Han Ye-seul (Anna Cho) Wins Over Detractors as Amnesiac Heiress

The character played by Han Ye-sul (24) in the MBC drama "Couple of Fantasy" is a kind of Korean Paris Hilton, and her catchphrase "Look at you..." is on everybody's lips. An audacious heiress, Ana Jo becomes a comic character with disordered hair and cheap clothes after losing her memory due to an accident. Han's popularity is soaring thanks to the attractive qualities she brings to the role of a haughty rich girl brought low.

"Aren't they cute? I mean Netizens. They say I was such an unattractive character but suddenly became so charming. Those anti-fans... They suddenly became big fans," Han laughs. Her clothes are unflattering, but they can't hide her beautiful chiseled face. "I am a completely different person from Ana Jo. In fact, I think I'm lovely, delicate and rarely get angry." Han says she never expected she would become this popular. "When I decided to play a character like Ana Jo, who is arrogant and haughty, I was ready for any criticism from viewers, but instead I'm getting very friendly responses and I was really surprised," she says. "When I see how popular characters like Ana Jo are, I realize that Korea is changing fast. The public is becoming more open-minded. It's cool. Such a mindset is important for us to develop, isn't it?" She has a tendency to answer a question with another question.

Han made her debut in entertainment when she won a super model contest. She became a star thanks to the rude and bizarre role she played in another MBC drama, "Non Stop," in 2004. Recently she spent a year off with her family in the U.S. "The reason why I had so many detractors was that I became a star so fast. Our citizens have a strong sense of justice." Isn't she afraid of spoiling her image by playing such a role? She is breaking down barriers step by step as Ana Jo. "I've been a star rather than an actress, and that's no good. Stars have an inflated image and a short lifespan. I want to be more passionate about my job and build my career so that I can act for a long time."

Complimented that her acting has greatly improved, she giggles and covers her mouth. "Really? It's so nice to hear that. I think I'm very lucky." She speaks English fluently and wants to enter the U.S. market too. Asked if she wants to follow in the footsteps of Kim Yun-jin, who is a star thanks to her part in the ABC hit series "Lost," she is quick to respond. "It's so childish to say I want to do better than someone else." Does she have a role model? "There are so many excellent actors and actresses out there... My job is acting, but I don't like watching dramas or movies, so I can't answer your question. It's ironic, isn't it?"

Source: englishnews@chosun.com