Minha Kim’s journey in acting has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting her career just seven years ago, Kim has already made a significant impact with her role as Sunja in the hit series Pachinko. This adaptation of Min Jin Lee’s best-selling novel has garnered critical acclaim and captured the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Minha Kim’s Challenging Role
Minha Kim admits that taking on the role of Sunja was a daunting task at first. “I was a bit intimidated when I began portraying Sunja,” she reveals. Sunja’s character in Pachinko starts as a young, naive girl and transforms into a determined, hardworking woman who becomes the main provider for her family. In the show’s second season, Sunja faces even more challenges, navigating life as a single working mother during World War II.
To bring Sunja to life, Kim drew inspiration from the strong women in her own family. The 28-year-old actress found support and understanding from her mother and grandmother. “After the first season, I felt a bit down,” Kim shares. “My grandmother told me many stories about her life, and these stories stayed with me. I learned about her struggles and the strength she showed. It wasn’t just about historical facts but also about her courage and resilience.”
Finding Strength in Simplicity
Kim explains that Sunja’s drive comes from a clear goal: protecting her family, raising her children, and keeping her promise to herself not to give up. “Sunja finds her strength in her simple joys and everyday life,” she says. “When someone acts without any hidden motives, their strength becomes more powerful. Sunja understands her own strength and finds happiness in the little things.”
Global Impact and Personal Interests
Pachinko has resonated with audiences globally, including in India. When asked if she would like to visit India, Kim enthusiastically responds, “I would love to visit and experience Indian culture, especially the palaces. I also enjoy Indian food.” Food plays a significant role in Pachinko, symbolizing love, power, and resilience. It also plays a part in the relationship between Sunja and her love interest, Koh Hansu, portrayed by Lee Min Ho.
As the series delves deeper into Sunja and Hansu’s complicated relationship, Kim often collaborated with Lee Min Ho to better understand their characters’ dynamics. “Hansu and Sunja have a complex connection, which was challenging to grasp,” Kim explains. “There isn’t a clear definition of their relationship. Working with Min Ho was beneficial because he helped me explore and interpret Sunja’s character more deeply. We had many discussions that enriched my portrayal of Sunja.”
Looking Ahead
With two more seasons of Pachinko on the horizon, Kim still has time to say goodbye to Sunja. Looking to the future, she expresses her excitement about playing more powerful female characters. “I’m looking forward to representing strong women on screen,” she concludes.
Minha Kim’s dedication to her craft and her eagerness to bring complex and strong female characters to life make her a standout in the world of acting. As she continues her journey, audiences can look forward to more inspiring roles from this talented actress.
