How would Song Ji-hyo’s transformation into a haenyeo look like?

On the afternoon of the 15th, the production conference for the JTBC documentary ‘Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure ‘was held at the Stanford Hotel Seoul in Mapo-gu, Seoul.The event was attended by actress Song Ji-hyo, Director Heo Jin, PD Lee Huh, and divers Park Mi-jung, Oh Gi-sook, and Hyun Soon-shim.

‘ Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure ‘(abbreviated as’ Deep Dive Korea ‘) is a documentary program that depicts the journey of actress Song Ji-hyo as she challenges the haenyeo in Jeju and forms a true bond with them.It is the first joint production content of JTBC and BBC Studios.

Director Heo Jin said, “I was impressed by the haenyeo while directing this program.It was a meaningful broadcast.” The PD later said, “While directing the program, I was impressed by Song Ji-hyo’s process of becoming a haenyeo, and as I looked into the lives of haenyeo, I thought about what it would have been like if I had been born as the son of a haenyeo.It was well-made, so I hope you watch it a lot.”


Song Ji-hyo said, “I’ve been waiting for this day.I’m proud.I think I’ve felt and learned a lot while living as a haenyeo for about a month and a half or two months.I’m happy if I can see even a little bit of the haenyeo life.I hope many people watch it,” expressing her feelings ahead of the broadcast.

‘Deep Dive Korea’ sheds light on the life of a haenyeo through Song Ji-hyo’s eyes.That’s why Song Ji-hyo’s role is so important.So why Song Ji-hyo?

Afterwards, the PD said, “First of all, in the process of casting Song Ji-hyo, I didn’t know that her aunt was a haenyeo.Since her mother was a former swimmer, I thought she would be good at swimming, so I submitted the plan, but she said, ‘I don’t think I can do it if it’s not me.’ I had a lot of concerns.It was a documentary, and Song Ji-hyo is an actress, entertainer, and businesswoman.I wondered if she would participate in the program with sincerity.However, I was drawn to one word.I cast her because she said, ‘I will definitely do this.’”

Song Ji-hyo said, “When I received the project proposal, I really thought,’ This is mine.’ I wanted to do it so badly.I didn’t want anyone else to do it.And then I revealed my family members.My aunt used to be a haenyeo(female diver)in Pohang.” She continued, “I’ve been doing ‘Running Man’ for over 10 years.However, the set, acting, and my life up until now were boring.I thought, ‘Do I always have to live like this?’ because of the repetitive patterns.But I was drawn to it because it was a documentary.Business is also a change in that area.Now, time has nothing to teach me, so I ended up doing business and doing this project.”


Regarding the difficult part, she said, “I think the first learning process is the hardest.In business and as a haenyeo, the first time was the hardest.But I think I enjoyed that hardship.I wanted to learn well.”

However, she said, “The most basic thing was hard.The female divers are really diligent.Since I was the youngest, I had to prepare from 4 in the morning.In terms of technical aspects, I was frustrated because I couldn’t even get into the water.I think I was able to get into the water thanks to many people.And I got hypothermia.I always thought, ‘What can’ t be done? ‘but there are things that can’ t be done with just thinking.That’s where my thoughts collapsed, my mental breakdown came from.”

Director Heo Jin said, “I had a nosebleed, a runny nose, and even drool.It was hard to protect the actress.A lot of the parts were cut out for the broadcast, but I was touched by how honest they were.There were many episodes during the process because the staff said they had to protect the actress.”

There are many works that deal with haenyeo, from documentaries to dramas.They range from JTBC “Welcome to Samdalli” to tvN “Our Blues” and Netflix’s original “Bokssak Cheotsuda.” Among them, as “Bokssak Cheotsuda” has become a hot topic recently, interest in haenyeo has also increased.



But the production team said something different.The PD later said, “I don’t feel like I’m taking over the baton from ‘Bok-ssak-da-suda.’ I didn’t even know that a drama was being produced.While filming, I just thought it would be nice if Jeju’s haenyeo were to be known to the wider world through the BBC.” He continued, “After that, during the production process, ‘Bok-ssak-da-suda’ was released.While watching that drama, I wondered if we could be influenced by it since it was so popular.However, ‘Deep Dive Korea’ and ‘Bok-ssak-da-suda’ are completely different genres, and I’ve never once thought about taking over the baton.”

The funny thing is that while filming ‘Boksaekssatda’, ‘Welcome to Samdalli’ was also being filmed.The one who cleared up the production crew’s somewhat bewildered remarks was Song Ji-hyo.

Song Ji-hyo said, “(I think)differently(from the PD).I hope the success of ‘Cheated on You’ will have a positive effect on our program.If the joys and sorrows of haenyeo are included in ‘Cheated on You,’ our program contains detailed and strong images of Jeju women.”She added,” If you watch our program and ‘Cheated on You,’ you will understand more.Even if you are against it, I think you will understand how difficult the haenyeo’s job is that they do not want to pass it on to their children.I would be grateful if the success of ‘Cheated on You’ can continue on to our program.”



This is probably why they cast Song Ji-hyo.It’s good to highlight the lives of haenyeo, but the production team opened the event and spoke without being able to read between the lines.In the end, it was Song Ji-hyo and the three haenyeo who told touching stories that made the event run smoothly.

What would it be like for Song Ji-hyo, who has suffered burnout from her long career in the entertainment industry, to transform into a haenyeo? And what kind of emotions and resonance will she give to viewers in the process?

‘Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo’s Haenyeo Adventure’ will first air at midnight on the 15th.

Hong Se-young, reporter for Donga.com projecthong@donga.com

This article is automatically translated using Google AI. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know at allkstar@donga.com.