Park So Dam
Info
🙂 Native Name:박소담
🌏 Nationality: South Korean
♂️ Gender: Female
🎂 Born: September 8, 1991
🏠 Birth Place:Seoul, South Korea
🌌 Zodiac Sign: Virgo
📏 Height: 5’5″ (165 cm)
💍 Spouse: Not Married
👶 Children: None
Biography
Park So Dam, born on September 8, 1991, in Seoul, South Korea, is a talented actress whose journey to stardom is marked by persistence and passion. She first gained attention through her powerful performances in independent films, where her acting versatility became apparent. After struggling to break into the industry, Park took on roles in lesser-known films, gradually building her reputation. Her early work in movies like The Priests (2015) brought her critical acclaim, with her portrayal of a possessed high school student earning her Best New Actress awards and recognition as a promising young talent.
Her career took a major turn in 2019 when she starred in Bong Joon-ho’s globally acclaimed film Parasite, where she played Kim Ki-jung, a clever young woman from a struggling family who poses as an art tutor. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and became the first South Korean film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture. Park’s performance was widely celebrated, and she became internationally recognized, with her character’s iconic line “Jessica, Only Child” resonating with audiences around the world. Parasite remains a monumental moment in her career, catapulting her to international fame.
Following her success in Parasite, Park continued to take on diverse roles. In 2020, she starred alongside Park Bo-gum in the drama series Record of Youth, where she played an ambitious makeup artist with a strong sense of independence. Her portrayal of a young woman navigating the pressures of society and career earned her further praise. This role helped solidify her position in the Korean entertainment industry as an actress capable of taking on complex characters with depth and realism.
In recent years, Park So Dam has remained a sought-after actress in both film and television. In 2021, she publicly shared her journey through health challenges, including a thyroid cancer diagnosis, which required surgery. Her resilience and positive outlook inspired fans and demonstrated her strength beyond the screen. As Park continues to take on challenging roles, she remains an influential figure, admired for her dedication to her craft and her unwavering perseverance in the face of obstacles.
Hobbies
- Reading: Park So Dam loves reading, especially novels and self-help books. She finds it a relaxing activity that helps her unwind and often shares book recommendations with fans.
- Watching Independent Films: As an actress who started in indie films, she enjoys watching independent movies. This hobby allows her to gain inspiration from diverse storytelling techniques.
- Yoga and Meditation: Park practices yoga and meditation to maintain her physical and mental well-being. She believes these activities keep her grounded and help her stay resilient.
- Sketching and Painting: Park So Dam enjoys sketching and painting as a creative outlet. She finds it therapeutic and uses it as a way to express herself when she’s not on set.
- Cooking: She has a love for cooking and often tries new recipes. Park enjoys preparing meals for friends and family and appreciates the creativity involved in cooking.
Interests
- Acting Craft and Techniques: Park is deeply interested in refining her acting skills. She studies various acting techniques and often revisits her performances to identify areas for improvement.
- Fashion and Style: Known for her unique style, Park takes an interest in fashion. She enjoys mixing different pieces and creating looks that reflect her personality.
- Supporting Social Causes: Park is interested in philanthropy and often supports causes that focus on education and health. She believes in using her influence for positive change.
- Traveling: She loves exploring new places, both domestically and abroad. Park enjoys learning about different cultures and finds travel refreshing and inspiring.
- Fitness and Health: After facing health challenges, Park has become more interested in wellness and fitness. She is conscious of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and often shares health tips with her fans.
Facts
- Breakthrough in Indie Films: Park So Dam first gained recognition through indie films, including her acclaimed role in The Priests, which helped launch her career.
- International Fame from Parasite: Her role in Parasite catapulted her to global fame, making her one of the few South Korean actresses to gain international recognition through an Academy Award-winning film.
- Overcame Health Challenges: Park was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2021 and underwent surgery. Her openness about her health journey inspired fans and highlighted her resilience.
- Trained Dancer: Park So Dam studied dance in her youth, which adds to her versatile background. Although she chose acting, her dance training helps with physical roles.
- First Auditioned for Parasite in Another Role: Originally, Park auditioned for a different role in Parasite but was ultimately cast as Kim Ki-jung, a role that fit her perfectly and became iconic.
Secrets
- Introverted and Reserved: Despite her lively roles, Park is naturally introverted. She values alone time and often retreats to recharge after busy filming schedules.
- Nervous About First Impressions: She feels self-conscious about making first impressions, often worrying if she comes across as reserved or shy, which contrasts her on-screen presence.
