Go A-ra, who is now a free agent since her contract with S.M. Entertainment expired Sunday, said in an interview with a fashion magazine that she valued her acting career more than her freedom in her younger years.

The actress, who is 26, spent half of her life with the agency.

As she entered the world of celebrities at the age of 13, Go always had to compromise the things she wanted to do as a teenager and later as a college student.

(Grazia)

“I think my desire for freedom was bigger than others my age,” she said.

“But I told myself that if I choose to have total freedom like any ordinary person, then I would have to give up on acting,” said Go, “And the answer to that was very clear. I valued acting over freedom.”

“I realized how I was the type of person who craves to become a better actor than enjoy my time as a youth.”

More of Go’s interview can be found in the December issue of Grazia.

Go is the lead female in the pre-recorded TV series “Hwarang: The Beginning,” which is slated to premiere on Dec. 19.

She plays a member of the ‘wonhwa,’ a Shilla-era female cadet selected based on beauty and talents.

Regarding her role, Go said that her character is disadvantaged in that her ancestry is only half noble. Despite this setback, she is strong-willed and bubbly, and is courted by two men simultaneously.

Go is reportedly seeking a new agency to sign with.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

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