Kim Nam-joo (actress) explained

Kim Nam-joo
Birth Date:10 May 1971
Birth Place:Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Occupation:Actress
Years Active:1994–present
Children:2
Education:Suwon Women's College – Dance
Kyung Hee University – Theater and Film
Agent:The Queen
Module:
Child:yes
Color:transparent
Hangul:김남주
Rr:Gim Nam-ju
Mr:Kim Namju

Kim Nam-joo (; born May 10, 1971) is a South Korean actress. Kim rose to stardom in the 1990s in television series such as Model, The Boss and Her House. After 2001, Kim went into semi-retirement, appearing only in commercials, particularly after she married actor Kim Seung-woo in 2005 and they started a family. Then in 2009, she made her comeback with Queen of Housewives, written by Park Ji-eun. Housewives was a rating hit, and Kim went on to collaborate with Park on Queen of Reversals (2010) and top-rated series My Husband Got a Family, which established Kim's continuing star status. In 2018, Kim received critical acclaim for her role in the series Misty.

Early life

Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea. When she was two years old, her father's business failed, which resulted in the family moving to Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, where Kim spent her childhood and adolescence. After graduating from high school, she enrolled as a Dance major at Suwon Women's College. When she was a sophomore, Kim joined the Miss Korea pageant, and the experience led her to quit school to pursue modeling in September 1992.

Career

Kim won fourth place in a talent search by broadcaster SBS in 1994, and quickly became a popular television star in her twenties. Her characters in the hit TV series City Men and Women (1996), Model (1997), The Boss (1999) and Her House (2001), made her the epitome of a sophisticated, urban career woman in 1990s Korea.[1] But after Her House, Kim went into semi-retirement, only appearing in lucrative commercials, mostly for cosmetics and luxury goods.[2] [3] She married actor Kim Seung-woo in 2005,[4] and for several years she lived as a full-time housewife and mother.

In 2007, she stretched some acting muscle opposite Sol Kyung-gu in Voice of a Murderer, about the tormenting and ultimately unsuccessful attempts of two parents to bring their kidnapped son back home. Based on the true story of a nine-year-old child found dead in 1991, the film faithfully follows the harrowing 44-day quest to find the missing boy.[5] [6] Kim made a successful television comeback in Queen of Housewives (also known as My Wife is a Superwoman) in 2009. A comedy drama that depicts the life of housewives who devote their entire lives to their husbands' success, it became one of the most-watched shows during its run, topping Korea's TV ratings charts for three consecutive weeks. It also created new trends among married women in terms of confidence, fashion and makeup. Kim's character Chun Ji-ae was once the most popular girl in high school, and she's determined to help her smart but clueless husband climb the corporate ladder once she realizes that he is an underperformer at work. Chun meets her match, however, when she discovers that his boss is the husband of her high school frenemy.[7] Her portrayal of a modern Korean housewife won Kim numerous accolades.[8] [9] [10] [11] [12]

Kim reunited with Queen of Housewives writer Park Ji-eun in another workplace romantic dramedy, the 2010s Queen of Reversals. This time Kim played a strong and decisive character, a careerwoman, trying to balance work and married life. Her character Hwang Tae-hee experiences the many ups, downs, and reversals of work, family, and romance as she falls in and out of love and marriage.[13] [14] Ratings-wise Queen of Reversals was less successful than its predecessor, though Kim was awarded the highest award (Daesang or "Grand Prize") at MBC's year-end drama awards ceremony.[15]

She also released her book that year, called Kim Nam-joo's House. The collection of essays and photographs is a candid discussion of her family life and home.[16]

Kim then led the 2012 weekend family drama My Husband Got a Family (also known as You Who Rolled in Unexpectedly and Unexpected You), which took a comedic and serious approach to the trials and tribulations of a TV director dealing with her in-laws when her husband reunites with his biological parents.[17] [18] Kim and Park's third collaboration was a big hit with audiences, it was number one on the 2012 yearly TV ratings chart with average ratings of 33.1 percent and a ratings peak of 52.3 percent,[19] and Kim won another Daesang at the KBS Drama Awards.[20]

Kim returned to television after a six-year hiatus, starring in the romance thriller, Misty.[21] [22] The drama was both a ratings and critical success and Kim earned praise for her portrayal of a controversial character.[23] [24]

Kim returned to television after a six-year hiatus, starring in the revenge thriller, Wonderful World.[25]

