SOURCE: [단독]사과받았지만..최미나수 "홍진경 '작작 하세요' 지적받을만해" [인터뷰③]
Choi Mina Sue has a unique name that is hard to forget. She said, "My parents were in Australia when they had me. They wanted to name me Mina, but my grandmother insisted that adding 'Sue' would help me grow up beautifully. So, the name Mina Sue was born." She added, "When we registered my name in South Korea, they used Chinese characters meaning ‘beautiful’ (美), ‘graceful’ (娜), and ‘outstanding’ (秀)."
Her life seemed to follow her name. In 2021, when she was in her early 20s, she competed in the Miss Korea pageant and won second place. The following year, she represented South Korea in the international beauty pageant Miss Earth and became the first Korean to ever win. After starring in a few dramas, she made a strong impression and gained recognition through 'Single's Inferno 5.'
She revealed that she had previously declined offers to appear in 'Single's Inferno 5,' saying, "I was shy about showing my personal side on a show about love. I also had a lot of concerns. But then I thought, 'I want to show more of the different sides of myself,' and finally found the courage to join."
-The panelists' reactions to your behavior (Hong Jinkyung saying 'Tone it down' and Lee Dahee saying 'You did that too') became a hot topic. Were you hurt by that?
▶I didn't look for them on purpose, but I came across clips of it on Shorts or news. I thought it was better not to watch because I already knew about it.
-Many people are curious about the behind-the-scenes of the 'Single's Inferno 5' wrap party, especially your meeting with Hong Jinkyung.
▶I wasn't hurt even if the panels said bad things about me. Of course, if I watched it every day and kept it in my head, it would hurt more, but the panels have to react honestly for the viewers to relate to the show. Even I thought I acted strangely at times. (Laughs) I think I deserved those comments. I'm actually grateful they wrapped things up well.
– The 'apology photo' you took with Hong Jinkyung also went viral.
▶Actually, that was my very first time going to a wrap party like that. While I was eating, Hong Jinkyung approached me brightly, apologized immediately, and suggested we take a photo together. I was so thankful that she handled it in such a cheerful way.
-Did Hong Jinkyung suggest the 'apology photo' concept?
▶Yes. At first, I worried, "What if I get more hate because of this photo?" Luckily, she was very professional, and I was very grateful. In fact, the panelists apologized to all the cast members. We felt more thankful than anything. It was a very warm and friendly meeting.
– Some people are calling you 'the second Dex.'
▶ Rather than being 'the second Dex,' I want to be 'the first Choi Mina Sue.' Not just me, but everyone has their own unique story. I want to show the side of me that only I can show.
-What are your plans for the future?
▶I want to do many different activities if I get the chance. I think there are many sides of me I haven't shown yet. I want to show a more grown version of myself. I only have three years left in my 20s, so I want to fill them up and create many shining moments.
-Do you have specific goals like acting, variety shows, or modeling?
▶ I’m still thinking about it. If opportunities come, I want to work hard at anything. I like standing in front of the camera and feel confident on stage. I want to try many things. Variety shows like 'SNL Korea' would be great, as well as YouTube web variety programs. I’d also like to share more of my daily life. I think I would really enjoy being an MC or acting.
– Do you have a role model?
▶ Rather than having one, I actually want to be someone who becomes a role model for others. I want to show a side of me that breaks old stereotypes. Even during Miss Korea, I worked very hard to break away from the polished image people expect. I want to continue showing myself taking on new challenges.
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