Five Fun Facts About Son Ye Jin

Son Ye Jin is in the news again with script readings for a new drama, "Shark." The disaster film Tower," in which her character survives a burning skyscraper, has earned enough positive reviews for distribution in America and Japan. But then Son Ye Jin has been in the news pretty much since her debut in the film "Secret Tears" in 2000.

As often as she makes the headlines, there are a few facts you may not know about her.

1. Son Ye Jin has a big following in Japan and China. Playing the ailing Shim Hye Won in the drama, "Summer Scent, made her a Hallyu star throughout Asia. Her film, "A Moment to Remember," based on a Japanese series, set box office records in Japan. The romance film, "April Snow," in which she starred with Bae Yong Joon, was a mega hit in Japan and China, although it did not do as well in Korea.

2. She is not worried about her image. Although she started out playing nice girl roles, she has since been a con artist, an ambitious reporter, a divorcee, and a woman with more than one husband. She also does not care about looking glamorous in movies

"I don't really care about ruining my image," said the actress when asked about playing a scene with no makeup.

3. Having recently celebrated her 31st birthday, she is enjoying her thirties.

"I think I had a hard time in my 20s," said Son. "I think the pain I experienced then has made me who I am now. I've finally found my pace. I'm satisfied with my life."

For Son, a healthy pace includes taking enough time between projects to travel and relax. 

4. Although she is a veteran actress, filming "Tower," a remake of the film "Blazing Inferno," was a challenge. Her most challenging scene took place in water early on a cold day.

"When we filmed an explosion scene in the water, I had to hold on to a big ball of lead and then break the surface just when the explosion happened," said Son. "In the underwater explosion scenes, I even lost consciousness once after being swept away with the water. It was really hard but I guess it means a lot to me because I remember it as a joyful memory rather than a hard one."

5. She did a cameo in the drama "Secret Garden." In case you missed it, it's at the end when she meets martial arts teacher/would-be director Jong Soo and tells him she has discovered his script.

"Who were you thinking of casting," she asks. "Angelina Jolie?"

Not only do viewers know she will star in Jong Soo's film, but likely also in his love life.