Latest news with #'sHaenyeoAdventure
The Star
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Song Ji-hyo finds life fun again after deep diving with seasoned haenyeo for BBC
At a point when South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo felt stuck in the monotony of her acting career, she was ready to try something new. That 'something new' turned out to be an immersive, month-long training with the seasoned haenyeo of Jeju Island for the three-episode BBC docuseries Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure . Haenyeo, which means 'sea women' in Korean, are freedivers who do not use breathing equipment to gather shellfish for their livelihood. Song, who was in Malaysia to promote the series premiering on May 11, tells StarLifestyle via an interpreter that joining the programme was a much-needed wake-up call. The actress is happy to be in Malaysia to talk about the documentary that renewed her zest for life. Photos: Handout 'It made me more appreciative of the small things in life, not just for myself but for everyone around me. Things I used to overlook now stand out, and I've learned to value them. 'With this mindset, life feels more fun now,' says Song, who has been a regular cast member on the long-running South Korean variety show Running Man since 2010. Song Ji-hyo takes a photo with the haenyeo she trained with for one month. Her renewed zest for her work is apparent when we come face-to-face with the friendly star, who first made her film debut in Wishing Stairs (2003) and has spent over two decades navigating roles in both romantic dramas and horror thrillers. Song speaks about the documentary and the haenyeo way of life with such passion that she launches into long, enthusiastic explanations with very little prompting. This is further evident in the three episodes of Deep Dive , which show her struggling multiple times to keep up with the demanding lessons – yet throughout, Song remains determined to see it through. According to the production notes, the 43-year-old was attempting to 'cram over 30 years' worth of training into just one month'. The Unstoppable actress admits she initially underestimated the difficulty of the challenge, thinking it wouldn't be so hard given her background. After all, she grew up in the coastal city of Pohang, South Korea. Her mother was a competitive swimmer, and her eldest aunt – her mother's sister – was a haenyeo. 'To me, it wasn't something unusual ... So, I focused only on physical strength, not underwater training (before heading to Jeju Island). 'But once I started, I really regretted not having trained in the water earlier,' she says. Did she ever consider giving up? 'Instead of quitting when things got tough, I was actually harder on myself,' says Song, who first rose to fame through the popular 2006 series Princess Hours . Her other drama credits include The Witch's Diner , Emergency Couple and Lovely Horribly . 'I kept thinking, 'Why can't I do better?'' She adds that the tight timeline was especially stressful. 'I really felt the pressure. I wanted to show the world the strength, depth and emotion behind the haenyeo way of life – the joy, the pain and the resilience.' She says she felt immense pressure to ensure the international audience fully grasp the haenyeo's way of life. For Song, it wasn't just about completing a challenge. It was about honouring a legacy. 'This work is deeply connected to our national heritage. It's more than just a job; it's a way of life,' she elaborates. 'The haenyeo who are still diving today carry immense pride in what they do. They bear the responsibility of preserving this cultural legacy, and they take that role very seriously.' Despite the high-stakes training and serious atmosphere, some of the most entertaining moments in the series come from Song's efforts to win over the veteran divers – women in their 60s, 70s and even 80s – as she joins in their daily routines beyond the sea. These women, whom the affable star still keeps in touch with and visits whenever she returns to the island, have become more than just acquaintances. 