- Deep Sense of Self-Criticism: Park is known to be highly self-critical, analyzing her performances in great detail and often feeling pressure to exceed expectations.
- Prefers Low-Profile Lifestyle: Despite her fame, Park So Dam prefers a quiet life and keeps her personal life private, only sharing selective details with the public.
- Hidden Desire to Write and Direct: Park has expressed a quiet interest in directing or writing her own project in the future, though she currently focuses on acting.
Funny Things
- Accidentally Clumsy: Park is known for her clumsy moments on set, often bumping into props or tripping over small items, which brings laughter to her co-stars.
- Love for Puns: She has a quirky sense of humor and loves puns, often sharing playful jokes with friends and making her colleagues laugh.
- Unintentional Comedian: Park often makes others laugh without trying, as her expressions and reactions are naturally funny. This quality endears her to fans and colleagues alike.
- Scared of Jump Scares but Watches Horror Anyway: Park enjoys horror films but is easily frightened by jump scares, which leads to amusing reactions when watching with friends.
- Enjoys Playing Lighthearted Pranks: Park occasionally plays pranks on her co-stars, surprising them with playful tricks, which adds fun to her working environment.
Fears
- Fear of Heights: Park So Dam has a fear of heights, making certain scenes challenging to shoot. She tries to avoid high places and approaches elevated settings with caution.
- Public Speaking Anxiety: Though confident in acting, Park feels nervous when speaking in front of large audiences. She prefers intimate gatherings where she feels more at ease.
- Disappointment: Park fears letting down her fans and loved ones. This worry drives her to work hard and deliver her best in every role, though it also adds pressure.
- Insects: She has admitted to being terrified of insects, often reacting dramatically when one is nearby, much to the amusement of friends and crew members.
- Stage Performances: While she shines on screen, Park finds stage performances intimidating, as they require a level of live interaction she feels nervous handling.
News
Park So-dam Opens Up About Battle with Thyroid Cancer: In December 2023, Park So-dam discussed her experience with papillary thyroid cancer, revealing that she cried daily during the early stages of filming the K-drama Death’s Game. She emphasized her determination to not cause trouble for the production team, despite the physical and emotional challenges she faced.
Park So-dam Expresses Gratitude Towards Co-Star Seo In-guk: In June 2024, Park So-dam expressed her appreciation for co-star Seo In-guk’s support during the filming of Death’s Game. She highlighted how his encouragement helped her overcome difficulties related to her health during production.
Park So-dam to Play Gong Hyo-jin’s Sister in Upcoming Movie: In January 2024, it was reported that Park So-dam is in talks to play Gong Hyo-jin’s sister in the upcoming revenge road movie Gyeongju Journey. This collaboration has generated high expectations, marking the first time the two actresses will work together on the same project.
Park So-dam Discusses Recovery and Return to Acting: In December 2023, Park So-dam shared insights into her recovery journey from thyroid cancer and her return to acting. She mentioned the challenges of regaining her voice and the emotional fluctuations she experienced during recovery, expressing gratitude for the support she received.
Park So-dam’s Health Update Post-Surgery: In January 2023, Park So-dam provided an update on her health following surgery for papillary thyroid cancer. She shared that she was recovering well and expressed thankfulness for the support from fans and colleagues during her recovery period.
TV Drama
Music / OST
While Park So Dam is primarily known for her acting, she has demonstrated an interest in music, occasionally showcasing her vocal abilities. Although she hasn’t pursued a formal music career, her musical moments have left a memorable impact on fans, who appreciate her versatility and charm.
Musical Theatre Background: Before making her on-screen debut, Park So Dam was active in musical theater. This background helped her develop strong stage presence, vocal projection, and versatility—skills she has carried into her acting career.
Singing in Variety Shows: Park So Dam has participated in several variety shows where she’s performed short covers, displaying her natural vocal talent and enthusiasm for music. Her fans are always thrilled by these rare musical glimpses.
OST Involvement: Though she hasn’t officially released her own music, Park has shown interest in recording an OST for one of her projects. She has mentioned that she would like to perform a song that reflects her character’s emotions in a future drama.
Collaborative Projects: Park So Dam has participated in collaborative projects that involved music, such as special event performances and showcases with fellow actors, where she occasionally sings or shares the stage with other musicians.
Dream to Expand into Music: In interviews, Park has hinted at her desire to explore more music-related opportunities. While she remains dedicated to acting, she has expressed interest in combining acting and music through musicals or other projects that allow her to use her vocal skills.
Though Park So Dam’s focus remains on acting, her background in musical theater and her occasional singing moments keep fans hopeful for future musical performances.
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