'Dae Jang Geum' Empress Myeongseong, Bill Gates' 'GAVI' Korean Representative... White-haired Park Jung-sook's Unexpected Recent Updates [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actress Park Jung-sook, known for her role as Empress Myeongseong in 'Dae Jang Geum', showcased an unusual career path before becoming the representative of Seoul Women and Family Foundation.

Recently, a video titled "Park Jung-sook, former actress and MC, chooses a new path after leaving the entertainment industry" was uploaded to YouTube channel 'Jo Eun-ju's Q'.

In the video, Park Jung-sook with white hair appeared, drawing attention. She exuded a more solemn atmosphere compared to her 2003 appearance alongside Lee Young-ae in 'Dae Jang Geum'.

Park Jung-sook directly explained how she transitioned from actress to representing an international organization and public institution. She began by saying, "For 20 years, I have worked continuously in the public service sector after leaving the media. My time living as an international official was far longer."

Park continued, "I started my career as a Daejeon Expo Public Relations Ambassador, traveling worldwide to promote our country. That was in 1993. At that time, when South Korea introduced itself abroad, people would respond with 'Konnichiwa' or 'Ni hao.' To make it clear we were Korean, I wore hanbok everywhere. Introducing the fact that 'there is a country called Korea, not Japan or China,' was my first job. Even while working in media, I frequently conducted interviews and took on roles to introduce our nation globally. Then, through the drama 'Dae Jang Geum,' I became known worldwide. As Hallyu emerged, I began considering taking a break to study abroad. Once overseas, however, there was so much interest in my role as Empress Myeongseong from 'Dae Jang Geum' that professors invited me to meals or asked me to introduce Korea."

She added, "Initially, I pursued graduate studies in public policy at Columbia University. Upon arriving, I discovered many people misunderstood our culture, diplomacy, and Hallyu—specifically about Korea itself. I learned that Hallyu is not merely an export of cultural content but a form of public policy and diplomacy to introduce our country globally. Focusing on this, when Ban Ki-moon was serving as UN Secretary-General, he heard rumors that 'the queen from Dae Jang Geum is at Columbia University.' Consequently, he frequently invited me to events whenever possible. This gave me the opportunity to meet many people at the United Nations."

Park stated, "At that time, GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization) was launched. Bill Gates established an international organization to distribute vaccines to the world's poorest countries. They planned to open a Korean office and asked me to recommend suitable candidates. I introduced many people, but eventually they said, 'Why don't you just do it yourself?' Thus, I became the Korean representative of GAVI and returned to Korea. I worked as the Korean representative for about 10 years, then served at the Smart City Organization for approximately three years, primarily focusing on international organization work. As of May 2026, I have been serving as the CEO of Seoul Women and Family Foundation for one year and eight months."

Park Jung-sook married National Assembly member Lee Jae-young, who is five years her junior, in May 2012, and they have a son.

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*This content was translated by AI.