'I didn't expect to bond so well with the older women,' Song tells StarLifestyle , reflecting on what she learned about herself while filming the documentary. 'And I found out I'm more patient than I thought. I grew a lot as a person through this experience. I got to know the better side of me.' Song Ji-hyo speaks about her experience after an exclusive screening of the documentary's first episode. That personal growth has clearly stayed with her. During a Q&A with fans after an exclusive screening of the first episode in Kuala Lumpur, Song was asked what advice she'd give to someone taking on a new challenge. She answers: 'I would say, don't hesitate. Regret comes after trying, and it's better to regret after trying something than to regret not trying at all. 'You have to start somewhere, and if you're too scared to begin, then you're holding yourself back. Regret is much bigger when you don't try. 'So, my advice would be: have the confidence to try what you want to try. Don't be afraid. 'And if it doesn't turn out to be the right path for you, you can always change your mind.' K-drama 'Princess Hours' featuring Yoon Eun-hye, Kim Jung-hoon, Song Ji-hyo and Ju Ji-hoon. Thanks to this unique undertaking, Song says she now carries many unforgettable memories – like witnessing dolphins in the wild and discovering how sea creatures follow their own set of rules, ones that haenyeo have learned to live in harmony with. 'When I arrived in Jeju, I saw dolphins swimming freely in the ocean. And then, on my last day on the island, they appeared again – as if they were saying goodbye. It was such an unforgettable moment,' she shares. Participating in this documentary was also a humbling experience for Song, particularly when she began to understand the physical challenges of diving. 'The deeper you go, the more intense the water pressure becomes,' she explains. 'At 10m deep, the pressure feels like it's trying to flatten you into a sheet of paper. 'That's when I truly understood: you don't conquer the sea. You respect it. Nature has to allow you in. 'Some haenyeo can dive more than 20m deep, but only because the ocean accepts them. 'That taught me a deeper kind of reverence – for nature, for the sea and for the strength of these women.' She recalls one particular dive using an oxygen tank to reach about 10m. 'What I saw down there felt like entering a whole new world. The fish had their own community, with unspoken rules and boundaries. 'They didn't trespass into each other's space – everything was in order, like a peaceful, underwater society.' Her experience also deepened her environmental awareness. 'I have come to appreciate sea creatures during my time training to be a haenyeo. 'That's when I felt that, as humans, we definitely have to protect the sea and not invade it. 'It was heartbreaking to see a lot of trash underwater when I was diving ... it's not too late for us to start protecting our oceans.' Running Man members (from left) Lee Kwang-soo, Ji Suk-jin, Song Ji-hyo, Kim Jong-kook and HaHa entertained an ecstatic crowd at Stadium Negara in 2014. Photo: CHAN HOW BAN/The Star Filming Deep Dive has even given her the confidence to continue freediving – not just in Jeju, but in other parts of the world as well. She says she was recently recommended to try it in Kota Kinabalu. 'Now I am determined to visit one day,' says Song, who has often expressed her affection for Malaysia and her massive Malaysian fanbase. 'I look forward to deep diving in Kota Kinabalu, exploring the sea creatures, and learning as much as I can.' Just like the 'superhumans' she trained with, Song says she hopes to keep working for as long as possible in the entertainment industry. 'As long as I maintain my physical strength and accept the changes that come with ageing, I believe I can keep going. I may not always be at my best, but I'm OK with that. 'What matters most is accepting who I am at every stage and staying true to myself. 'As long as I keep enjoying what I do and don't lose interest, I'll continue to pursue it. I'll still be here for another 20 years.' Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure premieres May 11 at 9pm on BBC Earth (Unifi TV Ch 501/Astro Ch 554) and BBC Player.
