[8] These heartbreaking events had a profound impact on Seo and her mother, making it difficult for them to watch dramas due to the fear of shedding tears over sad scenes.

Given the challenging circumstances her family faced, Seo made the decision to forgo college and instead joined the Yeoncheon Rural Development Administration, working as a social and physical badminton coach.

Seo dedicated over a decade to laying the groundwork, learning, and training in traditional performing arts, taking on numerous minor roles in Madangnori of Michu.

[6] Following her notable achievement in 2004, Seo received an offer in 2005 to portray the role of Hester Swain, the female lead in the play Cat Swamp, produced by the Physic Theater Company.

[21] In 2007, Seo returned with a new work by playwright Bae Sam-shik titled "Yeolha Diary," which had previously created her turning point project, "Heosam-gwan Selling Blood."

The production was directed by Son Jin-chaek, known for his works dealing with weighty and serious themes, and it took place on the stage of Seoul Arts Center's Towol Theater from March 10 to 25.

In April 2007, Seo took on the role of the third-rate singer Ju Hyeon-mi in the play "Walking Alone on the Yeongdong Bridge as Night Rain Falls."

Seo played opposite actor Jung Dong-hwan, who returned to the stage as Edward Damson after he appeared at the 2003 premiere; and Park Yoon-hee who was cast as Philip.

[27] In 2009, director Park Geun-hyung of Theater Company Alleyway watched "The Gift of Gorgon" and visited Seo in her dressing room to propose that they work together on Chekhov's "The Seagull."

When asked why she accepted the offer, Seo said, "I was planning to take a break, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to participate in a small theater production after a long time.

Seo Yi-suk's portrayal of Arkadina, characterized by a composed face and occasional outbursts of emotion through her theatrical and grandiose voice, adds depth to the intimate theater experience.

The play has been revitalized through the creative vision of writer Go Yeon-ok, known for her insightful understanding of the human psyche, and director Ko Seok-man, who has honed his directing skills in the theater industry for over 30 years.

Award was given due Seo excellent acting skills in 'Oedipus' and 'Memories of Catfish' in 2011, and her previous works The Seagull, The Tempest, The Gift of the Gorgon, The Women of Picasso, and Yelha Diary.

[36] Subsequently, she appeared in the drama Feast of the Gods (2012), portraying the character Noh Young-shim, who served as Arirang's assistant chef responsible for Chanmo (kimchi, a basic side dish).

The drama revolves around the intense rivalry between Go Jun-young (Sung Yu-ri) and Ha In-joo (Seo Hyun-jin) as they compete for the position of master chef in Arirang, a renowned traditional Korean restaurant known for its exceptional cuisine.

Seo, who was double-cast with Gil Hae-yeon, portrayed the role of a mother who intimidates the victim's family by leveraging her position as the head of the school administration.

Her character was a snobbish villain who bullied Chae Shi-ra (played by Kim Hyun-sook) in the series due to her lack of educational opportunities.

[43] In that same year, Seo took on a role in the film Special Citizen as the wife of the lead character, Mayor of Seoul Byun Jong-goo (played by Choi Min-shik).

The scene depicted Byun Jong-goo selling his daughter's name to cover up his crime, and his wife, aware of the situation, confronts and criticizes him.

Directed by Kim Dae-hyun, this musical drama depicts the story of young people who wanted find their dreams against the backdrop of the first beauty contest in the Joseon Dynasty.

In this two episodes drama, written by Kyung Min-seon, Seo acted alongside Pentagon Yeo-won, Kim Na-ni, Bae Yoon-kyung, and Jung Eun-Pyo.

“She is an actress who keeps her character in her play for a long time and then takes it out without showing her technique or revealing it.” In 2018, Seo had the opportunity to collaborate once again with director Han Tae-sook in the Korean adaptation of Electra, a renowned Greek tragedy.

The adaptation was written by Ko Yeon-ok, often recognized as "the alchemist of crime drama," who crafted a tense and gripping variation of Electra's revenge story.

[47] In 2019, Seo took on the lead role in the monologue play titled "Lady Macbeth's Wardrobe," which was performed on November 6 and 7 at Donhwamun Traditional Music Hall in Seoul.

[48] In her standout role in 2019, Seo showcased her exceptional talent by starring in the Hong Sisters' fantasy drama series Hotel del Luna.

[50] In 2020, Seo made a memorable guest appearance in the South Korean adaptation of the acclaimed BBC series Doctor Foster titled The World of the Married on cable channel JTBC.

She portrayed the role of Chae Gook-hee, Chairman Choi's wife, a patient of the main character Ji Seon-woo (played by Kim Hee-ae).

[53] In March 2021, Seo was offered the role of Anita in the premiere adaptation of Philip Ridley's play Vincent River, directed by Shin Yoo-cheong.

[54] It marked the second collaborative project between MPN Company and Ateod, with the aim of revitalizing the Daehangno performance market and establishing a stable production environment.

[56][57] Seo, who was honored with the 30th Hae-rang Theater Award, donated the prize money to her alma mater and colleagues in the performing arts industry who are facing difficulties due to COVID-19.