Jo Ah-ram: From K-pop Idol to Rising Actress - A Journey of Passion and Perseverance

Star Catcher: Shining a Light on Emerging Stars in the Entertainment Industry

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"Pursuing a degree in acting significantly fueled my dream of becoming an actress. I successfully passed the highly competitive entrance exam for Seoul Institute of the Arts."

Jo Ah-ram, born in 2000 and debuted in 2016 with the group Gugudan, shared this revelation with a shy smile. On the 20th, we met Jo Ah-ram at the TenAsia office in Jungnim-dong, Seoul. After graduating from Seoul School of Performing Arts with a major in practical music, she pursued a degree in acting at Seoul Institute of the Arts.

After leaving Gugudan in 2018, Jo Ah-ram took a nearly four-year hiatus from the entertainment industry. She announced her return as an actress in 2022 with 'The Killer's Shopping List.' Her second role in 'Doctor Cha Jung-sook' as Jeon So-ra, a third-year surgical resident and junior to Uhm Jung-hwa, catapulted her to stardom. She continued to shine in 'Thank You' and has been cast in 'To the Moon' this year.

When asked if she had always planned to transition from a girl group to acting, Jo Ah-ram replied, "Not exactly. My dream of becoming an actress grew while studying acting in college." She added, "I found acting incredibly fun when I first learned it. Performing and filming at school, I was positively influenced by my peers and professors. Having focused solely on being a singer from a young age, acting felt refreshingly new."

"Studying acting allowed me to explore musical theater and plays, combining my love for dance and singing, and opened up various avenues for me."

Jo Ah-ram revealed, "I've dreamed of being a singer since I was five. I attended dance academies as a child and never once doubted my dream of becoming a singer. I joined as an idol trainee in middle school."

When asked about memorable feedback during her projects, Jo Ah-ram said, "While I appreciate viewers' compliments, the director's words on set left a lasting impression." She recalled, "Playing a doctor in 'Doctor Cha Jung-sook,' I studied medical topics diligently. I watched countless videos and read books, even seeking advice in person. I left no stone unturned."

"During a CPR scene, a real nurse was on set. Thanks to my preparation, I completed the shoot without needing her help. When the director said in front of everyone, 'We can rely on Ah-ram,' I felt a great sense of accomplishment. That experience motivated me to work even harder."

Jo Ah-ram identified Se-hyun from the movie 'Victory' as the character most similar to her real personality. "People often perceive me as having a cold image, but they'll discover my lively and charming side," she explained. "Se-hyun appears chic but loves people and is passionate about her work. Cheerleading was her driving force, just as acting is mine. I love acting and put my heart into my work."

Conversely, she found Jeon So-ra from 'Doctor Cha Jung-sook' to be the most different from her. "I have perfectionist tendencies, but I'm not as outspoken as So-ra. I'm cautious, shy, and introverted, unlike the outgoing So-ra," she said. In person, Jo Ah-ram exuded a warm and delicate aura rather than shyness. A devout Christian, she carried a composed and gentle image reminiscent of a 'church sister.'

When asked about her strengths, Jo Ah-ram confessed, "I quietly do my best in any given task. I prefer taking things step by step rather than dreaming big." She added, "I've always been like this, and as I continue in my style, more people are recognizing me. I want to keep living diligently."

"Having pursued a single dream since childhood, I seem to know what I'm good at. Ideas often come to me about how to make the most of any situation. I'm quite quick-witted (laughs). I learned a lot through impromptu acting during school."

Jo Ah-ram also highlighted her versatility, saying, "My image changes significantly with styling, allowing me to portray various characters." The reporters noted her calm and diligent demeanor, more than ambition. As she continues her steady journey, anticipation grows for her future endeavors without haste.

Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr