Actor Sa Kang, who is appearing in ‘Because I‘m Solo’, drew attention by saying, “After deciding to appear on the show, the kids who I worried about the most bravely told me, ’It‘s okay’” and “I‘m grateful to the kids who have become stronger than I thought.”

Sa Kang met viewers for the first time in about two years through the SBS Plus·E Channel jointly produced entertainment show ‘Because I’m Solo’, which first aired on October 29, creating a lot of buzz. In particular, Sa Kang gave viewers a touching moment and warm laughter by revealing for the first time her daily life as a ‘working mom’ who takes care of her two daughters alone while also passionately working.

Regarding the interest and popularity, Sa Kang expressed his gratitude once again, saying, “I‘m so grateful that so many people (watched ‘Because I’m Solo’) supported and sympathized with me.” He continued, “When I first received the offer to appear, I hesitated, but I believed that senior Shin Dong-yup would be able to handle the heavy current situation in a witty and warm way, and after meeting with the production team, I also believed that they would portray me as I am well, so I decided to appear. I thank everyone.”

“After deciding to appear on ‘Because I’m Single,‘ I was worried about my two daughters,” said Sa Kang. “I asked my two daughters, ’If ‘Because I’m Single‘ airs, a lot of people will know about our family’s current situation, so are you okay?‘” He continued, “Fortunately, my daughters said, ’It‘s okay.’ I was grateful to see that my children had become stronger than I thought. However, since I can‘t show myself crying as a mother, I only showed videos of my kids,” she revealed the aftermath of the broadcast.

Thanks to the warm interest and support poured into ’Because I‘m Solo’, Sa Kang expressed her gratitude, saying that many changes came after the broadcast. He said, “I‘ve been neglecting myself because I’ve only taken care of those around me, but this was an opportunity for me to reflect on myself,” and “I received a lot of good energy from the cast of ‘Because I’m Solo‘, and thanks to that, I’ve been able to connect with many people. I think I‘ll be able to show you even more diverse activities in the future,” she said, foreshadowing her active activities. She further pledged, “It’s not easy to work as a single mom, but I know that these moments will never come again, so I‘ll do my best.” Lastly, Sa Kang said, “I made a suggestion to the production staff that I think would fit well with ’Because I‘m Solo’” and added, “Please check the broadcast for more details”, asking for anticipation.

The SBS Plus and E Channel jointly produced variety show ‘Because I’m Solo‘ starring Sa Kang airs every Tuesday at 8:40 p.m.




● Below is Sa Kang’s Q&A

Q: ‘Because I’m Solo‘ is a hot topic for revealing your solo life for the first time. It must not have been easy when you were first invited, but was there a special reason that made you decide to appear?

- There were similar offers for programs, but the reason you decided to appear on ’Because I‘m Solo’ is clear. It started with senior Shin Dong-yup. I had no doubt that they would wittily and warmly resolve the heavy current situation. Also, after meeting with the production team, I thought that they would capture me as I am. When I saw the VCR during the first studio recording, I felt that my thoughts were not wrong. I could see the traces of my efforts to prevent my wounds from becoming more painful or worse, so after the recording, we all cried together and thanked each other. I realized that I wasn‘t the only one who was worried and in pain while filming, that they had a hard time and were heartbroken. I am truly grateful.

Q: After revealing your ‘Real Daily Life’ with your two daughters in ‘Because I’m Solo’, I wonder what the reactions were like around you. Did your kids like it?

- After deciding to film, the part that I was most worried about was your kids. I asked them, ‘If it‘s broadcasted to them, many people will know about our situation, and even friends who didn’t know about it will know. Are you okay?’. At that time, the kids said, ‘It‘s not a situation where we should be embarrassed. All of our friends know, Mom, it’s okay.’. I was thankful that the kids showed a stronger side than I expected. After the show, the kids wanted to watch (the entire episode), but I couldn‘t show the mom crying because I was worried that she would be hurt. I only showed the parts where the kids were. Everyone around me was worried, but they all said that it was good because it was true to who you are and that it was a good variety show. We all feel the same way. I’m so happy that our show is a ‘good show’.

Q: The viewers sent me a lot of support for you raising your two kids alone. Is there a comment or response that you remember the most? Is there anything you want to say to the viewers who loved you?

- I realized that there are more people who are going through a similar situation or have already been through it than I thought. So many people sent me DMs (direct messages), and even if it takes a long time, I want to reply and say, ‘Let‘s cheer together.’ I know that I’m not the only one who works hard. There are many people who work harder than me and have a harder time. There are many people who sympathize and cheer me on even if it‘s not a similar situation. I sincerely thank you and will live diligently and healthily.

Q: After appearing on ‘Because I’m Solo’, you said that you received a lot of good energy and your expression brightened. What has changed the most before and after appearing on the show?

- I started taking care of myself. I was so busy looking around and neglecting myself. There may be limitations, but I will take care of myself from time to time. That‘s the biggest change.

Q: After appearing on ‘Because I’m Solo’, many people praised my ‘preservative beauty’ that doesn‘t age. Do you have a secret?

- I think they look at it favorably. It’s thanks to the production team who captured it so nicely. If I had a personal tip, I would say that I avoid food that‘s bad for your health. I prefer healthy food.

Q: You became a hot topic by revealing your transformation into an office worker, and you also announced that you’re filming a new drama, so isn‘t it hard to juggle so many things? As a ‘single mom’, what are your difficulties?

- It’s not easy to do both, but I live with gratitude because I know that it would be absolutely impossible without consideration. The difficulty of being a ‘single mom’ is coming home after work or filming and then going back to work. Raising children is never-ending. Still, I hold on, thinking that my children are growing up and that these moments will never come again.

Q: After focusing on life as a ‘mom’ for a while, I started working as an actor and entertainer again starting with ‘Because I‘m Single’. What was the studio atmosphere like and how did you interact with the cast?

- There’s something to learn from everyone, such as Shin Dong-yup and Myung Se-bin‘s warmth, Yoon Se-ah’s positivity, Hwang Jung-eum‘s brightness, Oh Jung-yeon’s strength, and Chae Rim‘s healthy mind. I receive good energy from them, and I hope that we can be people who give each other good energy.

Q: Through ‘Because I’m Single’, many people got to know the actor Sa Kang in a new way. What are your plans for the future?

- I always appear brightly on variety shows, so I think people are looking at ‘Because I‘m Solo’ in a new light. The drama ‘Namib’ that I’m currently filming is about to finish filming its last. Thanks to ‘Because I‘m Solo’, I think I’ll be able to connect with many people and show you various activities.

Q: As you wrap up this year, do you have any new resolutions, wishes, or special ‘bucket list’ for next year?

- I hope that my family, friends, and I all stay healthy.

Q: Is there a part of the story that you want to emphasize or a point to watch out for in ‘Because I‘m Solo’ that will be coming up in the future?

- I’m not the type of person to say what‘s inside me. I was comforted and healed by sharing serious stories with the production crew in a short period of time and crying together for quite a while. So I made a suggestion to the production crew that I wanted to say and that I thought would fit well with our program. Please make sure to check it out on the broadcast later.

Reporter Choi Yun-na, Donga.com yyynnn@donga.com