Kim Min-ha: "Born in Gangnam's Top 8 School District, My Acting Career Began Thanks to Neighbor Song Kang-gu" (One Korea) [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Kim Min-ha reflected on the long period of obscurity she endured before landing a role in 'Pachinko'.

On the 3rd, we met with actor Kim Min-ha at a café on Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to discuss various topics regarding the film 'One Korea' (directed by Fredrik Sholver).

Although Kim Min-ha gained recognition through 'Pachinko', it took a long time of quietly forging her own path to reach this point.

Kim Min-ha stated, "Many people came to know me through 'Pachinko', but it took quite some time before I could work on that project. Since my debut in 2013, I have continuously appeared in web dramas, independent films, and short films, steadily accumulating my experience. Without those seven or eight years, I probably wouldn't have been able to work on 'Pachinko'. Going through difficult and painful times changed me significantly, and now I feel I have become an actor capable of telling more stories."

She continued, "I grew up in what is commonly referred to as the Top 8 school district, so I studied very hard to get into a good school. At the time, I only thought it was difficult, but reading many books, developing my own tastes, and having diverse experiences has greatly helped me in my acting career."

Kim Min-ha, who originally wanted to become a voice actor or singer, said, "I secretly enrolled in a practical music academy, but I felt limited because there were so many talented people. Later, I returned to studying, but I was too afraid to tell my parents that I wanted to be an actor. They wanted me to become a university professor."

It was actor Song Kang-gu who guided Kim Min-ha onto the path of acting. She said, "My neighbor, Song Kang-gu, told me, 'You should try being an actor.' That's how I started with commercials and eventually enrolled in the Department of Theater and Film."

Kim Min-ha shared an anecdote about inviting Song Kang-gu's wife and fellow actress Song Yoon-a to the screening event for 'One Korea', revealing her special affection.

She remarked, "In the past, I was the one attending Sister Yoon-a's screenings, but this time I got to invite her. She praised me by saying, 'You did so well,' which made me truly proud. It made me realize that I am walking the right path. If I ever find myself in the same frame as Sister Yoon-a someday, I imagine it will be a deeply moving experience."

She added, "Sister Yoon-a often tells me, 'Don't get tired; go at your own pace. Don't rush.' She encourages me by saying, 'You should make more films like this,' 'Everyone likes you,' and 'Stay true to your original intentions and work hard.'"

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*This content was translated by AI.