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By Elly Han
Photo Credit: Elly Han
It was thanks to a German friend named Konrad, whom I met during a one-month summer camp in London in my second year of middle school, that I first thought seriously about learning English. Although it was my first overseas English camp, following a classmate who excelled in school, I could neither understand English nor make friends. It was only when I met Konrad at the pool. He suggested we play ball daily, and we became friends. However, on the last night of camp, I couldn't understand the long confession he made with a flushed face. I had to watch, regretfully, as he turned away. It was then I decided I would become proficient in English.
My English skills have improved steadily since then. I studied consistently until people said, "You speak English well," and communicated effortlessly with foreign friends. So when I went to New York to pursue acting, I had no fear.
But the phrase "it's just the tip of the iceberg" turned out to be quite fitting.
In New York, I encountered the language barrier anew while building my life. Although I might have communicated in English, living in a foreign country meant that English wasn’t just a language. English was culture, expression. Understanding and learning this wasn't easy. However, being an actor means becoming familiar with despair.
Most audition notices come from agents the day before. If lucky, one receives them in the morning; otherwise, in the afternoon. The script length varies depending on the role. A big role calls for exciting preparation and long nights of practice because I, unlike others, need more time. English is not my native language. Thus, as a foreigner, to perform well in a foreign language, one must sleep less.
This audition was for a substantial guest star role in a network TV series. A guest star often triggers or leads the episode's events, so it’s significant. The role was an interesting twist—a seemingly naive nun turned terrorist. Prepared, I entered the audition room in the most ‘nun-like’ attire. The script had two scenes, one requiring dramatic tears. Notably, I excel in tearful acting. My husband is still fooled by it. I performed passionately, and the casting director seemed pleased. Then came the question, “Did you intentionally add an accent?” followed by, “Can you try it with a native American accent?” Instantly, tears threatened to return. “What?!”
Exiting the audition, I promised to try my best, even if I couldn't perform with a native accent perfectly. Although I felt heavy-hearted, I realized this wasn’t the first time a casting director asked for a native accent. Since beginning acting, I’ve secured minor roles in series and commercials, where my accent wasn’t as noticeable. But larger roles with more lines highlighted my accent. Competing with other Asian actors, mostly native or long-residing Americans, I felt behind.
I took weekly accent lessons with Charles, my savior—not because my accent disappeared but because he taught me that muscles adapted to Korean speech since age three were responsible for my accent. Recording my pronunciation was initially unbearable due to my accent, but Charles helped me accept and even like it.
Instead of chasing what I couldn’t achieve, I embraced what made me unique. Charles gave me the courage to become an actor with a distinct identity, even if I couldn’t speak English fluently like a native.
Previously, I would have passionately agreed to perform with a native accent and blamed myself for not succeeding. Now, I confidently say, “No, but I can try to reduce my accent. And I’ll do my best.” That evening, my agent called; they had included me among the final candidates for the role, despite it eventually going to someone else. I realized that even with my imperfect English, I could tell my own story because my accent carried a unique narrative that only I could deliver.
By Elly Han
Graduating from Sangmyung University with a degree in Theater, Elly Han participated in Korean original musicals including ‘Music in My Heart,’ ‘While You Were Sleeping,’ ‘Happy Days of Youth,’ and ‘Wizard of Oz.’
After moving to New York with her husband in 2011, she graduated from the New York Film Academy. Her work includes commercials for Amazon and Estee Lauder, TV shows like Netflix's ‘Unbelievable Kimmy Schmidt,’ HBO’s ‘THE DEUCE,’ and the upcoming 2021 HBO release ‘THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT.’ She also starred in films such as ‘Till We Meet Again’ and ‘Cooking with Connie,’ a short film that won numerous awards. She eagerly anticipates her first Hollywood venture, ‘Supercool,’ set for a 2021 release.
In 2014, she published a travel essay combining her love of travel and writing, titled ‘Festival Traveler’ by Minumsa. Further information is available at Elly Han's IMDb, and on Instagram at @ellypie0623.
