Q&A

GN: How did your journey into acting begin?

YH: My first experience in the industry happened when I heard a radio announcement about an audition for a short film being shot in Hollywood. They were bringing in actors from Nickelodeon and Disney, and it sounded exciting, so I thought, why not give it a try? I was around ten years old at the time. I auditioned, they liked me, and invited me to fly to Los Angeles to film with them. That is how I got my start. I immediately fell in love with the process and decided to keep going.

GN: What did your parents think about your decision to pursue acting?

YH: My parents were always extremely supportive. My mom was with me every step of the way, at every acting class, photoshoot, and audition. She never missed a moment. My dad was also very supportive behind the scenes. I am really lucky to have a family that believes in me as much as they do.

GN: You have already achieved so much at a young age. What originally inspired you to act, and when did you realize it was something you wanted to do long-term?

YH: I have always been a creative person. As a kid, I loved expressing myself through different forms of art, whether it was music, instruments, or school performances. I knew I needed to do something creative in life. When I heard that radio audition, it just clicked. I loved the experience, and I realised this was something I could truly do. It became clear to me early on that acting was my passion, and I wanted to dedicate myself to it fully.

GN: Balancing school and acting can be challenging. Did your career affect your studies or everyday life?

YH: Definitely. There is a lot you have to sacrifice for this career, especially your time. I had to give up a lot of my social life. While my friends were out hanging out, I was home studying lines or preparing for auditions. It is not always easy, but it is part of the job. Those sacrifices taught me discipline and focus.

GN: You have lived in several parts of the world. How has that shaped your perspective or influenced your craft?

YH: Moving around a lot helped me understand different cultures and perspectives. You see how people live, think, and connect across the world. That experience broadens your mindset and makes you more empathetic. I think when you know more about the world, you naturally become better at what you do, acting included.

GN: Looking back at your latest project, A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey, is there one moment that stands out above the rest?

YH: The first day on set stands out the most, meeting everyone for the first time, especially people I had looked up to for years. It is surreal to find yourself acting alongside people you have admired all your life. That feeling stays with you, and it is something I will never forget.

GN: What kind of role would you love to take on next?

YH: I would love to play a young actor coming up in the industry who struggles with addiction and family issues, something raw and emotionally complex. It is similar to Timothée Chalamet’s role in Beautiful Boy. I think there is a lot of depth in portraying someone whose life unravels in that way. It is the complete opposite of my own life, which makes it even more interesting to explore as an actor.

GN: What do you do to stay grounded when you are not working?

YH: Spending time with my family always brings me back to reality. They remind me who I am beyond the industry. I also love surfing and playing basketball. Those activities help me clear my head and stay balanced.

GN: What does goodnight mean to you ?

YH:  'Goodnight' means I survived another day and I get to try again tomorrow.

Images: Courtesy of photographer: Lensbymi

Stylist: M. Haid

Grooming: By Michelle Harvey at Opus Beauty using Oribe and Charlotte Tilbury