Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun takes a bold step in her acting career with her first major big-screen role as Sharon in the occult action thriller Holy Night: Demon Hunters, premiering April 30, 2025. In a recent interview, she revealed her passion for diverse roles but drew a firm line at nudity, marking it as the only role she will never accept.
A New Chapter in Acting
Seohyun, born Seo Ju-hyun on June 28, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea, debuted as the youngest member of Girls’ Generation in 2007. Known for her wholesome image, she began acting in 2013 with a role in the drama Passionate Love. Since then, she has taken on varied characters in projects like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), Private Lives (2020), and Jinxed at First (2022), where she won Best New Actress and Best Couple at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards.
Her film career started with a cameo in My Brilliant Life (2014) and grew with a lead role in Love and Leashes (2022), a Netflix original praised for its fresh take on BDSM themes. Now, Holy Night: Demon Hunters marks her first major theatrical lead, showcasing her as Sharon, a fierce exorcist who tracks and banishes demons.
Thanks to the amazing work of the costume and makeup teams, I think Sharon’s character really left a strong impression. I don’t think I pulled it off purely because of my own visuals. At first, I wondered, ‘Is it okay for me to appear like this?’ But hearing people say I truly looked like the character gave me confidence.
— Seohyun
Holy Night: Demon Hunters Overview
Directed by Lim Dae-hee, Holy Night: Demon Hunters is an action-horror film set in a chaotic Seoul overtaken by a devil-worshipping cult. The story follows the Holy Night team: Ba Woo (Ma Dong-seok), a powerful fighter; Sharon (Seohyun), an exorcist with demon-tracking abilities; and Kim Kun (David Lee), the team’s mood maker. They are joined by Jung Won (Kyung Soo-jin), a psychiatrist seeking to save her possessed sister Eun Seo (Jung Ji-so).
Filming began on June 28, 2021, and wrapped on September 12, 2021. The movie, distributed by Lotte Entertainment, has generated buzz for its unique plot and strong cast. Promotional posters released on April 16, 2025, highlight the team’s striking visuals, with Seohyun’s bold, colorful costumes and exorcism tools emphasizing Sharon’s mystical aura.
It’s an honor to be part of ‘Holy Night: Demon Hunters’ as Sharon. Please look forward to our film.
— Seohyun
Seohyun shared her excitement for the role in a 2021 Instagram post, noting the honor of working with co-stars like Ma Dong-seok, known for Train to Busan and Eternals. The film’s costume director, Nam Ji Soo, crafted a blend of Eastern and Western styles for Sharon, enhancing her otherworldly presence.
Seohyun’s Approach to Acting
In an April 23, 2025, interview at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Seohyun discussed her role in Holy Night: Demon Hunters and her acting philosophy. She admitted feeling nervous about her first theatrical role, fearing audiences might find Sharon’s bold personality jarring compared to her usual image.
When I first saw myself on screen, I felt nervous. I was worried that people would cringe because the character has a different personality from me, but I gained courage when people around me said they liked it.
— Seohyun
She chooses roles that challenge her to explore new facets of herself, moving beyond the “good-girl” image tied to her Girls’ Generation days. Seohyun expressed a desire to take on diverse characters, from murderers to psychopaths, to showcase her versatility.
I choose roles that make me go, ‘This looks fun, I want to try it.’ If I clearly sense that a role will allow me to show a different side of myself, I go for it. I know and accept that I have long held on to that ‘wholesome’ good-girl image, but people who meet me in person often say, ‘You’re so different!’ They still think of me as the person I was 15 years ago.
— Seohyun
However, she firmly stated she would never accept roles involving nudity, citing personal boundaries.
After being Girls’ Generation’s youngest member for two decades, I feel like I became too tied down to a single image. I’ve always had this thirst to show different versions of myself with each project. The fact that someone saw this script and thought of me to offer me the role? I’m just so grateful for that. But I don’t want anything that involves nudity. That’s where I draw the line. Aside from that, I’m open to any role (Laughs).
— Seohyun
Promotional Efforts and Public Response
Seohyun has actively promoted Holy Night: Demon Hunters, including a snack truck event with co-stars David Lee and Jung Ji-so at Soongsil University on April 17, 2025. The trio also appeared on tvN’s Amazing Saturday on April 26, 2025, showcasing their chemistry through games and challenges.
The film topped advance ticket sales with a 24.2% share as of April 28, 2025, signaling strong box office potential during South Korea’s Golden Week. Fans on social media platforms like X have praised Seohyun’s transformation, with posts highlighting her bold role and clear stance on nudity.
Seohyun: “I don’t see myself doing revealing roles. I have a clear boundary on that. Beyond that I can do anything. There are no limits for me when it comes to acting.”
— @soonkyupsalSeohyun: “When it comes to acting, I have no limits. I really enjoy it. It’s fun whether I do roles that suit my personality and fun to do ones that don’t. I can do everything except nudity. I don’t like nudity. I have a clear line for myself I don’t cross.”
— @SeohyunData
Netizens have also celebrated her growth as an actress. Comments on AsianWiki reflect excitement for her diverse roles:
2021 is busy year for our actress Seohyun.. Moral Sense, Holy Night: Demon Hunters, then The Jinx’s Lovers.. So excited to see you in different characters.. Succes always and keep your health.. We’ll always support you 🙂
— Nana, July 1, 2021I like how you choose the role for each project. Every character is different and never the same. I think it’s good to challenge yourself to develop your skills in acting career.
— Suzy, June 23, 2021
However, some critiques noted her acting as stiff in earlier projects, though fans remain optimistic about her improvement.
Personally I found no development in her acting. Although she tried various roles, the acting still seemed stiff and hard to watch. Hopefully, with so many projects still using her, she will be able to use that opportunity well.
— X22, August 12, 2022
Girls’ Generation and Personal Insights
During the interview, Seohyun shared anecdotes about her Girls’ Generation members, revealing she recently began using informal speech with them for greater intimacy. She laughed about a message exposed by Yuri, where she mixed formal and informal tones, showing her evolving dynamic with the group.
As I gained experience, there were more people who spoke informally to me. I felt a different sense of intimacy there, so I wanted to try it with my sisters too.
— Seohyun
She also discussed her ideal type, humorously admitting to high standards and seeking a partner who has lived as well as she has.
I have really high standards. I’m at the top. I want to meet a man like me. I’m confident that I’ve lived my life well. I want to meet a man who has lived well like that.
— Seohyun
Other Recent Projects
Other than Holy Night: Demon Hunters, Seohyun stars in Seeking the King (2024) as Jung-Ae and in The First Night With the Duke (2025) as University Student K. Her role in Song of the Bandits (2023) as Nam Hee-shin previously showcased her range in historical dramas.
Her 2022 film Love and Leashes, alongside Lee Jun-young, drew praise for its bold themes and her nuanced performance as Jung Ji-woo. The movie’s success on Netflix highlighted her ability to tackle unconventional roles while maintaining her appeal.
Also Read: Seohyun Leaves Namoo Actors After Six Years to Pursue New Career Opportunities
As of April 28, 2025, Holy Night: Demon Hunters is poised for a strong debut, with advance ticket sales leading the box office. Seohyun continues to promote the film through media appearances, including a recent feature in Sports Seoul. Fans are distributing 20 free tickets for the film’s May 7, 2025, screening in some regions, further boosting excitement.
Seohyun’s clear stance on avoiding nudity while embracing diverse roles has resonated with fans, who admire her balance of personal boundaries and professional ambition. Her performance as Sharon is expected to solidify her status as a versatile actress in South Korea’s entertainment industry.
CREDITS: Sports Seoul
