Actress Song Ji Hyo, who has been running with 'Running Man' for 15 years, shared that her recent haenyeo (female sea diver) adventure helped her gain a newfound appreciation for her daily life.
Song Ji Hyo made her debut in 2001 as a magazine model and has since appeared in various dramas, films, and variety shows. Her fateful encounter with 'Running Man' in 2010 led to a 15-year journey where she continues to connect with viewers every weekend. Many of her nicknames, such as "Blank Ji Hyo," "Rebel Ji Hyo," and "Songtoma," originated from Running Man, and as the show gained popularity overseas, she joined the ranks of Hallyu stars.
While maintaining her steady role on 'Running Man,' Song Ji Hyo has recently drawn attention for taking on new challenges, most notably, venturing into business. She launched an underwear brand and candidly shared her concerns about the business, revealing, “Some days, we only sell one or two items.” However, after appearing on Kim Jong Kook’s YouTube channel Gym Jong Kook, she reported a boost in sales, which became a hot topic.
Now showcasing her versatility as an actress, variety star, and entrepreneur, Song Ji Hyo has taken on a new challenge: becoming a haenyeo.
On May 15, Song Ji Hyo returned to fans through JTBC’s documentary 'Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure.' Song Ji Hyo’s hometown is Tongyeong, a coastal village, and her father is known to have operated a ferry company there. Additionally, her aunt spent her life diving as a haenyeo in the sea off Tongyeong. Song Ji Hyo grew up playing in the dazzling sea and closely observing her aunt’s life as a haenyeo.
When asked what led her to accept the haenyeo challenge, Song Ji Hyo said, “It just felt like it was meant for me. I even wished no one else would do it except me. I really wanted to do it.”
She added, “I’ve been on a running-themed show for over 10 years, but whether it’s on set, acting, or just living life, I felt like there was no excitement. I didn’t dislike the routine, but I started to feel disillusioned. Then this documentary came along, involving the sea and the story of haenyeo, and it felt destined. The moment I encountered it, I thought, ‘This is something I have to do.’”
That sense of disillusionment disappeared through her haenyeo experience. Song Ji Hyo was deeply moved by the hardworking haenyeo, who went about their long, grueling days filled with diving, farming, and housework—yet never once complained. She said, “I realized I had so much, yet never recognized its value. That realization led me to reflect on myself." She confessed that after the adventure, she began to feel a deep sense of gratitude for her daily work, explaining that the documentary filming brought significant change to her life.
Both her transformation into a businesswoman and her haenyeo adventure were efforts to break free from a repetitive routine that had left her feeling stagnant. Meeting the haenyeo challenge by fate, Song Ji Hyo expressed sincere reflections and showcased her growth.
'Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji Hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure,' a co-production between JTBC and BBC Studios, premieres at midnight on May 15 and will air as a three-part series every Thursday at midnight.
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