South Korean actress Han So-hee recently shared that keeping a daily diary is helping her manage stress and emotions.
The 32-year-old actress spoke about this during a recent promotional interview for her upcoming film “Project Y” in Seoul. Once known for her visible tattoos, Han revealed that she has now removed them completely and has since found writing to be a powerful emotional outlet.
Han explained that her tattoos, once part of her personal style, started to limit the acting roles she could take.
“As I act in different roles and wear various costumes, tattoos restricted the characters I could play,” she said. “I decided to remove them. I can always get them again if I want.”
She also said that removing her tattoos was very painful, but she felt it was necessary to grow in her career and take on more varied roles.
Switching From Exercise to Writing
Han used to rely mostly on exercise to relieve stress, but she recently found that writing in a diary helps her even more.
“These days I write in a diary. It really helps me manage my emotions,” she shared.
She started this habit at the beginning of the year, and it has helped her feel calmer and more balanced.
Diary Writing Is Becoming Popular With Young People
Diary writing has been gaining popularity again, especially among Gen Z and millennials. For many young people, a diary is not just a place to write daily thoughts but also a tool for:
- Planning goals and schedules
- Reflecting on emotions
- Organizing life
- Practicing self-care
Many also enjoy decorating their diaries with stickers and personal designs, which brings joy and stress relief.
How Writing Helps Mental Health
Experts say that writing down your emotions is a powerful way to understand and manage your feelings.
Putting thoughts into words helps:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve emotional control
- Create mental clarity
- Increase self-awareness
Studies show that expressive writing can calm your mind and help you cope better with emotional challenges.
By tracking your moods and daily experiences, you can notice patterns and figure out what triggers stress or happiness in your life.
Expert Tips for Better Diary Writing
Mental health specialists suggest:
- Write honestly about emotions and why you feel them.
- Avoid trying to make entries sound perfect.
- Note repeated stress points over time.
They also recommend keeping a gratitude journal in addition to writing about your emotions.
Popular actress Song Hye-kyo is known for keeping a gratitude journal, where she lists one to three things she feels thankful for each day, even small joys like a warm coffee or a good meal.
This habit helps people end the day on a positive note and develop a more hopeful mindset.
Writing by Hand Is Most Effective
Experts say that writing in a paper diary, instead of typing on your phone, can have a calming effect. The slow pace of handwriting helps relax your mind and encourages deeper reflection.
They also point out that diary entries don’t have to be long. Even writing three honest lines a day can make a big difference.
A Simple Habit With Big Rewards
Han So-hee’s story shows how simple habits like diary writing can support emotional well-being.
By turning to writing, she has found a peaceful way to process her feelings, stay calm, and take care of her mental health. This message resonates with many people today.


