The K-drama star shares with Tatler what she thinks about the concept of “beauty secrets”, how she chooses a perfume, and more

South Korean actress Mun Ka-young, who captured countless hearts with her appearance on K-drama True Beauty (2020), was in Hong Kong in December for a Dolce&Gabbana Beauty event in a sleek black tube dress that emphasised her blend of radiant beauty and sophistication. Tatler Hong Kong sat down with the star for an exclusive chat about her first visit to Hong Kong and her musings on fragrances and aesthetics.

"Beauty is an attitude, not for pleasing others, but for satisfying and caring for oneself."

Mun is someone who embodies versatility and multitudes. From starring in Teacher's Grace (2014) as a child to becoming leading lady in several popular Korean dramas today (a testament to her talent and hard work) to having grown up in Germany and possessing a multicultural background that makes her fluent in German, Korean, and English—it seems this has all fostered in her a unique perspective. 

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This might also explain her multidimensional approach to beauty. For her, it's not about pleasing others, but rather, a form of self-care. Indeed, for Mun, wellness is a huge part of beauty, and her rituals and self-care routines are perfectly elevated by Dolce&Gabbana's fragrance and beauty products. As a leading lady, Mun’s schedule is filled with back-to-back filming. After a busy day, she says she loves to unwind with a bath, indulging in bath salts and scented bubbles to relax. When it comes to her beauty routine, she laughs off the idea of beauty secrets, and tells us that consistent skin care and attention to detail are key. 

"No matter how tired I am after shooting, the first thing I do when I get home is remove my makeup—no shortcuts,” Mun says. “Next is a face mask, and if I have work the next day, I'll even use a lip mask." And she makes sure to select each product carefully and with her skin condition that day taken into consideration. Also, she insists on starting her day with a glass of warm water to stay healthy. 

"The word 'Devotion' to me means commitment and dedication to oneself."

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The Devotion perfume, encased in a stunning bottle adorned with the Sacred Heart symbol, evokes the unique charm of the Italian Mediterranean with its blend of fresh neroli, sweet vanilla from Madagascar and candied citrusy notes, and is masterfully crafted by renowned perfumer Olivier Cresp. And for Mun, a spritz of Devotion is a treat for herself. The fragrance is also a reminder for the constantly in-demand actress to reinvest time and energy in self-care. An important reminder for someone who will easily neglect the importance of rest amidst a busy schedule, and who pours the same devotion into her responsibilities as a Dolce&Gabbana’s brand ambassador as she does into her work on screen. 

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Asked how she chooses the right perfume, Mun emphasises the importance of a perfume's lasting power and the layers in its scent. 

"I don't make a decision based on a fleeting preference,” she tells Tatler. “I prefer to wear a perfume and experience how its scent evolves over time." Because when choosing a scent, it's not just about trying it on the skin—it's about letting the scent unfold in the air and observing its changes over time. She pays attention to every detail, from the top to the base notes, and searching for that soul-stirring aroma that truly represents her are what helps her choose a fragrance.

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As our exclusive interview concluded, Mun’s charm lingered like a well-crafted perfume. And her fondness for Hong Kong was unmistakable: "I feel an inexplicable bond with Hong Kong. The energy of this city makes me eager to visit again, and if the chance arises, I hope to travel here again without the pressures of work."

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