Actress Hong Jin-hee recently opened up about her close bond with fellow actress Kim Hye-soo during the broadcast of KBS2's 'Let's Live Together,' captivating viewers with both personal stories and heartfelt gratitude.
On the episode aired on the 26th of this month, Hong Jin-hee, who has been without work for over ten years, revealed how Kim Hye-soo has continuously provided support over the years, maintaining their friendship since they first met on the 1994 drama 'The Match.'
According to Hong Jin-hee, "It's been about three years now where Kim Hye-soo has been sending me food every month after doing her grocery shopping. I kept saying, 'Hye-soo, you don’t have to do this. You’re busy, and I feel bad.' But she responded, 'Eonni, if I do this, we can at least talk or text once a month even if we can't meet often.' It shows how much she values our connection," illustrating the depth of their friendship.
Her story didn’t stop there. Hong also shared how, during one of her times of need when she injured her arm, Kim sent her a robotic vacuum cleaner as a thoughtful gift. "It really touched my heart," said Hong, eliciting admiration from her co-discussants on the show.
Alongside her reflections on friendship, Hong Jin-hee candidly addressed the rumors surrounding her life as she faces the stigma of being labeled as someone with sponsorships because of her past fame. "I have lived with these rumors my whole life, and I have never had sponsors to support me," she clarified, highlighting how such misconceptions have followed her throughout her career.
Hong Jin-hee shared her lifestyle, confessing it is vastly different from her earlier years when she indulged in luxury items. Now, she says, "I’m more comfortable with simple things. I wear affordable clothes, and my only splurge is on my nails once a month! It makes me feel happy," showcasing her commitment to living within her means.
Fans were intrigued to hear how she fondly recalled her role on the popular show 'Sunny,' the debut film she starred in post her significant hiatus from acting. "'Sunny' was the project I hesitated to take initially due to my long break, but it ended up being quite fulfilling to return to the screen," she said, shedding light on her tumultuous return to the limelight.
Adding humor to the proceedings, Hong Jin-hee also shared her penchant for drinks, noting, "I enjoy drinking and often keep track of it on my calendar. I usually drink soju and mix it with beer — about one bottle of soju and three to four bottles of beer when I go out!" eliciting laughs and surprise from her peers.
This heartfelt episode has left audiences with not only the heartwarming story of friendship between two prominent actresses but also the stark reality of Hong Jin-hee's life behind the scenes. Despite the challenging circumstances, her resilient spirit shines through, buoyed by the unwavering support from friends like Kim Hye-soo.