The popularity of TV dramas that portray the lives of working women in their 30s and 40s represents a larger trend in Korean culture, mainly a reflection of women marrying at a later age and working more in their 20s. Kim is now considered one of the few established Korean actresses in their 30s, 40s and even 50s who have held on to the spotlight, reversing an ageist trend that dictated casting for decades.[26]

Filmography

Television series

YearTitleRole
1993Dinosaur Teacher
1994Hero's DiaryMa Cheong-mi
1995Mystery of Inside the MirrorNa Eun-ah
Hymn of LoveKim Jae-kyung
1996City Men and Women Na Min-joo
Man's Great ExplorationOh Jin-joo
1997ModelSong Kyung-rin
1998Fascinate My HeartHan Ye-rin
A Very Special Trip Soo-jung
VictorySeo Hee-jung
1999My Love Han Ji-soonHan Ji-soon
The BossMin-jae
CrystalKim Eun-hye
2001Her HouseKim Young-wook
2009Queen of HousewivesChun Ji-ae
2010Queen of ReversalsHwang Tae-hee
2012My Husband Got a FamilyCha Yoon-hee
2018MistyGo Hye-ran
2024Wonderful WorldEun Soo-hyun[27]

Film

YearTitleRole
2001I Love YouHyun-soo
2007Voice of a MurdererOh Ji-sun

Variety show

YearTitleNotes
1996Popular Music Best 50MC
1997SBS Gayo Daejeon
1998Beautiful TV - Star Monologues
with Park Sang-won
2000-2001Entertainment WeeklyMC
2009Oh My Lifestyle
2010Miracle of Christmas Documentary narration

Book

width=10YearTitlePublisherISBN
2010Kim Nam-joo's House That Book

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNominated workResultRef.
1992Miss Match Jeans
1996SBS Drama AwardsExcellence Award, ActressCity Men and Women
1998SBS Drama AwardsPopularity AwardModel
2001MBC Drama AwardsTop Excellence Award, ActressHer House
200917th Korean Culture and Entertainment AwardsQueen of Housewives[28]
MBC Drama Awards[29]
2nd Style Icon AwardsStyle Icon, TV Star category[30]
Ministry of Culture, Sports and TourismActress of the Year[31]
201046th Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actress[32]
CETV AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)[33] [34]
Top 10 Asian Stars
MBC Drama AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)Queen of Reversals
Top Excellence Award, Actress
20125th Korea Drama AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)My Husband Got a Family[35]
20th Korean Culture and Entertainment Awards[36]
KBS Drama Awards
Top Excellence Award, Actress
Excellence Award, Actress in a Serial Drama
Best Couple Award with Yoo Jun-sang
1st K-Drama Star AwardsTop Excellence Award, Actress [37]
25th Grimae AwardsBest Actress[38]
201349th Baeksang Arts AwardsBest Actress
2018 54th Baeksang Arts AwardsMisty[39]
6th APAN Star AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)[40]
2nd The Seoul AwardsBest Actress[41]
24th Korean Popular Culture & Arts AwardsPresidential Commendation[42]
201923rd Asian Television AwardsBest ActressMisty[43]