Independent Singapore
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Korean actress Song Ji Hyo declares, 'I love Malaysia,' and she frequently travels there for both business and pleasure
KOREA: South Korean actress Song Ji Hyo enjoys visiting Malaysia, be it for business of just for enjoyment, according to The Star . Recently, on May 2, the 43-year-old actress visited Malaysia to promote her new three-part documentary with the BBC. It's all about her adventure called Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure. Photo: Instagram/Song Ji Hyo While she was in Kuala Lumpur for the documentary promotion, she also sat down for an interview with StarLifestyle at a local hotel. She said she loves Malaysia. It turns out this isn't her first time here this year either. Just back in February, she was in KL for the Running Man Run 2 U live show She said that she visits Malaysia not only for business but also secretly for a vacation. She even mentioned that Malaysia is one of her favourite places to visit. Most female fans in Malaysia What's really sweet is that Song Ji Hyo feels a special connection with her Malaysian fans, especially the ladies! She's noticed that she has a huge female fan base here. She even said that whenever she comes to Malaysia, she sees a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, and they always give her a warm and lovely welcome. The actress said that is why whenever she visits the country, she looks forward to seeing them. Sometimes she sees her fans in Korea, too. The fans make a trip to Korea to see Song Ji Hyo. She always looks forward to visiting Malaysia because she receives such a warm welcome. Song Ji Hyo shared about a male fan in Malaysia who called her eonni. Eonni is a Korean term usually used by women to address each either, but this man called the actress eonni. She recounted this with a smile. She also shared that she never skips a moment to have satay when she is in Malaysia. The locals in Malaysia have been giving her some great recommendations! They told her she has to try meatball soup, rose-flavoured drink, and of course, experience eating at some of the delicious local restaurants. Free diving On top of chatting with the press, Song Ji Hyo also made a special appearance at the Aurum Theatre in TRX. She was there to give everyone a sneak peek by showing the very first episode of her new documentary. In the series, she actually tried free diving herself to collect shellfish way down deep in the ocean. Through that experience, Song Ji Hyo really got to see just how incredibly tough and amazing the legendary haenyeo divers of Jeju Island truly are. So, if you're curious to see what she experienced, you can catch her whole journey when the documentary finally airs on BBC Earth, Saturday, May 11, at 9 pm. The well-known South Korean actress and model, Song Ji Hyo, was actually born as Cheon Seong-im on August 15, 1981 Lots of people around the world know her because she's been a regular on the super popular South Korean variety show Running Man since way back in 2010. Her 'Ace' nickname on the show reflects her quick-wittedness and ability to excel in missions. Before she became the 'Ace' we know and love on Running Man , Song Ji Hyo actually started her career as an actress. B ack in 2003, Song Ji Hyo landed her very first acting gig in a horror film called Wishing Stairs . Interestingly, it wasn't the first movie in that spooky Whispering Corridors series; it was actually the third one.
Hype Malaysia
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
(Video) Korean Actress Song Jihyo Shares Sweet Moment With Host Natalie Chai During KL Event
South Korean actress Song Jihyo (송지효) is no stranger to Malaysia, having visited us many times. Just last week, the 'Running Man' star was in Kuala Lumpur to promote a new docuseries, where she shared a sweet moment with local host Natalie Chai. The actress was in town recently as part of a promotional tour for her upcoming BBC Earth docuseries, 'Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure.' The event was said to be a small meet-and-greet with fans and BBC Earth viewers. As shown in photos and videos, the star looked radiant in a white dress as she greeted fans and posed for pictures. The event also included a heartwarming moment between her and event emcee Natalie Chai that went viral. The host shared about the interaction on her Instagram, captioning the video, 'When you get greeted by Song Jihyo like this'. In the video, the actress was seen excitedly running towards Natalie from across the room. She even said, 'Long time no see!' as she hugged the host. As it turns out, this was the third time Song Jihyo and Natalie had met, so the actress was happy to reunite with a familiar face. The moment garnered a lot of attention from netizens and fans. Many were happy for Natalie for being recognised by a global star, with some saying that the two are close enough to call each other friends. Some expressed envy, saying they would also like to be greeted by Song Jihyo in such a manner. Others quipped that the 43-year-old so often visits Malaysia that she can consider it her second home. Song Jihyo shared more photos of her visit and the meet-and-greet event through her Instagram. In her photos, the actress posed with a large bouquet and a custom cake themed to her new docuseries. The comment section was filled with messages from local fans, belatedly welcoming her to Malaysia and wishing her a pleasant stay. Some also wished for her to visit KL more often. We're glad that Song Jihyo had a great time while she was in town, and we hope to see her return soon. 'Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure' is a new docuseries from BBC Earth premiering 11th May (Sunday) that explores the life of South Korea's female free divers and Song Jihyo's experience of diving alongside them. Watch Song Jihyo's interaction with Natalie below and the trailer for her new docuseries: Sources: China Press, Instagram (1)(2)(3)
