Han Sun-hwa Eyes Dramatic Roles After 'First Ride' Box Office Success

Actress Han Sun-hwa, known for her lovable and vibrant image, is expressing a desire to explore more dramatic roles after the successful launch of her latest comedy film, 'First Ride'.

In a recent interview with Sports Seoul, Han Sun-hwa confidently stated that 'First Ride' is a film that 'everyone, young and old, can enjoy'.

'First Ride' follows the story of 24-year-old friends embarking on their first overseas trip. The comedy film debuted at number one at the box office and has consistently maintained a high ranking, defying the current slump in Korean cinema and surpassing popular Japanese animation.

"I'm happy we got off to a good start," Han Sun-hwa shared, beaming with pride. "We filmed it with pure hearts, working really hard and having fun."

While her role as the sole female friend, Ok-sim, in 'First Ride' aligns with her established 'lovely comic' persona, Han Sun-hwa admitted to the challenges. "Making someone laugh is the hardest thing. It's not enough for me to find it funny; I need the audience's agreement to bring them joy and laughter."

She elaborated on her character Ok-sim, who is devoted to her crush Tae-jeong, even retaking university entrance exams multiple times. "She's amazing. It requires incredible willpower," Han Sun-hwa chuckled. She also revealed Ok-sim's hidden depths, noting, "Originally, Ok-sim was an aspiring screenwriter in the script. She has grit and her own philosophy. I found and highlighted every facet of Ok-sim written in the script. She's a wonderful friend."

Having garnered significant attention for her role in TVING's 'Work Later, Drink Now' and subsequently appearing in films like 'Pilot' and the JTBC drama 'My Sweet Mobster', Han Sun-hwa has become synonymous with charming characters. "Many people now see me as lovely. But I don't really see myself that way. I'm glad if I've been able to express that," she said humbly.

Han Sun-hwa's aspirations, however, extend beyond her current image. "There are times I revisit my independent films. I cried a lot back then. While I enjoy my current roles, sometimes I want to cry to my heart's content. I want to try everything and gain more experience," she declared, her eyes alight with determination.

"Regardless of a project's success, I take great pride in my work. My past career allowed me to meet 'First Ride'. When I encounter a good project with good colleagues, I feel a sense of accomplishment, thinking, 'I really worked hard.' I want to do my best with the roles I'm given."

Netizens are expressing strong support for Han Sun-hwa's desire to expand her acting range. Comments such as 'I was worried her image would become too fixed, but it's great to see her trying diverse roles' and 'I can't wait to see Han Sun-hwa's deeper acting soon' are flooding in.