Kim Tae Ri
Info
🙂 Native Name:김태리
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: April 24, 1990
🏠 Birth Place:Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Taurus
📏 Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
💍 Spouse: Not Married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Kim Tae Ri, born on April 24, 1990, in Seoul, South Korea, is an acclaimed actress who made a striking entrance into the world of film with her role in The Handmaiden (2016), directed by the renowned Park Chan-wook. This breakthrough role not only gained her international recognition but also showcased her talent, intensity, and versatility as an actress. Kim Tae Ri, originally from a humble background, pursued her acting passion after studying journalism and broadcasting at Kyung Hee University. She was initially involved in theater and commercials, where her on-screen charisma quickly became apparent.
Following her success in The Handmaiden, where she played the complex role of Sook-hee, a young pickpocket involved in an intricate plot, Kim’s career rapidly ascended. Her performance in the film was widely praised for its depth and nuance, earning her numerous awards and nominations. This role propelled her into South Korea’s top acting echelon, allowing her to explore a range of roles that displayed her unique ability to bring characters to life. She was later cast in the critically acclaimed drama Mr. Sunshine (2018), set against the backdrop of Korea’s turbulent late 19th century. Her portrayal of Go Ae-shin, a noblewoman secretly fighting for Korea’s independence, captivated audiences and solidified her as a leading actress in Korean drama.
In recent years, Kim Tae Ri continued to expand her repertoire with her role in Space Sweepers (2021), South Korea’s first space opera film. Playing Captain Jang, she embodied a fearless, morally complex character, bringing depth and energy to the role. This performance broadened her appeal and marked her successful transition to blockbuster films. Additionally, her portrayal of Na Hee-do in the popular drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) revealed her range in romantic drama, showcasing her ability to blend youthful innocence with emotional resilience.
Kim Tae Ri’s career is defined by her dedication to roles that challenge her, with each performance further establishing her as one of South Korea’s finest talents. Known for her thoughtfulness, she selects roles that resonate with her on a personal level, adding layers of authenticity to her performances. As her career continues to flourish, Kim Tae Ri remains a beloved figure in Korean cinema and a promising talent with a growing global fan base.
Hobbies
- Reading Books: Kim Tae Ri has a deep love for literature and often spends her free time reading books, especially those that challenge her perspectives and stimulate intellectual growth. Her favorite genres include philosophy and classic literature.
- Cooking: She enjoys cooking at home, finding it both relaxing and rewarding. Kim is known to experiment with different recipes and ingredients, and she likes sharing her cooking experiences with close friends and family.
- Practicing Yoga: Kim Tae Ri practices yoga as a way to relax and stay fit. Yoga not only helps her maintain a healthy lifestyle but also provides her with a sense of mental peace, which she values given her demanding career.
- Learning Languages: She has a keen interest in learning new languages and believes it opens doors to understanding diverse cultures. Recently, she has been studying English and even takes time out of her schedule to improve her fluency.
- Photography: Kim Tae Ri is passionate about photography and loves capturing moments that resonate with her emotionally. She enjoys taking candid shots of people and scenic landscapes, seeing photography as an artistic form of expression.
Interests
- Independent Cinema: Beyond her work in popular films, Kim Tae Ri has a strong interest in independent cinema. She enjoys supporting lesser-known filmmakers and often watches indie films to gain inspiration and stay grounded in diverse storytelling.
- Environmental Conservation: Kim is passionate about environmental issues and frequently participates in eco-friendly initiatives. She advocates for sustainable practices and supports causes aimed at preserving nature and fighting climate change.
- Korean History and Culture: Kim Tae Ri holds a deep respect for Korean history and heritage, which influences her choices in roles, such as her character in Mr. Sunshine. She often reads about historical events and is fascinated by Korea’s rich cultural legacy.
- Martial Arts and Action Training: Kim Tae Ri has developed a strong interest in martial arts and action training due to her work in action films. She finds it empowering and enjoys mastering new techniques that add depth to her characters.
