There’s an undeniable aura around those who immerse themselves in their work with conviction; their light shines brightly, even without words. Currently navigating the challenges of her acting career, Woo Min Jeong radiates a positive outlook on life and vibrant energy. Her story is a tapestry of quirky kitsch and the maturity to find a way through adversity.

It seems to be acting. Though I’ve been at it for a while, I haven’t solely focused on acting. However, I’ve found acting particularly more enjoyable lately. I’ve grown confident that I could make a career out of acting, never growing tired of it and always finding joy. I’ve mainly been involved in theater, but now I’m also interested in acting for other mediums. I really want to give it my all.

The allure is vast, but foremost is the opportunity to live through a myriad of lives, even if only indirectly. To deliver lines, one must fully immerse themselves in the role, even experiencing lives I’d never want for myself. Additionally, while acting demands an inner depth, it inevitably requires outward expression. Given my expressive nature, varied reactions, and facial expressions, acting suits me well.

In my third year of middle school, my teacher contacted my mother, saying, “Min-jeong must go to an arts school. I believe we’ll see her on TV in the future.” Following this, my mother took me to an acting center. After a month of audition preparation, I was accepted into the arts high school. It felt like fate. It was a time when I hardly knew myself, so it was astonishing to be seen in such a light. Whenever I hear such remarks, I feel fortunate that others see acting as a good fit for me, not just something I enjoy. The more I pursued acting, the more I found it suited to my temperament.

I ran a small prop shop for two years, but after doing it for a while, I yearned for something new. I always have something I want to do. A friend, always by my side, insists I should act. This friend, who was involved in an acting study group, encouraged me to join, reigniting my passion for acting. Her involvement in media was the catalyst for us to try it together.

I don’t view challenges as monumental tasks. Whether I succeed or fail in what I undertake, the intrigue and fun guide me.

My list of interests is always long. I yearn to sing, dive into musicals, return to theater, and even try busking – the streets teeming with people become a stage. I’m drawn to decorating with stickers, which allows me to transform anything into my style. I’m keen on learning Spanish and even starting a dodgeball club. It seems my abundant energy fuels my myriad interests, aligning well with my passion for learning and doing. I can fully immerse myself in and enjoy the moment, particularly with acting and singing.

I’ve faced challenging times myself, grappling with lethargy and depression when even my passions faded from view. The turning point came with opening a prop shop – I’ve always adored props. Deciding to venture into that business reignited my zest for life, making the return to my true self exhilarating. Closing the shop to resume acting marked the second act of my life. Had I not returned to acting, I wonder if I’d still feel as lifeless. It’s been so joyous and revitalizing that I’m immensely grateful. This experience instilled in me a determination to seize and accomplish what I find enjoyable.

The struggle is real when I perceive myself as lacking. I’m not easily wounded by criticism; failed auditions are par for the course, prompting continued effort. However, witnessing my shortcomings or ineffective practice is profoundly challenging. In such moments, I revert to basics and intensify my practice. I can endure and think, “What choice do I have but to persevere?”

The perpetual learner’s journey mirrors that of an actor, driven by the endless pursuit of knowledge, acquisition, and experience, resonating with my essence. For me, one of the joys of theater is the immediate feedback – the dynamic change in the atmosphere with each line and the exhilaration of applause post-performance. I cherish the praise and diverse experiences audiences share after a show or film. Feedback, whether positive or negative, nourishes me. While I relish the experience, I hope the audience enjoys it too, aspiring to be an actor who can evoke a spectrum of emotions, drawing them into the narrative.

As mentioned, the difficult times I endured have fortified me. Despite the hardships, I believe everything happens for a reason. Those moments shaped the person I am today, so I no longer dwell on the past. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t stand as firm and resolute as I do now.

The term ‘kitsch’ once carried negative connotations, suggesting something cheap or second-rate, but over time, it’s transformed into something more affectionately regarded. It’s akin to how ‘cute’ is used in a broad spectrum of contexts. Kitsch, like magic, can be applied universally. For instance, even photographing crumbs can evoke a positive feeling if I deem it kitsch. The ability to shift perspective and transform how we see things appeals to me. I’ve had my share of negatives but turned them into positives, and I see room for more positive changes. My prop shop was even named ‘Kitsch Psycho Club.’

Many see me as brimming with confidence, but I don’t consciously strive to appear that way. When I’m doing something I love, I naturally become more animated. The confidence others perceive is my being myself, focusing more on my positive attributes than my shortcomings. When my timid friends hesitate, I imbue them with three magic phrases: “Just do it,” “So what?” and “Okay then.”

Honestly, it’s hard to imagine my 30s. My teenage years weren’t much different from now, so I don’t expect my 30s to change drastically, but I do hope to have grown. When I meet old friends, they often say, “You’ve grown a lot. You’ve matured.” Hearing that I’ve developed and improved makes me want to live up to those words. I’m already enjoying life enough, so I want to put in more effort.

I’ve keenly followed over 1,300 New Beauty interviews. Watching them, I thought, “Yes, this is humanity. This is life!” Because everyone is so different. Uniformity would be utterly dull. I wish more people would stop worrying about others’ opinions and bravely pursue what they truly want. Everyone has at least one thing they want to do; they just haven’t found it yet. I hope everyone finds and lives out their unique desires. Especially in Korea, many seem afraid to step outside socially prescribed boundaries. I wish for a world where people don’t fear expressing themselves freely. After all, we live for joy.