Park So-dam

Park So-dam (born September 8, 1991) is a South Korean actress who is internationally best known for her role as Kim Ki-jung in the 2019 critically acclaimed Korean comedy thriller film Parasite.

Park So-dam in 2016

Quotes

• People want to see it because although it’s not a pretty scene that the movie is reflecting; it still is the reality that we live in, and it just portrays and exemplifies the life that we live in as it is. Nothing more, nothing less.
  • On why Parasite has been a tremendous success in South Korea in "PARASITE Interview: Park So-dam on Failure, Family, and "Appa" Song Kang-ho" in Screen Anarchy (21 October 2019)

• Really, it’s the reality that we live in, and the society that we live in, especially in Korea, but also anywhere in the world. Even my own brother and sisters, I’ve been on their side seeing them trying to look for a job. I myself had to prepare for the college entrance exams, and go through auditions in addition to building portfolios. It’s a lot. It’s not just about having a talent. And yes, there are a lot of amazing talents out there with hopes and dreams to become amazing actors and actresses, but the reality isn’t that easy.
  • On how it’s hard for bright people to get work in Korea in "PARASITE Interview: Park So-dam on Failure, Family, and "Appa" Song Kang-ho" in Screen Anarchy (21 October 2019)

• I began to learn who I was, what exactly I wanted to do, and started running toward this goal from that moment.
  • As quoted in "Parasite Star Park So-dam on Life Since the Oscars and New Korean Drama Record of Youth" in Time Magazine (16 September 2020)

• It was an experience that gave me a lot of pride in Korean culture and art. And because that memory is so unforgettable, it’s become a driving force for me to work even harder as an actor.
  • On the global recognition of Parasite in "Parasite Star Park So-dam on Life Since the Oscars and New Korean Drama Record of Youth" in Time Magazine (16 September 2020)

• There’s a side of me that seeks a stable life, but I tend to not fear change. And as time passes, rather than settle for one thing, I’m growing more inclined to challenge myself and try new things.
  • As quoted in "Parasite Star Park So-dam on Life Since the Oscars and New Korean Drama Record of Youth" in Time Magazine (16 September 2020)

• There was no intention of differentiating genres or fields. I was always involved in a variety of projects—depending on timing and circumstance. I’d like to continue challenging myself in various ways, such as movies, dramas and plays.
  • As quoted in "Parasite Star Park So-dam on Life Since the Oscars and New Korean Drama Record of Youth" in Time Magazine (16 September 2020)

• Having the opportunity to play Ki-Jung in Parasite has been a dream. Every moment I’ve felt fortunate to be a part of this journey. And most importantly, I’ve just met so many great people along the way, not only Bong [Joon-ho] but the crew, other actors. I’m still processing the year in a lot of ways; I’m checking Instagram regularly to see how the world is receiving the film.
  • As quoted in "Park So-dam - Introducing the Korean actor and star of the Golden Globe winning phenomenon, Parasite." in Wonderland Magazine (6 January 2020)

• I saw the musical Grease as a freshman in high school. The actors looked so happy. That’s when I started thinking that maybe I would like to become a musical actor. My parents were fervently against it. They wanted me to live an ordinary life. I didn’t really have a dream before acting. I think I just lived without meaning. So I counseled my younger siblings to think carefully about what they want to do, and study hard to go to a college that will support their dreams. Sometimes I wonder what I would have done if I had not found acting.
  • On the reason of starting the path to acting in "Drinking interview with Cinderella Park So-dam" in Drama Beans (2 October 2016)