- Animal Welfare: She is a known animal lover and has shown interest in supporting animal rights organizations. Kim Tae Ri enjoys spending time with animals and hopes to someday dedicate more time to helping abandoned pets.
Facts
- Started in Theater: Kim Tae Ri’s acting journey began in theater, where she performed in various stage productions before transitioning to film. Her theater background contributes to her intense and expressive acting style.
- First Film Audition: The Handmaiden was her very first film audition, and she beat out over 1,500 candidates to land the role. Her breakthrough in The Handmaiden was a remarkable feat that catapulted her to fame.
- Philosophical Reader: She is known to be a fan of philosophical and intellectual literature. She has mentioned that books such as The Stranger by Albert Camus are some of her personal favorites.
- Rarely Uses Social Media: Unlike many celebrities, Kim Tae Ri is not active on social media. She values privacy and prefers to keep a low profile, focusing more on her craft than on online presence.
- Multilingual Aspirations: Kim Tae Ri has expressed her desire to become fluent in multiple languages. Her dedication to learning English is part of her long-term goal of connecting with international audiences.
Secrets
- Introverted Nature: Despite her fame, Kim Tae Ri is known to be an introvert at heart. She values quiet time alone, which helps her recharge and mentally prepare for her roles.
- Career in Journalism: Before pursuing acting, Kim Tae Ri considered a career in journalism and even studied broadcasting in college. This experience gave her an understanding of media, which has been beneficial in her acting career.
- Self-Critical Perfectionist: Kim is known to be highly self-critical, often pushing herself to perfect each role. This trait sometimes adds pressure, but it also drives her to deliver outstanding performances.
- Fear of Letting Fans Down: Kim Tae Ri has admitted to feeling a responsibility toward her fans, which sometimes makes her nervous about her performances. She works hard to ensure that she meets their expectations.
- Love for the Simple Life: Despite her fame, Kim Tae Ri has a deep appreciation for simple living. She enjoys quiet days, cooking meals, and spending time with loved ones rather than lavish outings.
Funny Things
- Clumsy Moments: Kim Tae Ri has been known to have clumsy moments on set, often bumping into things or tripping over props. She finds these moments humorous and often laughs at herself.
- Playful with Co-stars: On set, she is known for her playful interactions with co-stars. Her humor helps lighten the mood, and she enjoys making others laugh by imitating famous scenes or characters.
- Unexpected Prankster: Kim Tae Ri has a mischievous side and has been known to play lighthearted pranks on her co-stars. Her sense of humor often surprises those who only know her from her serious roles.
- Loves Puns: Kim enjoys wordplay and puns in both Korean and English. She occasionally sneaks puns into her conversations, leaving her friends and colleagues in fits of laughter.
- Fear of Tiny Bugs: Although she can portray fierce characters on screen, Kim Tae Ri has a funny fear of tiny insects. She often jokes about how even the smallest bugs can make her jump.
Fears
- Public Speaking: Despite her confidence on screen, Kim Tae Ri feels nervous when it comes to public speaking. Large gatherings make her uneasy, even though she is comfortable in front of the camera.
- Heights: Kim has a fear of heights, which she often has to overcome when working on action scenes that involve high places or stunts. She uses mental techniques to calm herself but avoids high altitudes when she can.
- Disappointing Her Fans: Kim Tae Ri fears not living up to her fans’ expectations. This fear drives her to work diligently on each role, but it also adds pressure to her career.
- Deep Ocean: The vastness and unknown depths of the ocean make her feel uncomfortable. Although she loves nature, deep water scenes in her work are challenging for her.
- Losing Privacy: As someone who values personal space, Kim Tae Ri has a fear of losing her privacy due to fame. She’s careful about sharing details of her personal life and prefers a degree of anonymity.
News
Starring Role in “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born”: In October 2024, Kim Tae Ri captivated audiences with her portrayal of Yoon Jeong-nyeon in the tvN period drama “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born.” Set in the 1950s, the series follows a young woman’s journey to become a leading traditional theater actress in post-war Korea. Kim’s performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity.
