[NEWS] Actress Choi Heejin shares her thoughts on the finale of 'Heavenly Ever After' via her agency, SARAM Entertainment [Q&A]

Actress #ChoiHeejin shares her thoughts on the finale of 'Heavenly Ever After' via her agency, SARAM Entertainment.

Choi Heejin played the role of Sonya, the companion cat of Haesook (played by Kim Hye-ja), in JTBC’s weekend drama Heavenly Ever After (directed by Kim Seok-yoon, written by Lee Namgyu & Kim Sujin, produced by Studio Phoenix and SLL), which aired its final episode on the 25th.

From her first appearance, Heejin captivated viewers with her 200% synchronicity with Sonya, perfectly embodying the visuals and aura of a cat. She perfectly captured the enigmatic yet charming nature of a cat — casually knocking over a water bottle, dodging her owner’s touch only to approach first in the end — earning high praise from viewers who called her “the cat itself.” She also delicately portrayed Sonya’s deep longing to reunite with her owner in heaven, striking an emotional chord with many pet lovers and bringing tears to their eyes. With this role, Choi Heejin once again demonstrated her wide acting range, seamlessly moving between human and animal expression in Heavenly Ever After.

After wrapping up the project, Choi Heejin shared, “Just the fact that Director Kim Seok-yoon called on me again filled me with gratitude. The moment he told me I’d be playing the cat of veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, I had a strong feeling it would be a fun and meaningful experience. Above all, it was a true honor and blessing to act alongside her, whom I’ve always deeply admired.”

Regarding her much-praised cat-like performance, she said, “Whenever I act, I enjoy interpreting and recreating each role in my own way. Thinking about how to portray a cat and exploring that process was a joy in itself.” She added, “To better understand those traits, I spent time in alleyways where stray cats gather. I observed them closely, had silent stare-downs, and followed them at a distance to study their behavior. All of that played a huge part in helping me shape the role.”

She concluded by saying, “It’s already my seventh year since debut, and hearing people say they’ll remember me as Sonya, and that they’ve been following my journey, truly felt like the most precious gift.” She added, “To return all the love and support I’ve received, I’ll continue doing my best to show you many different sides of myself. Please stay healthy, and I wholeheartedly wish you days that are more beautiful than heaven.”

[Full Q&A with Actress Choi Heejin]

Q. How did you feel about joining Heavenly Ever After?
I first worked with Director Kim Seok-yoon on the project Behind Your Touch. He’s a director many actors dream of working with — and I was no exception. I really wanted the chance to work with him again. When I first received the offer, I told him I would gladly take on any role. And the moment he told me I’d be playing the cat of veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, I had a strong feeling it would be a fun and meaningful experience. Above all, it was a true honor and blessing to act alongside her, whom I’ve always deeply admired.”

Q. Did you feel any pressure about playing a cat that turns into a person?
Rather than pressure, I felt excitement and anticipation. Whenever I act, I enjoy interpreting and recreating each role in my own way. Thinking about how to portray a cat and exploring that process was a joy in itself.

Q. Was there anything you paid special attention to while portraying Sonya, who transforms from a cat into a human?
I’ve always thought of cats as elusive creatures — they don’t often approach you first and prefer to spend time on their own. To understand those traits better, I dove into research. I watched countless videos, read through materials, and even spent time in alleyways where stray cats gather. I observed them closely, had silent stare-downs, and followed them at a distance to study their behavior. All of that played a huge part in helping me shape the role. But most of all, I was able to fully immerse myself thanks to senior actress Kim Hye-ja, who truly treated me like a cat on set — with warmth and affection that made the experience even more special.

Q. You’ve been praised as “the cat itself.” Was there a moment when you truly felt the popularity of the character?
It was actually my friends who told me first — they sent me a link saying the clip of my scene had gotten tens of thousands of views. At first, I couldn’t believe it, but when I checked and saw all the comments, I was both surprised and deeply grateful. One time, I was walking down the street and overheard someone nearby talking about Heavenly Ever After and mentioning the cat character. I was caught off guard for a moment but just quietly listened, pretending not to notice. Even though it was a brief appearance, the amount of love and attention I received was truly unexpected and very touching.

Q. You worked with many senior actors on set. How was the experience and the atmosphere?
The set truly felt like heaven — just like the title of the drama. It was like a dream to share conversations during breaks with actors I’ve long admired. While rehearsing with the legendary Kim Hye-ja, she said, “She’s really like Sonya,” and “Where did you find someone who’s such a perfect match?” Her words touched me so deeply that I nearly cried. It was my second time working with Han Ji-min, and just like before, she treated the younger actors with genuine warmth. I was deeply moved by her kindness. It made me think — when I become more experienced one day, I want to approach junior actors with that same grace. If the opportunity comes, I’d love to work with her again on a longer and deeper project.

Q. Lastly, any message to viewers who loved Sonya and Heavenly Ever After?
I’m sincerely grateful to everyone who supported Heavenly Ever After.
It’s already my seventh year since debut, and hearing people say they’ll remember me as Sonya, and that they’ve been following my journey, truly felt like the most precious gift. To return all the love and support I’ve received, I’ll continue doing my best to show you many different sides of myself. I’ll keep striving to be an actress who always performs with sincerity. Please stay healthy, and I wholeheartedly wish you days that are more beautiful than heaven.

[Photo = Studio Phoenix·SLL]