E JIAH is All For Superpowered Self-Love

After making waves in three seasons of 'Penthouse', a new E JIAH is ready to emerge. All set to embrace fresh challenges, the South Korean actress reflects on why the phrase “love yourself” has always been so special to her.

With almost 15 years of experience as an actress and with numerous acting awards under her belt, E JIAH is easily considered one of South Korea’s finest names in television and film. Since breaking out in 2007’s series 'The Legend', she has been lauded for her performances in shows such as 'Beethoven Virus', 'Style', 'Athena: Goddess of War', and 'Thrice Married Woman'. Then came 'Penthouse' in 2020 and 2021, and to put it simply, the show took Netflix by storm – and E JIAH took home an SBS Drama Top Excellence Award for actress in a mid-length drama. Now, the accomplished actress says she is ready for a new challenge.

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Since 2020, we’ve seen you on three seasons of the very successful 'Penthouse'. In 2022, what can we expect from E JIAH?

This year, I want to try playing a character that is totally different from what I’ve shown you in 'Penthouse'. I know getting a role needs some luck or fate, but I would love to try playing various roles with comic, clumsy, or even over-the-top characteristics.

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Speaking of 'Penthouse', which many viewers in Singapore watched faithfully, how do you feel looking back on the three incredibly successful seasons?

I didn't know that Penthouse was being streamed in other countries on Netflix. I am truly grateful that so many people loved it. While shooting the 48 episodes over a year and a half, there were some hard times but thanks to the great staff members and my fellow actors, I enjoyed every single moment of it. It was fairly challenging to portray the different sides of SuRyeon, but the audiences’ support and empathy toward her helped me a lot.

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Our February issue is about 'identity' and 'self'. What’s your idea of self-love?

I always write the phrase “love yourself” in my autographs, because I want to remind myself and everyone else of those words. I think the most important thing is to take care of yourself, to stay healthy, and to live life without being self-conscious. That is how you love yourself. We are often swayed by others’ thoughts and are pressured to conform. Those who fully love themselves are firm in their decisions and know what they want. That is the kind of person I aim to be.

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You love sci-fi films and said that the movie 'Her', which inspired our shoot set, is one of your favourites. Tell us more about why you like the genre and the film so much.

There isn’t really one specific reason. Maybe it started with the curiosity and admiration for places we haven’t reached yet, or places we cannot go to? The universe and the future are areas that are beyond our understanding... I always find the new information we discover through scientific advances each year very interesting.

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We also understand that you are very much a music-lover. What is some of your favourite music at the moment?

I enjoy listening to a wide variety of music genres. There were times when I was particularly into hip-hop and other times when I was really into rock music. I still listen to various types of music. I’m currently listening to a song by PREP at this very moment.

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What are your preferences when it comes to jewellery?

I usually prefer simple jewellery, and sometimes bold designs, rather than feminine or colourful designs. I used to wear only rings or bracelets, but nowadays I often wear earrings and sometimes necklaces. Recently, I also find myself buying and collecting ear cuffs.

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Especially in recent years, South Korean films, television programs and music have really struck a chord with international audiences. As an actress, what are your hopes for the industry in the years to come?

Of course, films and shows that can bring joy to the audience are great. However, in today’s fast-paced world, which is full of content, I wish there would be more content that makes us pause and think and resonates across cultures.

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Tiffany Knot Double Row Necklace in rose gold with diamonds, Tiffany Knot Ring in yellow gold with diamonds, Tiffany Knot Double Row Ring in yellow gold with diamonds, Tiffany Knot Double Row Hinged Bangle in yellow gold, and Tiffany Knot Double Row Hinged Bangle in yellow gold with diamonds, TIFFANY & CO. Dress, SPORTMAX Cap, stylist’s own

Tiffany Knot Double Row Necklace in rose gold with diamonds, Tiffany Knot Ring in yellow gold with diamonds, and Tiffany Knot Double Row Ring in yellow gold with diamonds, TIFFANY & CO. Dress, SPORTMAX Cap, stylist’s own

Tiffany Knot Drop Earrings in rose gold with diamonds, Tiffany Knot Pendant in yellow gold, and Tiffany Knot Ring in yellow gold with diamonds, TIFFANY & CO. Dress, VALENTINO

Tiffany Knot Pendant in yellow gold, Tiffany Knot Double Row Ring in yellow gold, Tiffany Knot Double Row Ring in rose gold, Tiffany Knot Ring in yellow gold with diamonds, and Tiffany Knot Drop Earring in rose gold with diamonds (worn as brooch), TIFFANY & CO. Suit, GUCCI

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ian Lee

PHOTOGRAPHY Ji+Doh

STYLING Myong Hee Kim

HAIR Shon Hye Jin

MAKEUP Seo Ok / OuiOuiAtelier

PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM TETRIS PRODUCTION Kate Ahn

VIDEOGRAPHY Here to Film

STYLING ASSISTANTS Kyung Eun Woo, Da Hyung Yang, and Yeon Hee Maeng

HAIR ASSISTANT Choi Miso

MAKEUP ASSISTANT Ji Seung Mi

SPECIAL THANKS to collaborative artist, Nuri Yeon

All jewellery TIFFANY & CO.