Apology Over Subtitle Controversy: In May 2023, Kim Tae Ri issued a public apology regarding a controversy over her request for voluntary unpaid fan contributions to provide foreign language subtitles for her YouTube videos. She acknowledged the oversight and expressed regret for any discomfort caused.
“Twenty Five, Twenty One” Success: In 2022, Kim starred in the acclaimed drama “Twenty Five, Twenty One,” portraying Na Hee Do, an aspiring fencer. The series received high viewership ratings, and Kim’s performance was praised for its emotional depth and relatability.
“Alienoid” Film Release: In July 2022, Kim Tae Ri featured in the sci-fi fantasy film “Alienoid Part 1,” directed by Choi Dong-hoon. She played a mysterious character known as “a woman who shoots thunder,” showcasing her versatility in genre films.
Press Conference Appearance for “Jeongnyeon”: In October 2024, Kim Tae Ri attended the press conference for “Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born” in Seoul. She appeared in a vintage-inspired black gown, drawing attention for her elegant style and generating buzz ahead of the drama’s premiere.
TV Drama
Movies
Music / OST
Kim Tae Ri, though primarily recognized as a talented actress, has displayed a strong interest in music throughout her career. However, unlike other actors who actively pursue musical careers, Kim Tae Ri has not officially released music or embarked on a professional path as a singer. Instead, her musical engagements are mostly tied to her acting roles and personal interests, rather than formal music projects.
Musical Moments in Drama Roles: In her popular series Twenty Five, Twenty One (2022), Kim Tae Ri’s character, Na Hee-do, often expressed herself with youthful energy that resonated with fans. Although she didn’t perform musically on-screen, her character’s expressive scenes often involved music as a thematic backdrop, symbolizing youthful dreams and aspirations. These musical elements enhanced her storytelling, allowing fans to connect with her character on a deeper level.
Music as a Part of Her Method Acting: Kim Tae Ri has expressed in interviews that she sometimes uses music to help her embody different emotions required for her roles. She is known to create playlists tailored to the characters she portrays, allowing music to influence her mood and approach to scenes. While she does not perform, music plays a significant part in her acting process, enriching her portrayals and connection with the characters.
Interest in Soundtracks: Known for her respect for cinematic and drama soundtracks, Kim Tae Ri often praises the music that accompanies her projects, such as the soundtrack for Mr. Sunshine (2018). She has spoken about how a well-chosen soundtrack elevates the emotional depth of a scene, helping her deliver more powerful performances. This admiration for music is apparent, although she hasn’t pursued soundtrack singing herself.
Collaboration with Musicians: Although Kim Tae Ri has not released music, she has expressed admiration for artists within the South Korean music industry, and fans hope for future collaborations. As she continues to explore diverse roles, many anticipate that she might someday take on a character that requires her to sing or play an instrument, adding a new dimension to her acting.
Fan Anticipation for a Musical Project: Given her expressive talents and versatile voice, fans speculate about Kim Tae Ri potentially exploring music in future projects, especially given her methodical approach to character preparation. While there is no official confirmation of her pursuing a music career, the audience remains hopeful that she may surprise them with a musical role that showcases her latent musicality.
In summary, Kim Tae Ri’s connection to music remains closely tied to her acting. While she hasn’t formally pursued a music career, her appreciation for soundtracks and her creative use of music to prepare for roles demonstrates a deep respect for the art form. Fans continue to support her acting career, eagerly awaiting any project where her musical side might shine.
While she may have occasionally participated in promotional events or variety shows that included musical elements, these appearances have been informal and solely related to her acting career. Fans occasionally see glimpses of her fun and casual singing in interviews or TV show segments, but these moments are spontaneous and not part of a professional music endeavor.
As an actress, Kim Ji Won is celebrated for her dedication to her craft and her versatility in portraying a range of characters, and she has consistently focused on expanding her acting career. Any musical contributions are lighthearted and secondary, with her primary passion remaining in acting.
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