Most people know about ‘Chun-hyang’, because it is used countless times in films and soap operas. Chun-hyang is regarded as the standard of beauty in the Josun dynasty, and the role model of chastity. However, it is not enough to express ‘Chun-hyang’in just several keywords. We have a vague impression of Chun-hyang.
A chun-hyang contest is held in Namwon City, Jun-buk to praise Chun-hyang’s chastity every year and it reached its 82nd event this year. This contest is more intricate than the Miss Korea contest, and the competition rate is very high. Among many participants, 6 women are selected as Jin, Sun, Mi, Jung, Suk, and Hyeon. The competition rate is one out of 397 this year.

Who was selected as Miss Chun-hyang this year?
She was a girl from Kookmin University, breaking the competition of 397 to 1.
Jo, Seung-hee majoring in performing arts was selected for Miss Chun-hyang Jin 2012, so we have a great opportunity to hear about every episode of Miss Chun-hyang.

Q. Congratulationson being selected as Miss Chun-hyang Jin. First of all, how do you feel?
Can you give us a few words which you couldn’t say that day?

A: Thank you for your congratulations. I am so happy that there are a lot of congratulations these days. Actually, I thought it would be nice to be in the top 6, and thenas I went up the ranks, I thought ‘Maybe I can be in top 3’, but didn’t have high hopes. However, when they called ‘Mi’, but it was not me, my heart started beating so fast. I have never felt something like it before. It is hard to explain in words. I had hoped to be Miss Chun-hyang but couldn’t imagine actually being her. All participants were pretty and charming. As the ranks got high, my mom came to my mind, so I was trying to find her in seats, but she wasn’t there. I thought ‘She will be somewhere…’was I waited for the announcement of the results. I really regarded it as meaningful to participate in the Chun-hyang Contest, so I was thankful to be the finalist. It’s all about my family, so I thank my family the most. In the election interview, I said that I wanted to meet my family soon. It was the chance where I realized the importance of my family.

Q. What brings you challenge as Miss Chun-hyang?

A. I was told a lot that I fit nicely in a Han-bok(Korean traditional costume) and Miss Chun-hyang because of my face shape. I like thequote:“The most Korean style is the most global.” I’m dreaming of becoming an actress, so I want to be a global movie star. For my dream, I wanted to be accepted as a representative of the Korean woman style. Actually, I had LASEK surgery before the contest, so I had many worries because my eyes didn’t open until the last night before the interview day. Surprisingly, I got my eyes open on the morning of the interview. My eyes hurn a little bit, but my passion for the contest was bigger than that.

Q. What do you think about Miss Chun-hyang as Miss Chun-hyang?

A. The virtues of Miss Chun-hyang include knowledge, kindness, health, and beauty. Miss Chun-hyang should have 4 virtues, and another beauty comparing with the past Miss Chun-hyang by the changing of the times. I think modern Chun-hyang can express herself and have many talents.
It’s not about the face itself; you would understand that if you see me. (Laugh) I think I was selected as Miss Chun-hyangbecause I have various talents. I always do my best for all things, and try to behave carefully. During the training, all 31 participants were told:“You guys are already Miss Chun-hyang.” Actually, we had to tie up our hair like Chun-hyang whenever we practicedor took a lecture. It demonstratesthat the training score is also includedin the total score to be Miss Chun-hyang. It is important how well you get along with others, and how you can overcome conflicts. These things are also virtues that you should have if you want to be Miss Chun-hyang.

Q. What do you want to do as Miss Chun-hyang?

A. I want the challenge of being in a historical drama in my field of expertise. My goal is to be cast in a historical drama that deals with Chun-hyang as a theme.The Miss Chun-hyang Contest is the second biggest event after Miss Korea. I want to do many activities in various fields as an ambassador.They can just use me to let people know about Korean tradition even though my major is acting. (Laugh) I have confidence that I can lead the way doing that. There are many girls who made their Miss Chun-hyang careers as just a background, so the affection for Chun-hyang may tend to disappear after the contest. But I can say that I’m different. I want to do a lot of activities as Miss Chun-hyang and contribute to the globalization of Korean tradition.

Q. I think you have prepared a lot to be Miss Chun-hyang. What did you prepare for the contest?

A. I prepared a unique introduction and performance to show my talent. The talent show is an indispensable part ofthe Miss Chun-hyang interview. I practiced a musical. It’s not exactly my major, so I practiced Korean dance hard to emphasize the beauty of Korea. Also, I worked out for 2hours per day to keep in shape. At first, I thought fits well with Miss Chun-hyang. I practiced it but it took toolong a time, so I changed it into 2days before the contest. I was nervous and anxious due to the fact that I changed the subject suddenly, but I comforted myself and then practiced and practiced. I think I had good results because of regular practice.

Q. What do you remember the most while preparing?

A. Inmy self-introduction, I wrote this down:“I am No. 8 Jo, Seung-hee having the scent of spring. As Chun-hyang was pure with chastity and fidelity to Lee, Mong-ryong, I want to keep your love with dignity. Please keep an eye on me today.” As I thought I could expressmyself, I put a lot of effortin writing it down. That’s why I feel attached to this. The time I prepared for the self-introduction, and the pre-speech to my family & friends remains in my memory. 

Q. What was a tough moment during preparation?

A. It was a pretty tough at that time, but the time is now a memory. I could enjoy everything because I like singing and dancing. Sincerely, the whole experience was fun such as the moment when I met new friends, the surprise party for a birthday girl, and practicing hard with my friends.
Walking with a Hanbok, and heels was a little bit tough, though. We had to maintain a correct shoulder posture, and walk like a model on the stage. The schedule was tight so we practiced without a break. As everybody wanted to have a perfect performance, we tried not to be tired. It was the result of much practice that I performed without any bloopers.

Q. This is the ‘Person finding’ official question. What person do you want to be ultimately?

A. I want to be distinguished in many different fields even when I am dreaming of being an actor now. I am confident in my dancing, singing, and piano abilities. To be an all-around entertainer is my goal. When it comes to acting, I want to have a challenging part in a play. I think choosing the road lesstraveled rather than the road everyone goes down is the key to being an all-around player.”

Jo, Seung-heewas an ambassador of Kookmin University, too. She had the heroin role of‘Kim, Na-yeon’ in a late teen musical. She has a great determination to achieve her goals. She only watches moviesin the theater because she is the person who wants to be an actor, she said. Jo, Seung-hee is well prepared for the way she has to go and is walking that way step by step. I was impressed by her walking to her dream like adding up miles. Let’s look back on her model as we dream ourselves.