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC Earth's "Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure" to premiere in Asia on 11 May
24 Apr - BBC Studios has announced that audiences across Asia will be the first to watch "Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure" on their screens, with the series set to premiere on BBC Earth and BBC Player in Asia on 11 May. A first original co-production between BBC Studios and Korean media company JTBC, "Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure" immerses viewers in Korean star Song Ji-hyo's journey as she undertakes the greatest challenge of her life: free diving with the legendary haenyeo or sea women. The haenyeo are keepers of a precious tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for at least 400 years, a lifestyle UNESCO has recognised as an 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity'. Every day these incredible women, many of whom are in their 80s, risk their lives by plunging up to 20 metres to the seafloor without air apparatus or advanced equipment, to gather shellfish for their families and their livelihood. Across three visually spectacular episodes, the series document Song on an adventure like no other, as she subjects herself to the intensive training necessary to become one of Korea's legendary sea women. Her aunt was a haenyeo, with Song fascinated by the inspiring aquatic abilities and charisma of her relatives. However, most haenyeo start their training in the sea at the age of eight but the actress will have to cram over 30 years' worth of training into just a month. She will not only need to exercise her body but also prepare her mind - it's a high-stakes adventure that will reveal an unseen side to both Song and Korea. Ryan Shiotani, Senior Vice President of Content at BBC Studios Asia, says: "We are incredibly proud to partner with JTBC on our first original co-production together to celebrate the incredible lives of the haenyeo divers and immerse audiences in Song Ji-hyo's most personal and demanding challenge. At BBC Studios, we consistently have the unique privilege to work with the best in the business, and with expert camera work and Song Ji-hyo's down-to-earth charm, this series is no different. We can't wait to give viewers in Asia, and across the world, a deeper appreciation of Korea's deep cultural heritage, like never before." The actress expressed "Working on this series has been a very special and meaningful journey for me, and I'm sincerely delighted to be able to share this experience with viewers around the world. Having the opportunity to directly experience the lives of Jeju Island's haenyeo women and learn their way of life has been a precious opportunity that I'll never forget in my lifetime. Through this series, I hope that audiences in Korea and throughout the world will gain a deeper understanding of the haenyeo community's deep heritage and precious traditions." Ahead of the series release, Song will be making a visit to Kuala Lumpur in May for an exclusive screening event organised by BBC Studios. Stream the premiere of Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure on BBC Player every Sunday, from 11 May at 9:00pm. The series will also be available at the same time on the BBC Earth channel, available on UnifiTV channel 501 and Astro channel 554.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Korean actress Song Ji-hyo says she visits Malaysia often for work and pleasure
South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo (pic) says she loves coming to Malaysia, adding she often visits the country for both work and for holiday. The 43-year-old is in Kuala Lumpur today (May 2) as part of the promo tour for her three-episode BBC documentary Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure . 'I love Malaysia,' she tells StarLifestyle during our interview at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur earlier today. She was previously in town for Running Man Run 2 U Live In Kuala Lumpur tour in February. 'I come here not only for work but also secretly for a holiday as well. Malaysia is one of my favourite countries to visit.' According to her, she has the most female fans in Malaysia. 'There are a lot of faces that I recognise whenever I come here, and they welcome me so warmly. 'Thats why whenever I come here, I look forward to seeing them. And sometimes I see them in Korea too. Like they travel to Korea to see me as well. So I always look forward to coming to Malaysia, because I receive such a warm welcome.' She fondly shares of a male fan in Malaysia who calls her eonni . 'Eonni is what a female calls another female. But this man calls me eonni,' she says with a smile. The actress also shares that she never misses a chance to have satay when in Malaysia. She's also tried other food such as meatball soup, rose-flavoured drink and eating at local restaurants recommended by locals. Besides interview with press, Song also made an appearance at the Aurum Theatre at TRX to showcase the first episode of the documentary. In the series, Song tries her hand at free diving to retrieve shellfish from deep within the sea. Along the way, she learns just how tough and amazing the Jeju Island's legendary haenyeo truly are. The documentary will premiere on May 11 at 9pm on BBC Earth (Unifi TV Ch 501/ Astro Ch 554).
