South Korean actress Son Na-eun (손나은) has fully committed to her acting career since departing from Apink, with her focus now entirely on dramas. In a recent interview, she candidly shared her journey transitioning from an idol to an actress, admitting it hasn't been easy and that she remains highly conscious of public perception. She even stated, "I’ve always felt like everyone was evaluating me."
Indeed, since embarking on her acting path, whether in her debut leading film role or subsequent television appearances, Son Na-eun has frequently faced criticism for what some called "poor acting" due to stiff expressions and unclear diction.
However, in the recent SBS Friday-Saturday drama The Golden Agent (금트무), she portrays Jung Sang-ah, a bank manager and member of a special task force. This role has allowed her to shed her past idol image and take on a more mature and nuanced character. Compared to her previous works, her performance has garnered significant praise from viewers, who note a marked improvement in her acting, suggesting she is gradually breaking free from the "poor acting" stereotype.
On December 22, the YouTube channel "YouTube 하지영" released a new video featuring Son Na-eun. In the program, she confessed for the first time that she has been unable to fully shake off the label of "actor from an idol background," which has caused her to endure more pressure than other actors.
Son Na-eun explained, "I used to always think, 'Everyone must be evaluating me.' Because I debuted as a singer, people have preconceived notions about me. Even now, that thought still exists." She admitted that unlike actors who start their careers solely in acting, the public often views her through a different lens, making her even more sensitive to their evaluations.
Despite this, Son Na-eun stated that she chooses not to dwell in negative emotions but instead transforms pressure into motivation. She said, "That’s why I work harder, hoping to keep improving. On set, I try to lighten the mood, actively talk to everyone, and smile more. Slowly, I realized it wasn't as difficult as I imagined."
Meanwhile, the viewership ratings for Son Na-eun’s starring drama, The Golden Agent, have continued to climb. Episode 8 achieved a nationwide rating of 23.1% (Nielsen Korea), marking a new high since its premiere. This success has brought renewed attention to her acting performance, with many viewers acknowledging her significant growth as an actress.
