Meet Asua Han | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asua Han and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asua, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a director, my role involves a lot of risk-taking. Initially, it can be daunting because uncertainty and fear often accompany high-stakes decisions, especially when your job might be on the line.

As a filmmaker, I constantly find myself in situations where I have to make critical decisions, with many relying on me. There’s always a lot at stake. However, if you always play it safe and avoid taking risks, you’ll never progress—whether in your career, personal growth, or life in general.

I’ve learned that taking risks fosters growth, and when those risks pay off, the rewards are immense. Over time, taking risks builds experience and enables you to make better decisions.

In the film industry, many people choose to play it safe, but they often struggle to progress and, in some cases, don’t last long in this constantly evolving field. I believe my continued relevance in this industry is due to my willingness to take risks and continuously evolve as a filmmaker. I used to have a motto: “If you’re not taking risks, you’re not being creative.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a film director specializing in commercials for global brands. It’s a career that piques a lot of curiosity but isn’t often discussed in everyday conversations, especially with friends outside the industry. However, when I meet with others in the film world, it’s the main topic of conversation throughout the night.

Breaking into this field wasn’t easy, and even now, it comes with its challenges. The market is highly competitive, and I work on a project-by-project basis. There are times when I might not have work for a month or more. It’s a job with no guarantees, and if you’re not active, you can quickly be forgotten. But I do it because I love it, and the rewards are worth it. Every project is unique, offering different experiences each time.

As for how I became a professional commercial film director? It’s a long story without clear-cut steps. My journey was built on small opportunities that I made the most of, gradually building my portfolio along the way. Even now, I’m constantly working on and improving my reel.

In this industry, I’ve learned that self-promotion is crucial. No matter how good you are, if people aren’t aware of your work or even your existence, you can easily become a distant memory. The film industry moves quickly, and if you don’t stay visible, you’re forgotten. That’s why, despite being someone who’s usually behind the camera, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and focused on building a social media presence. Fortunately, this effort paid off. I’ve been consistently posting on Instagram, where I’ve now reached over 19k followers, and have expanded to other platforms like YouTube, which has helped me connect with more people in the industry internationally.

What surprised me was realizing how many people actually pay attention to your work when you build a social media presence. For example, I started my YouTube channel with just 267 subscribers, but I received a lot of direct messages and emails from people who enjoyed my videos. At events, people would even come up to me and say they’ve checked out my channel.

Last year, I decided to create an ebook for aspiring directors looking to break into the industry. It was a side hobby I worked on during my free time, and when I finally released it, I was pleasantly surprised by how many people were interested and purchased the book.

I’ve always wanted to help those who are new to the film industry because I know how tough it can be. I struggled a lot to get where I am today without a mentor or connections to open doors for me. By creating content on social media, I hope to be that person who makes the journey a little easier for aspiring filmmakers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If there were no limitations and money wasn’t a concern, I’d love to explore new experiences that neither of us have tried before, creating memories together. While visiting popular spots can be fun, I find it much more meaningful to discover new places on our own. There are several things I haven’t done yet, and I’d enjoy sharing these first-time experiences with a friend.

Here in Vietnam, where I currently live, I’d take them to Ninh Binh, the stunning location where the movie *Kong* was filmed. The landscape is absolutely breathtaking—just a quick look at some photos online is enough to convince you. Another destination would be Sapa, known for its incredible rice fields and cool climate. There’s something special about waking up early, sitting on a balcony with a hot cup of coffee, and taking in the epic scenery.

I have to say, Vietnam is still somewhat off the beaten path compared to more popular tourist destinations like Thailand. When I first moved here, I struggled to see the positives, but as I delved deeper into the food, culture, and people, I discovered a whole new world. In recent years, I’ve noticed that Vietnam is slowly emerging as a hidden gem, with more and more people beginning to uncover its unique charms.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a shoutout to several people who have shaped who I am today. First, my parents, who are typical Asian parents, initially hoped I would pursue a secure, well-paid job, like becoming a doctor or lawyer. It may sound generic, but that was their early dream for me. However, through their hard work and understanding of my aspirations, they became incredibly supportive of my journey as a filmmaker. As immigrants to Australia, they left their family behind in Korea to start a new life. Now that I’m older and more mature, I realize how tough it must have been for them, and I certainly didn’t make things easier. I was the rebellious, restless one, always getting into trouble and disrupting classes. Yet, no matter how much I tested their patience, they always loved me and prioritized me above everything else.

Since my parents worked late, I had more time to watch TV than I probably should have. My father had a collection of VHS movies, and I often chose to watch those. This became almost a ritual, and gradually sparked my interest in becoming a film director.

I also want to thank Ken Welsh, who has supported me since I met him in 2003. Over the years, many friends have come and gone, but Ken has always been there, cheering me on in this industry. It’s comforting to have a reliable friend to lean on when things don’t go your way.

I must also mention my friend Sean Morris, who suggested I get into TV commercials. If it weren’t for him, I’m not sure where I’d be today. My stubbornness might have kept me chasing the nearly unattainable goal of becoming a Hollywood director. But now, as a commercial director, not only do I love what I do and it pays the bills, but it also brings me closer to my dream of directing a feature film one day. It’s funny how life works out in unexpected ways.

More recently, I’ve been grateful for the support of my friend and fellow director, Samual Bennetts. The commercial film industry is highly competitive, and few directors are willing to help or support others. Samual has been a great mentor, friend, and an incredibly honest person who has gone out of his way to help me when I’ve been in tough spots—a true rarity in this industry.

Finally, I have to thank my church community. They’ve been with me through my ups and downs, especially during a challenging period that could have been one of the darkest times in my life. Thanks to their support and the love of my family, I found peace within myself and was able to reflect on my life on a deeper level.

Website: https://www.asuahan.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asua_han

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asuahan/

Twitter: https://x.com/asua_han

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuahan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AsuaChannel

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@directorasua