was a traditional hanbok. The hanbok, made by a master artisan, was stunning but unbearably hot. Because the space was open, many people asked for photos. I obliged, but between the heat and the crowd, I felt myself getting a little worn out. Some people even snapped pictures without asking, which was a bit distracting. But when I got home, I reflected on it and realized that I had momentarily forgotten how fortunate I was to be recognized. Imagine if I had gone to the event and no one had asked for a photo—that would have been far more awkward! Reflecting on moments like that helps me approach everything with gratitude and joy. I think that’s what fuels my positive energy, and perhaps it’s part of the journey to becoming a superstar, ha ha ha.

The next step is returning to the essence of being an actor and excelling in my craft. This is my fourth time playing the role of Charlie in Kinky Boots. For those who have seen previous productions, they might notice something different this time around. That’s because I had a significant realization the day before our first performance. During rehearsals, I was feeling confident, maybe too much so. Having done this role before, I thought I had it down, but something felt off. I realized that my approach to the character was outdated. The Ho-young Kim of 2016 is different from the Ho-young Kim of 2024. My experience, age, and public standing have all evolved. In this latest season, I’ve grown as an actor but still acted like my former self. This misalignment was affecting how I portrayed Charlie. In the show, Charlie struggles to save his family’s shoe factory. I pushed myself to express that struggle with more passion and intensity, but that heightened energy wasn’t suited to the character. My confidence and clear diction—traits I usually take pride in—were getting in the way of fully embodying Charlie, and I realized this the day before we went live.

It was nerve-wracking, and letting go of my usual instincts was challenging, but fortunately, I managed to pull it off. I resisted the urge to "do more" as Ho-young Kim's Charlie. I had to do less—much less. I worked on softening my pronunciation, pulling back during the songs, and focusing more on portraying Charlie's awkwardness rather than his determination. Interestingly, my nervousness helped the character, making him more relatable. This performance made me reflect on the beauty of subtraction—of doing less.

We’ve seen so many boundaries blur these days, haven’t we? It’s not just that the fences are coming down; it’s like a massive wave has flooded everything, leaving froth in its wake. While we must adapt to the times, I believe it’s crucial not to get swept away by trends. In trying to keep my balance, I’ve realized I need to focus on what I truly want, what I’ve always wanted, and what I aim to do in the future. To see that, I must strip away the layers and face my unadorned self, not the image I've built over time. It’s like skincare: the most important thing is the tone and texture of your skin. Everything comes down to the basics. I’ve come to believe that having a solid foundation is true beauty. The beauty that shines through when everything else is wiped away—that’s the kind of beauty I believe in, and that’s what New Beauty means to me.

Absolutely. When people look at Ho-young Kim, they often see someone vibrant, full of color and flair, but beneath all that, there’s a solid strength in my bare self. The public has come to recognize that side of me, which is why I’m here today as a New Beauty icon. In the past, I thought I had to add more layers to express myself. These days, I focus on the beauty that shines even after wiping everything away. My goal is not to feel ashamed when facing my true, bare self. To me, New Beauty is about discovering and recognizing the beauty that emerges as you strip away the excess. The more you remove, the more you uncover your true beauty.

I instantly thought of someone—veteran stage actress Jung-ja Park. Even in her eighties, she is stunning, both as an actor and as a person. She once said, "I am a work in progress." She’s not living as the Jung-ja Park of the past; she’s thriving as the Jung-ja Park of today. I recently watched her in the musical Hero and the play Hamlet. She said she would appear only briefly, but her energy filled the stage. Interestingly, after the performance, she would come out with her makeup entirely removed, her face bare. She understands true beauty—beauty that’s authentic and personal. Watching her made me realize that New Beauty is all about this.

I want to keep moving forward, showcasing the solid beauty beneath the surface. If the opportunity arises, I’d love to venture abroad. At that point, I might need to add a few new layers to introduce myself to a broader audience, haha! But I’ll always keep that core beauty—the beauty of my bare self—intact.

Don’t hesitate! Let go of the fear of trying something new. Age doesn’t matter—challenge yourself in any way you can. Through that, you’ll discover who you are. If blush is trending, give it a try. Sure, you might end up looking more like a tipsy person than the fresh, dewy look you were hoping for, but that’s okay! Now you know that a fruit-tinted look isn’t for you. I, too, keep experimenting and stripping away the things that don’t suit me, all while searching for the beauty that’s truly mine. I encourage you to do the same—take bold steps and find the beauty that fits you best.

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