South Korean actress Ha Ji-won, a household name known for her versatility and enduring career, has surprised fans and viewers alike with a candid revelation about her personal life and a bold new chapter in her career. Appearing as a guest on the March 15, 2026, episode of the popular SBS variety show My Ugly Duckling, Ha Ji-won opened up about her romantic history, her current lifestyle, and an unexpected return to campus life.
During the broadcast, hosts and fellow celebrities were quick to catch up with Ha Ji-won, who has long been admired for both her acting prowess and her private, down-to-earth demeanor. The conversation quickly turned to her recent decision to enroll as a freshman in the Department of Culinary & Food Design, class of 2026—a move that has intrigued both her fans and the public. According to Newsis, host Seo Jang-hoon introduced Ha Ji-won by noting, "Ha Ji-won is preparing for the possibility of living alone in the future. She even enrolled in a culinary department." Ha Ji-won herself confirmed, "I am a freshman in the Culinary & Food Design Department, class of 2026. I plan to meet new classmates, participate in club activities, and even go on a membership training (MT) trip."
This new academic pursuit marks a significant shift for the actress, who originally graduated from Dankook University with a degree in Theater and Film. Now, as she steps into the world of culinary arts, Ha Ji-won is not just expanding her personal skills—she is also embracing a new kind of student life, complete with all the typical experiences of college freshmen. "I’m looking forward to meeting my classmates, joining clubs, and going on MTs," she said, her enthusiasm clear.
The conversation took a more personal turn when host Shin Dong-yup asked about her romantic life—a topic that Ha Ji-won has historically kept private. Without hesitation, she replied, "It’s been about eight years since my last relationship. It could be even longer." This honest admission quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from the show, as reported by MyDaily.
The hosts, never ones to shy away from playful banter, pressed further about her preferences in a partner. Seo Jang-hoon recalled that Ha Ji-won had previously mentioned feeling more comfortable with younger men and asked, "How much younger would you consider?" Ha Ji-won responded thoughtfully, "What matters is being able to have a conversation." She emphasized that age is less important to her than genuine connection and communication, a sentiment that resonated with many viewers. Shin Dong-yup then joked, "It seems like age doesn’t matter at all to you. What if your classmate in the culinary department is younger and you really get along?" Ha Ji-won laughed and replied, "That would be a big problem," waving her hands in mock alarm and drawing laughter from everyone present.
Ha Ji-won also gave viewers a glimpse into her daily routine, which stands in stark contrast to her glamorous public image. She admitted, "I spend a lot of time at home. I eat, lie down, and even watch TV while lying down." It’s a refreshingly relatable confession from a star who is often seen in dramatic roles or on red carpets.
This new phase of Ha Ji-won's life is not just a private journey—it will soon be shared with the public in a new JTBC digital studio web variety show titled 26학번 지원이요 (which translates roughly to "Freshman Ji-won, Class of '26"). The show, set to premiere on March 19, 2026, will document her experiences as a new university student, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at her adaptation to campus life. According to Newsis, the series will capture everything from her interactions with classmates to her participation in club activities and the much-anticipated MT trip, a staple of Korean university culture.
Ha Ji-won's decision to return to university at this stage in her life has sparked widespread discussion, both for its novelty and for the message it sends about lifelong learning and personal reinvention. Many have praised her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and embrace new challenges, especially in an industry where reinvention is often key to longevity. The move also reflects broader trends in South Korea, where adult education and career changes are becoming increasingly common, particularly among public figures seeking new skills or personal fulfillment.
Her openness about her romantic history has also resonated with viewers, who appreciate her candor and self-assurance. In a culture that often places significant pressure on women, especially those in the public eye, to conform to traditional timelines for relationships and marriage, Ha Ji-won's comments serve as a reminder that happiness and fulfillment can take many forms—and that it’s never too late to pursue new passions or relationships. As she put it, "Being able to have a conversation is what matters," highlighting the importance of genuine connection over societal expectations.
Fans and the general public have expressed excitement and curiosity about what this new chapter will bring for Ha Ji-won. Social media has been abuzz with supportive messages and speculation about her upcoming adventures as a student and potential new friendships—or even romances—that might blossom in her culinary program. The playful exchange on My Ugly Duckling about the possibility of dating a younger classmate only added fuel to the fire, with many viewers appreciating her good humor and open-mindedness.
Meanwhile, industry insiders note that Ha Ji-won's participation in a web variety show focused on her student life could set a trend for other celebrities to explore similar ventures, blurring the lines between personal growth and entertainment. The show promises to offer a unique blend of reality and aspiration, as viewers watch a beloved actress navigate the challenges and joys of starting over in a completely new environment.
As the premiere of 26학번 지원이요 approaches, all eyes are on Ha Ji-won—not just as an actress, but as a student, a woman embracing change, and a relatable figure for anyone contemplating a fresh start. Her willingness to share both her vulnerabilities and her ambitions continues to endear her to fans and newcomers alike, proving that reinvention and honesty never go out of style.
With her trademark humor and authenticity, Ha Ji-won is once again redefining what it means to be a star—and reminding us all that life’s next chapter is always just around the corner.