Cover Story: 'Destined with You' Star, Cho Bo-ah Looks Ahead to 2024

Some 12 years after she made her screen debut, and with an extensive list of appearances in notable South Korean dramas including smash hits like 2020’s Tale of the Nine Tailed and last year’s Military Prosecutor Doberman, actress Cho Bo-ah deserves to feel nothing but self-assured and content. “I’m proud of this moment, right now. It began with a simple dream 12 years ago, and I want to really encourage and congratulate myself for having continued to walk this same path without wavering,” she tells L’OFFICIEL SINGAPORE.

In recent months, she has stepped back into the limelight with the Netflix series Destined with You, which also stars former SF9 member Rowoon, and Yura of Girl’s Day. The light-hearted romantic comedy wrapped up its run in mid-October on a high, going as far as taking second place in average audience share rankings in Seoul. Soon, Cho will be back on our screens with season four of Europe Outside Your Tent, in which she is a cast member, as well as web series Hong Rang. The ever-versatile actress tells us about her upcoming projects below.

One of your key projects this year was the television series Destined with You, which finished airing recently. What were some of your favourite things about playing Lee Hong-jo?

I would have to say the memories and the relationships I forged with every staff member, including my director, who set the tone of the filming set with a warm and joyful attitude. And being able to meet the character of lovable Hong-jo.

We are expecting season four of Europe Outside Your Tent, which will feature an all-female crew including yourself. How was it hanging out with an all-girls cast and is there anything about the show that you can share with us?

Travelling while taking care of each other and matching each other’s tune as a group of four was so enjoyable. I think this contributed to the reason why every day was so precious and joyful. Although we were in a foreign setting, we were able to experience the warm hospitality of southern France and we feel that unique aspect of the region will really shine in the final product for viewers to enjoy.

Web series Hong Rang is another upcoming production that you’ll be in…

Given that Hong Rang is set in the Choson dynasty, we’re doing our utmost best to really capture the essence of the beauty of Korea around the peninsula. We’re pouring our blood, sweat and tears into each scene, and that’s really adding to the enjoyment and anticipation.

2023 has involved you working on back-to-back projects. During this busy time, what are some of the simple things that have kept you happy and energised?

I’ve been approaching every moment with a mindset of “let’s make the best of it and let’s maximise happiness.” It’s the little things, and I’ve been trying to stop and smell the roses. For example, I love the bird songs that wake me up in the morning and my lovable dog’s morning kisses that begin the moment I open my eyes. It’s easy to take these for granted because they’re so minute, but I’ve been trying to look at the bigger picture and being thankful daily.

You’ve been acting for about 12 years now. What’s one moment that you’re the proudest of so far?

I’m proud of this moment, right now. It began with a simple dream 12 years ago, and I want to really encourage and congratulate myself for having continued to walk this same path without wavering.

Is there a certain genre that you would like to challenge yourself with next?

If the opportunity arises, I would love to work with horror or thriller genres in my next project.

Describe what 2023 has meant to you.

2023 has been a year of warm positivity and bravery, in the style of Hong-jo. My 2023 has been filled with Hong-jo from the start to the end — principal photography, filming to post-production and broadcast.

How will you be spending the end of the year?

Probably finishing up the current projects in progress. I think the end of 2023, for me, will be more meaningful and warm because I’ll be sending the year off doing what I love.

Your resolutions for 2024 are…

To do my utmost best in everything that I do. I also want to embrace and welcome different and new opportunities with open arms.

What can we expect in the future from Cho Bo-ah?

I think the first upcoming project that I’ll meet viewers through is Europe Outside Your Tent 4. I had an amazing and healing time with my sisters, and I would love for the viewers tuning in to enjoy and heal along with us. In addition to Europe Outside Your Tent 4, please give Hong Rang lots of attention and love! I’d like to sincerely thank all the fans and viewers who’ve continued with me on this journey from the bottom of my heart!