[OSENWORLD] Actress Kim Hieora, known for her powerful performances in The Glory and The Savior, has opened up about her unexpected journey into Hollywood — one that began not on a film set, but in a music studio.
In a recent interview ahead of the release of her new film The Savior, Kim discussed her acting comeback, her time in the United States, and her growing ambitions to expand her career beyond Korea.
Directed by Shin Joon, The Savior is a mystery occult film about a couple, Young-beom (played by Kim Byong-chul, from Guardian: The Lonely and Great God and Doctor Cha) and Sun-hee (portrayed by Song Ji-hyo of Running Man), who move to the seemingly blessed village of Obok-ri. There, they encounter a series of miracles — only to realize that every blessing comes at someone else’s cost. Kim plays Chun-seo, a resident whose dark presence intensifies the film’s haunting atmosphere.
But even before The Savior, Kim’s time in the U.S. had already drawn headlines. She revealed that her local management maintains a connection with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) — the powerhouse that represents stars including Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Beyoncé.
“I went to the U.S. to study English,” Kim explained. “Since I came from a musical theater background, I thought it would be great to learn through something familiar — so I started taking songwriting classes in English with an American producer. I spent about nine months in the U.S., traveling, writing lyrics, and reflecting on my life.”
She continued, “Acting is full of miracles — sometimes you prepare for a role but aren’t chosen, or the release gets delayed. But music felt different. As long as even one person listens, I can still express myself. It became my way to speak honestly.”
Kim said her motivation wasn’t fame, but gratitude. “Fans sent so many letters during my hiatus, and I was deeply moved,” she said. “Acting and musicals let me meet fans on stage or in theaters, but music can reach them anytime. I wanted to write something that tells them how I’ve lived and how I feel. It started small, but now I’ve gotten more ambitious — I keep going back to the studio.”
Her time in the U.S. also helped her grow as both an artist and a person. “Now I can handle simple conversations in English,” she said. “I still take lessons, and recently I shot an independent film and even auditioned for a few projects there. But thankfully, I received new offers from Korea, which will always be my first priority.”
When asked about her ties to CAA, Kim clarified: “I haven’t officially signed with CAA. My management agency communicates with one of the agents there, who connects us to opportunities. For example, I was invited to the Butterfly premiere in the U.S. through them. It’s been a great relationship, and I’m grateful for their support.”
Despite her growing international attention, Kim remains grounded. “I’m not rushing anything,” she said. “I’m just preparing — learning, creating, and staying ready for when the right opportunity comes.”
For Kim Hieora, preparation itself has become a form of artistry — quiet, deliberate, and deeply personal.
The Savior opens in Korean theaters on November 5.
/k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of Mindmark
