Kim Hae Sook
Info
🙂 Native Name: 김해숙
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: December 30, 1955
🏠 Birth Place: Choryang-dong, Busan, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
📏 Height: 158 cm (5’2″)
💍 Spouse: Kim Gap-soo
👶 Children: Two daughters
Biography
Kim Hae-sook, born on December 30, 1955, in Choryang-dong, Busan, South Korea, is a distinguished actress renowned for her extensive work in film and television. She graduated from Kyung Hee University and made her acting debut in 1974 with MBC’s “Chief Inspector,” marking the beginning of a prolific career that has spanned several decades.
Throughout her career, Kim has been affectionately dubbed the “Nation’s Mother” due to her frequent portrayal of maternal characters that resonate deeply with audiences. Her versatility is evident in a wide range of roles, from the critically acclaimed film “Thirst” (2009), where she played Mrs. Ra, to the popular television series “Hospital Playlist” (2020–2021), in which she portrayed Jeong Ro-sa.
In addition to her acting achievements, Kim authored a memoir titled “Mother of Hallyu Stars: Kim Hae-sook’s Story,” offering insights into her personal life and professional journey. Her contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Best Supporting Actress at the KBS Drama Awards for “Autumn in My Heart” (2000) and the 17th Buil Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for “Open City” (2008).
Despite her public persona, Kim maintains a private personal life. She is married to Kim Kap-su, and they have two daughters. Her enduring dedication to her craft and her ability to embody a diverse array of characters have solidified her status as a respected and beloved figure in South Korean entertainment.
Hobbies
- Gardening: Kim Hae Sook finds joy in nurturing plants and spending time in her garden, which she says helps her relax between filming projects.
- Cooking: She enjoys experimenting with traditional Korean recipes, often cooking for her family and close friends.
- Reading: Kim loves reading literature, particularly memoirs and historical novels, which she credits for deepening her acting skills.
- Painting: She has a passion for painting and sketching, using it as a creative outlet to express herself.
- Watching Movies: She frequently watches classic films to study different acting styles and gain inspiration for her roles.
Interests
- Family Dynamics: Given her frequent portrayal of motherly roles, Kim takes a deep interest in understanding family relationships and generational conflicts.
- Theater Arts: Although primarily a screen actress, she has a profound appreciation for stage performances and often attends theatrical productions.
- Traveling: Exploring new cultures and cuisines is a favorite activity, which she incorporates into her personal growth.
- Philanthropy: Kim is passionate about supporting causes related to education and women’s empowerment, contributing to various charitable projects.
- Korean History: She has a strong interest in Korea’s cultural heritage and enjoys visiting historical sites during her downtime.
Facts
- “Nation’s Mother”: Kim Hae Sook is fondly called the “Nation’s Mother” for her heartfelt portrayal of maternal characters in numerous dramas and films.
- Debut in 1974: Her career began with MBC’s Chief Inspector, marking the start of her remarkable journey in the entertainment industry.
- Award-Winning Roles: She has won multiple awards, including a Buil Film Award and a KBS Drama Award, showcasing her talent and versatility.
- Memoir Author: In 2005, she published her autobiography, “Mother of Hallyu Stars,” offering a glimpse into her personal and professional life.
- Longevity in Career: With over 40 years in the industry, Kim continues to captivate audiences across generations.
Secrets
- Introverted Personality: Despite her on-screen confidence, Kim has revealed that she is naturally introverted and values her alone time.
- Emotionally Attached: She admits to becoming deeply emotionally attached to some of the characters she portrays.
- Private Life: Kim rarely discusses her personal life in public, maintaining a strong boundary between her career and family.
- Regrets Over Roles: She has spoken about roles she declined early in her career that later became iconic.
- Dream Role: Kim has expressed a desire to play a villain, feeling it would challenge her acting range.
Funny Things
- On-Set Pranks: Known for her sense of humor, Kim occasionally plays light-hearted pranks on her co-stars to ease tension during long shoots.
- Clumsy Moments: She humorously recalls a time she forgot her lines during a live performance but improvised so well that no one noticed.
- Impersonations: Kim has a hidden talent for impersonating her colleagues, often making others laugh during rehearsals.
- Food Cravings: She jokes about her inability to resist late-night snacks, especially sweet treats.
- Unexpected Fan: A fan once mistook her for a shopkeeper, leading to a hilarious interaction that she fondly recounts in interviews.
Fears
- Aging in the Spotlight: Kim has openly discussed her concerns about maintaining relevance as she grows older in the entertainment industry.
- Public Speaking: Despite her extensive career, she feels nervous speaking at events without a prepared script.
- Disappointing Fans: She constantly worries about not meeting the expectations of her loyal audience.
- Stunts on Set: She avoids physically demanding stunts, fearing injuries that could impact her career.
- Natural Disasters: Having experienced an earthquake during filming abroad, she has developed a lingering fear of such events.
News
Lead Role in “Who Is She!” (December 2024): Kim Hae-sook stars as Oh Mal Soon, a 70-year-old woman who magically transforms into her 20-year-old self, in KBS2’s drama “Who Is She!” The series is a remake of the popular film “Miss Granny” and has garnered steady viewership ratings since its premiere.
Positive Reception of “Who Is She!” (January 2025): The drama “Who Is She!” has maintained consistent viewership ratings, reflecting its popularity among audiences. Kim Hae-sook’s performance has been highlighted as a key factor in the show’s success.
Press Conference Insights (December 2024): During the production presentation of “Who Is She!” held at Stanford Hotel in Seoul, Kim Hae-sook expressed her satisfaction with co-star Jung Ji-so, who portrays the younger version of her character. She mentioned feeling pleased with Jung Ji-so’s performance, noting their collaborative efforts to align their portrayals of the same character.
Transformation in “Who Is She!” (November 2024): In the drama, Kim Hae-sook’s character undergoes a magical transformation into her younger self, portrayed by Jung Ji-so. This narrative explores themes of youth and second chances, with Kim Hae-sook’s performance receiving positive attention.
Interview on “Our Season” (December 2023): In an interview discussing her role in the film “Our Season,” Kim Hae-sook shared insights into her portrayal of a mother who returns from the afterlife to visit her daughter. She expressed a desire to continue playing maternal roles that resonate with audiences.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kim Hae-sook, primarily renowned for her extensive acting career in South Korean cinema and television, has also made notable contributions to traditional Korean music. She is recognized for her performances on the gayageum, a traditional Korean zither-like string instrument. Her musical repertoire includes pieces such as “Neujeun Jajinmori,” “Hwimori,” and “Daseureum,” which showcase her proficiency in traditional Korean music styles.
In 2013, Kim Hae-sook’s musical talents were featured in the album “gayageum(Korea: Gayageum Sanjo – Ecole Choi Ok-Sam School),” which includes seven tracks that highlight her skill and dedication to preserving Korean musical heritage.
While her acting career remains her primary focus, Kim Hae-sook’s involvement in traditional Korean music reflects her versatility and commitment to cultural arts. Her contributions have been appreciated by audiences who value the rich traditions of Korean music.
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