Ji Chang Wook still recalls his first meeting with veteran actress Ha Ji Won well, when they were paired up in the film "Empress Ki."

In a recent appearance, Ji confessed that their first encounter was uncomfortable as he had great admiration and respect for Ha, who was already a star at the time.

Ji said:

"At first, I was really uncomfortable. Ha Ji Won was my senior at school and as an actress. I didn't know how to treat her."

During the first shoot, Ji approached Ha and asked her, "Are you my senior from school?" to which she replied, "Oh, that's right."

The conversation quickly faltered, leaving Ji embarrassed and the atmosphere awkward.

But during filming, the two became close as they worked together and joked around behind the scenes.

Ji said:

"Ha Ji Won is a very bright person. She had a smile on her face all the time though we were shooting on a hectic schedule."

Other co-stars agreed with Ji. Actor Chun Jung Myung said: "When my sister comes, the atmosphere on set changes completely. She has some force. She looks weak, but she has charisma on set."

Actor Ha Jung-woo, meanwhile said:

"The Ha Ji Won we see in the media is a healthy, upright person. She's the same in real life—very pure and full of energy."

Kang Ha-neul also praised Ha's cheerful demeanor, expressing his enjoyment of every shoot alongside her.

"Ha Ji-won has a lot of smiles and a look in her eyes that makes people feel comfortable," he said.

In September 2024, all of Ha Ji-won's works were sold out at the '2024 KIAF,' and she showed off her artistic side at a special exhibition in Incheon.