Alumna Ryu Hyun-kyung (Department of Theater and Film, Class of 2002) debuted as a child actress in the 1996 drama Gomtang and has now been 팔로우 토토 for 29 years. She has steadily built her filmography with works such as The Divine Weapon, Bring Me Some Water, Goodbye Boy, and Fairy, and has also directed short films including Don’t Confess and Robber. Most recently, she played the lead role in the film No Parking, which was released this past May.

Since childhood, Ryu has had a keen interest in directing short films and has continued to explore both 팔로우 토토 and directing. At the core of her long career lies an unending curiosity about people and a deep love for the set.

What does the word “actor” mean to you?

Being an actor is a job that is difficult to define in a single word—it has a multilayered charm. My endless curiosity about people has been the driving force behind my 29-year acting career. I believe that humans are complex, multi-dimensional beings who cannot be easily categorized. I think acting is a profession that deeply understands and observes these various human aspects from a broad perspective. That is exactly what drew me to it.

What inspired you to dream of becoming an 팔로우 토토?

When I was in elementary school, I was a huge fan of the singer group Seo Taiji and Boys. After seeing a scene where child 팔로우 토토s performed with them, I began to dream that if I became a child 팔로우 토토, maybe I could meet them one day. That simple and vague hope led me to start attending acting classes.

After debuting as a child 팔로우 토토, I continued acting without stopping. In particular, the film The Divine Weapon ignited my passion for acting. I felt an electrifying joy from the emotional shifts following each movement and the synergy created on set among the actors. That’s when I decided: “I want to be on set for the rest of my life. I will act for the rest of my life.”

When was the most challenging time while pursuing this dream, and how did you overcome it?

Everyone faces difficult and confusing times in life. I was no exception, but after deciding to dedicate my life to 팔로우 토토, that conviction guided me forward. Whenever I thought about doing this for a lifetime, any hardship seemed small in the grand scheme of things.

In difficult moments, the support of colleagues was also a huge source of strength. Thanks to them, I was able to shake off challenges more lightly. Especially, I’ve experienced moments of surprising healing on set. Even when I felt stuck and criticized myself for my limitations, stepping onto the set always felt magical. The convergence of the camera lens, the passion of my fellow actors, and the energy of the director and crew would lift me beyond my self-imposed boundaries. The power of the set continues to stand me back up and push me forward.

What is your approach when preparing for a role or going into a shoot?

I try to internalize the character and story as much as possible by reading the script repeatedly. However, because things on set are always unpredictable, I believe that what I prepare can never be the absolute answer. So, while I prepare thoroughly, I also try to let go of preconceptions and focus on the flow of the moment when I’m actually on set.

You also have experience as a director. Why did you decide to pursue both 팔로우 토토 and directing?

In middle school, I made my first short film as part of a video club. Back then, I was a big film enthusiast and already working as a child actor, so both making a film and acting in it felt very natural. That’s why I both created the story and performed in it myself. Later, I continued to make short films while taking film directing courses at Hanyang. Rather than having a specific reason, it felt like a naturally continued experience.

As you mark your 29th year since debut, has your experience at Hanyang’s Department of Theater and Film influenced your acting career?

Being able to share worries and feelings with peers of the same age was the most valuable experience. Of course, you can have similar experiences on set, but it’s rare to meet so many peers at once. When I look at the photos or films from that time, I feel there’s a special energy that only existed back then. I still draw strength from those memories.

What are your future goals as an 팔로우 토토? And do you have any advice for Hanyang students dreaming of becoming 팔로우 토토s?

I want to continue living as an 팔로우 토토 without ever losing my passion for acting, even as I age.

To those who dream of becoming 팔로우 토토s, I want to say: never lose your curiosity about yourself. I always live with questions about myself and about people. That curiosity helps me grow as an 팔로우 토토. I think acting starts from breaking free from the tendency to define or judge people and instead expanding your capacity for understanding. I hope you will enjoy the journey of observing the many facets of humanity with an open heart and exploring their depths.

Having spent 29 years nurturing a deep gaze toward people, Ryu will continue to walk her path with curiosity about herself and humanity, cherishing her love for 팔로우 토토 and the set.