Over a decade ago, I remember eagerly tuning in Channel U every weekday to watch the latest episodes of Dong Yi, a Korean historical drama featuring the exceptionally talented actress, Han Hyo-Joo.
Even though two decades have passed since Han Hyo-Joo first stepped into the entertainment world, her enduring charisma and undeniable talents still captivates audiences to this day.
Credit: “Dong Yi” (2010) from MBC TV
Han Hyo-Joo’s film career
Just two years after being discovered in a teenage beauty pageant in 2003, the then 18-year-old actress moved to Seoul to pursue acting, and made her debut in the film industry in the 2005 sitcom Nonstop 5.
Since then, she’s been nicknamed a “chameleon actress” for taking on roles in a variety of genres, such as romance dramas, comedies, action films, and melodramas. Each time, her makeup team would switch up her look to the point where she would almost appear unrecognisable.
Credit: “Cold Eyes” (2013) from Zip cinema
Her strong and resilient character have landed her roles in thriller and action projects, where she won awards for her performances in movies like Happiness and Cold Eyes.
In 2007, she even took home the Best Actress Award at the Singapore International Film Festival for her role in the short film, Ad-lib Night.
Credit: “Always” (2011) from HB Entertainment and 51K
Her fame skyrocketed in the early 2010s thanks to her involvement in a series of smash-hit projects, including the romantic dramas, Always and Brilliant Legacy, and the aforementioned historical drama, Dong Yi.
Today, Han Hyo-Joo is cementing her presence in the industry once again with her biggest project to date. Moving, the Disney+ sci-fi superhero series is the most high-budget Korean production to be made thus far.
Credit: “Moving” from Disney Plus
The ongoing 20-episode series stars other famous leading actors like Ryu Seung Ryong, Lee Jung Ha, Go Yoon Jung, and Jo In Sung, and received a reported budget of 65 billion won (roughly S$65.8 million.)
Han Hyo-Joo plays the role of a bespectacled mother of a high-school teenager, and has since received praise from adoring fans and even co-star Jo In Sung, who shared in an interview with harper’s BAZAAR Korea that he wanted her to “go global for her amazing acting skills.”
The 36-year-old Korean screen siren has been praised for her natural beauty since her teenage years, so it’s no wonder that she’s been tapped on by various fashion and beauty brands over the years for her stunning visuals. Here’s how she maintains her image!
Han Hyo-Joo’s beauty tips: Skincare
Credit: @hanhyojoo222/Instagram
She cultivates a glow from within
When asked by Today Online how she keeps her skin looking flawless despite having to wear makeup daily for her busy filming schedule, the actress thanked the interviewer and humbly stated that “inner beauty is very important.”
Credit: @hanhyojoo222/Instagram
She went on to explain that she’s focused on developing healthy habits like drinking lots of water, exercising regularly, and adopting a positive mindset.
She protects her skin from damaging UV rays
To keep her skin free from sun spots, Han Hyo-Joo swears by sunscreen. “It’s been getting hotter so going without sunscreen is not an option — it’s become an absolute necessity to use in my everyday life,” she told the news outlet.
Credit: @hanhyojoo222/Instagram
She favours aloe vera
As the actress’s skin tends to warm up easily, she tends towards products that contain aloe vera extract to soothe and calm her skin. Aloe vera also boasts hydrating benefits and absorbs easily into the skin, so we can see why she’s a big fan of the skincare ingredient!
Credit: “The Beauty Inside” (2015) from Yong Film
Moisturising creams and gels are also a must-have for her, and these are absolute essentials in your skincare routine to keep your skin looking young for years to come.
She never sleeps with makeup on
Although there are moments when exhaustion from a hectic schedule tempts her to skip this step, Han Hyo-Joo says that sleeping with makeup on isn’t good.
As such, she’s ultra diligent about cleaning her face every night, even stating that it’s more important than wearing makeup.
Han Hyo-Joo’s Beauty Tips: the secret to her big and alluring eyes
Credit: @hanhyojoo222/Instagram
The Pirates 2 actress once spoke about her love for the 1-Day Acuvue Define Contact Lens, stating that it helps to beautify her eyes.
“My pupils are naturally really small, so wearing these makes my eyes appear nicer and natural. These lenses come in several shades to choose from, and they also include UV protection, which I believe is very important,” she told Today Online.
Han Hyo-Joo’s Beauty Tips: Makeup
With a preference for natural looks, Han Hyo-Joo has stated that she prefers minimal makeup, but uses red lipstick to accentuate her lips on special occasions!
Credit: @hanhyojoo222/Instagram
She’s also a brand ambassador of Dear Dahlia, and can be seen on her Instagram wearing their Dream Velvet Lip Cloud.
With her flair for acting and timeless beauty, we won’t be surprised if she makes it onto the international stage in the near future.
Featured image credit: @hanhyojoo222/Instagram
