“I didn’t really have much space in my heart back then”: Song Hye Kyo on navigating life’s “difficult situations that let you down”

Song Hye Kyo shared that navigating “difficult situations that can sometimes let you down” begins with looking inward for strength when things feel beyond her control.

Speaking in Seoul on January 14 via a translator during the Asia-Pacific campaign launch for Merz Aesthetics, the 44-year-old South Korean actress reflected on how her relationship with herself has evolved over time.

“If I could send a voice note to my younger self,” she said, “I would tell her to try to love herself more. Even when difficult situations let you down, try to keep a positive mindset—because that inner strength and calmness will eventually show on your face.”

Looking back, Song admitted that her younger years were defined by constant motion and emotional busyness. “I didn’t really have much space in my heart back then,” shared The Glory star. “I was very busy, and I didn’t have the time to give love to myself the way I do now.”

This sense of inner alignment, she noted, is something she recognises not only in herself, but in others as well. “When I’m focused on my work, I feel the most beautiful and confident,” she said. “And when I look at my friends, it’s the same. When someone is fully immersed in what they’re doing, there’s a different kind of beauty that appears.”

That philosophy subtly underpins her latest role as Asia-Pacific ambassador for Merz Aesthetics, unveiled at the same Seoul event. The partnership coincides with the brand’s Nature is in the Details campaign, which introduces its new biomimetic hyaluronic acid filler—developed to work in harmony with the skin’s structure and support natural expression—an approach that closely mirrors Song’s philosophy on ageing, care, and self-respect.

Off camera, her routines remain intentionally uncomplicated. Her skincare regimen, she shared, is much like anyone else’s: thorough makeup removal followed by eye cream, lotion, and night cream. When she isn’t filming, she allows herself occasional professional treatments.

Filming, however, brings its own challenges. Long days and constant travel—often outside Seoul—can leave her skin dry and fatigued. “There isn’t much I can do besides basic self-care,” she admitted. Sheet masks, rest whenever possible, and prioritising quality sleep have become essentials rather than indulgences.

Now “at an age where I have to put in some effort for self-care,” Song is candid about looking after herself. “My job puts me in front of the camera and the public,” she said. “So I do make the effort to look good on the outside.” Still, she’s clear that appearance is only one part of a much larger picture.

“When you have a good inner self and a positive mindset—even in difficult situations—it shows on the outside,” she reflected. “Your aura becomes warmer, and kindness naturally comes through.”