Kim Young-Ok

Kim Young-Ok (born December 5, 1937) is a veteran South Korean actress whose prolific acting career spans several decades across South Korean television, film, and theater. Often affectionately referred to as the "Nation's Grandmother" by viewers and media outlets due to her frequent and memorable portrayals of maternal and grandmotherly figures, she remains one of the most active and enduring figures in the South Korean entertainment industry.

Career and Notable Roles

Kim has appeared in a wide array of notable television drama series and feature films. Her career highlights include major supporting roles in globally recognized series such as Squid Game (2021), where she played the mother of the protagonist Seong Gi-Hun, and Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021), portraying the beloved resident Kim Gam-Ri. Other prominent television credits include The King: Eternal Monarch (2020), Mouse (2021), Jirisan (2021), and King the Land (2023).

In addition to television, Kim has maintained a steady presence in Korean cinema, appearing in films such as Sunny (2011), Fists of Legend (2013), Snowy Road (2017), and Ballerina (2023). Her longevity and versatility have earned her widespread professional respect and enduring popularity across multiple generations of television and film audiences.