Song Hye-kyo breaks silence on malicious rumours and heartbreak: 'Ask the person who made...'

South Korean actress Song Hye-kyo has broken her silence on the malicious and insulting' rumors that have followed her throughout her decades-long career. Known for her powerful performances in The Glory and Descendants of the Sun, Hye-kyo addressed these personal struggles during her first talk show appearance in 23 years on tvN’s You Quiz on the Block.

Debuting in the 1996 drama First Love at just 14, Hye-kyo rose to fame with her role in Autumn in My Heart (2000) before achieving global stardom with Descendants of the Sun in 2016. However, her personal life, including her short-lived marriage to co-star Song Joong-ki, has often been the subject of much scrutiny.

Reflecting on her experiences, she revealed how pervasive the gossip had become. “I wasn’t aware of it, but after working for so long, I’ve realised there are a lot of rumors about me,” she said during the show, according to Korea Times. “Occasionally, people I meet for the first time ask me about those rumors. When I get those questions, I say, ‘Yeah, I’ve heard about it too. Ask the person who made that.’”

The actor admitted that while she has grown accustomed to malicious comments, there were moments when the rumors crossed a line. “I’ve been criticised so much that I’m okay now. I’m okay when malicious comments are targeted at me, but when they do it to my family, it breaks my heart,” she said.

She also recounted a particularly upsetting incident where someone confronted her directly about a rumor. “I thought, ‘This is too much.’ I replied, ‘I’d answer if I knew, but I’ve only heard gossip myself, so I have nothing to say.’”

She credited screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung for helping her navigate these struggles. Noh’s advice on self-love and gratitude became a guiding force during challenging times. “She told me to love myself and focus on things I’m grateful for,” Hye-kyo hared, revealing that she practised daily self-reflection, listing her goals and gratitude for five years.

This focus on self-love and emotional healing has reshaped Song’s outlook. “I’ve learned to let go of regrets and accept life’s ups and downs,” she said, emphasising how even painful experiences have contributed to her growth.

Her role in The Glory also played a pivotal part in her transformation. Rather than fixating on public perception, she dedicated herself to honing her craft, striving for recognition as an actor. “As I approach my 40s, I’ve realized my appearance doesn’t define me. My commitment to acting is my priority now,” she said.