From Actress Han Ji-hye to Elly Han

By Han Ji-hye (Elly Han)  
Photos by Han Ji-hye (Elly Han)

Embarking on a New Journey

After 16 years as an actress, 10 years of marriage, and 5 years as a mother, the journey that began first feels the most arduous. With time, navigating the storms of marriage alongside my partner has brought wisdom, and motherhood has afforded me smiles even in bygone days of overwhelming hunger. Yet, in acting—the longest-standing pursuit—my place in this endless journey remains elusive. Despite moments of pride when reviewing my packed resume, recurring audition rejections often leave me defeated, tempted to discard it entirely. But still, I persist, driven by the possibility that the next stop might be my turn.

A Korean Origin

Born, raised, and educated in Korea, I now tread the boards in New York. Without planning or dreaming of becoming an actress abroad, my life led me here, where I dream bigger dreams. I tremble to think how mundane life would've been without challenges or failures, which taught me to love myself. This path is difficult, riddled with rejections, yet nothing else sets my heart racing in quite the same way.

Perseverance and Passion

The journey has not been solitary; initial supporters have waned, understandably exhausted—and I regret not meeting their expectations. As encouragement from family dimmed, especially post-motherhood, only my husband remains steadfast. Now, for his sake as well as mine, success feels imperative.

After majoring in drama at a Korean university, I ventured directly into the industry. When musicals began booming in Korea, I graduated and luck steered me towards many original productions for seven years, riding that creative wave. Despite minimal natural talent in singing, perseverance carried me through, from sleepless vocal drills to conquering auditions based solely on character.

Realizing the absence of passion on the musical stage led to freeing departure—the heart’s rhythm shifted towards acting on screen.

New Horizons

Marriage to my adventurous husband meant relocation to New York, where he pursued a master’s degree. As he became absorbed in studies, I found solace and inspiration in Times Square, envisioning myself among its luminous displays. Undeterred by unfamiliar waters, my journey into film began—adapting from the stage’s vast expanse to the camera's frame.

Graduating from film school imbued me with unshakable confidence, eager for the stage of Times Square. Remembering a senior actor’s words on endurance and self-battle, I charged into society with hope and confidence, albeit momentarily crumpled.

Industry Challenges

My career in New York began under the guidance of Marion, a veteran agent, bringing me my first audition for "Law and Order." Despite initial shock at the multitude of similar faces, the lesson was clear: triumph requires continual self-conflict and resilience.

Future Aspirations

• Graduated from Sangmyung University with a degree in drama.
• Appeared in numerous musicals, including "Music In My Heart" and "Wizard of Oz."
• After moving to New York in 2011, she graduated from New York Film Academy and appeared in Amazon, Estee Lauder ads, and TV series such as Netflix's "Unbelievable Kimmy Schmidt" and HBO's "The Deuce."
• Upcoming projects include HBO's "The Flight Attendant" and the Hollywood film "Supercool."

Further details are available on IMDb and Instagram @ellypie0623.