Actor Song Hye-kyo appears on tvN's popular talk show "You Quiz on the Block," aired Wednesday. Courtesy of tvN.

Actor Song Hye-kyo candidly addressed malicious rumors about her during her first talk show appearance in 23 years on tvN's "You Quiz on the Block" aired on Wednesday.

Song said, "I wasn't aware of it, but after working for so long, I've realized there are a lot of rumors about me. Occasionally, people I meet for the first time ask me about those rumors. I usually respond, ‘I've only heard about it myself, so maybe it's faster to ask the person who made it up.'"

Host Yoo Jae-suk, empathizing with her struggles, said, "Sometimes rumors force you to explain things that don't need explaining. It's best to tell the person who started it to clarify."

Song agreed and said, "I've been criticized so much that I'm okay now. It doesn't bother me when I'm targeted, but when my family is affected, it breaks my heart."

In an interview with the production team, Song said, "Since I started working at a young age, I've encountered both small and big rumors. Because of my profession, I've often let them go in one ear and out the other. However, there were moments when I thought, ‘This is too much.' Once, someone asked me directly about a rumor, and I replied, ‘I'd answer if I knew, but I've only heard gossip myself, so I have nothing to say.'"

When asked how she overcame the emotional toll of these rumors, Song credited screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung, saying, "I was in frequent contact with her at the time, and she told me, ‘You need to love yourself to share love with others.' She suggested a practice of self-reflection — writing about how to spend the day each morning and listing 10 things I was grateful for each evening. I did this for five years and only stopped last year."

Actor Song Hye-kyo, center, appears on a popular talk show "You Quiz on the Block," hosted by Yoo Jae-suk, right, and Jo Se-ho. Courtesy of tvN

Letting go of regrets

Song also shared her journey toward self-acceptance and contentment. "I've realized that wanting something too much often means it won't be mine. Now, I just let things flow naturally. I don't regret the past," she said.

"As a woman, a human being and an actress, I've experienced joy, hardship, sorrow and happiness — this is just life. Though some moments were tough, I see them as valuable lessons for moving forward. Focusing on my feelings has made me happier."

She revealed that her recent mindset shift coincided with her role in Netflix's hit series "The Glory" (2022-23). "If someone dislikes ‘human Song Hye-kyo,' I want them to at least appreciate ‘actress Song Hye-kyo.' That motivated me to work harder on my acting," she said.

Reflecting on her career at her 40s, she said, "I can no longer rely on my appearance. Young actors are in a completely different league. Now, I feel like I really have to act well."

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.