Listicles

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kim Nam-joo Still in Shape After 8-Year Hiatus. 2012-11-18. The Chosun Ilbo. 18 April 2009. 2019-10-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20191016120334/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2009/04/18/2009041800167.html. live.
  2. Web site: Pricey Spokespersons, Pricey Homes?. The Dong-a Ilbo. 2013-07-08. 11 November 2006. 2014-08-21. https://web.archive.org/web/20140821064533/http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2006111184908&path_dir=20061111. live.
  3. Web site: Kim. Hoo-ran. A Pop Culture Wave Rolls On. https://archive.today/20130126234915/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=1894628. usurped. January 26, 2013. 2012-11-18. Korea JoongAng Daily. 10 September 2010.
  4. Web site: Kim Seung-woo, Kim Nam-ju to Tie the Knot in May. 2012-11-18. KBS Global. 25 April 2005. 2014-04-27. https://web.archive.org/web/20140427042253/http://english.kbs.co.kr/hallyu/entertainment_news_view.html?No=287. live.
  5. Web site: Jeong. Hae-gun. Stars of His Voice found roles with meaning. 2012-11-18. Korea JoongAng Daily. 8 January 2007. 2023-04-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20230411213325/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2868733. live.
  6. Web site: Being Mom. The Dong-a Ilbo. 2015-01-06. 18 January 2007.
  7. Web site: Han. Sang-hee. New Types of Husbands to Sneak Onto TV Screen. 2012-11-18. The Korea Times. 10 March 2009. 2012-10-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20121028052109/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/03/135_40996.html. live.
  8. Web site: Kim. Lynn. Government names Kim Nam-joo top actor of 2009. Asiae. December 23, 2009. 2012-11-18. 2014-03-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20140324045110/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2009122314382263486. live.
  9. Web site: Lee. Hyo-won. Ko Hyun-jung Wins Top Drama Award. 2012-11-18. The Korea Times. 31 December 2009. 2012-10-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20121028052130/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/12/199_58253.html. live.
  10. Web site: Han . Sang-hee . 2009 Drama Awards Wrap Up With No Surprises . 2012-11-18 . . 3 January 2010 . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20121028052051/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2010/11/201_58347.html . 28 October 2012 .
  11. Web site: Kim Nam-joo Wins Top Acting Award in China. 2012-11-18. The Chosun Ilbo. 22 June 2010. 2014-12-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20141218110414/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/06/22/2010062200786.html. live.
  12. Web site: Kim. Jessica. Kim Nam-joo wins grand prize at award ceremony in China. 2012-11-18. 10Asia. 21 June 2010. 2014-03-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20140324050456/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010062109092690371. live.
  13. Web site: Han. Sang-hee. Superwoman returns to voice working mom woes. 2012-11-18. The Korea Times. 12 October 2010. 2012-10-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20121028052033/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2012/08/201_74428.html. live.
  14. Web site: Lee. Seung-han. PREVIEW: MBC TV series Queen of Reversal. 2012-11-18. 10Asia. 21 October 2010. 2014-03-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20140324032755/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2010102111324963801. live.
  15. Web site: Hong. Lucia. Kim Nam-joo, Han Hyo-joo win grand prize at MBC Acting Awards. 2012-11-18. 10Asia. 31 December 2010. 2013-10-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20131019161318/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010123108553585751. live.
  16. Web site: 김남주, '김남주의 집' 발간…그림같은 저택 공개. Kim Nam-joo writes about her marriage and home. The Korea Economic Daily. 2012-11-23. 27 October 2010. 2013-01-25. https://archive.today/20130125022209/http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2010102729377. live.
  17. Web site: Hong. Lucia. Kim Nam-joo tapped as leading lady in new KBS TV series. 2012-11-18. 10Asia. 3 January 2012. 2014-03-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20140324063019/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2012010309581296982. live.
  18. Web site: Oh. Jean. Kim Nam-joo's new work promises to resonate with modern-day women. 2012-11-18. The Korea Herald. 22 February 2012. 2023-12-11. https://web.archive.org/web/20231211192044/https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20120222001128. live.
  19. Web site: Lee. Hye-ji. KBS Drama My Husband Wears Throne on 2012 TV Chart. 10Asia. 2012-12-19. 18 December 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140415192846/http://www.tenasia.com/kbs-drama-my-husband-wears-throne-on-2012-tv-chart/. 15 April 2014.
  20. Web site: Lee . Tae-ho . Big Winners of 2012 Announced at Drama Awards Ceremonies of Major Broadcasters . 10Asia . 2013-01-01 . 1 January 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140415192928/http://www.tenasia.com/big-winners-of-2012-announced-at-drama-awards-ceremonies-of-major-broadcasters/ . 15 April 2014 .
  21. Web site: Romance thriller 'Misty,' enthralling story of success, unpretentious love. 31 January 2018. Yonhap News Agency. 1 February 2018. 1 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180201075939/http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2018/01/31/0701000000AEN20180131009200315.html. live.
  22. Web site: 'Misty' actress Kim Nam-joo explains how she shaped character. March 2, 2018. Kpop Herald. March 2, 2018. March 2, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180302164554/http://kpopherald.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201803021804319806521_2. live.
  23. Web site: Kim Nam Joo's Successful Return with 'Misty'. 4 April 2018. Star News. 4 April 2018. 4 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180404134949/http://star.mt.co.kr/foreign/starViewEng.html?no=2018040413456915771. live.
  24. Web site: Ratings Queen Kim Nam-joo strikes again with 'Misty'. 9 April 2018. Korea JoongAng Daily. 9 April 2018. 9 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180409142038/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/Article.aspx?aid=3046631. live.
  25. Web site: Park Seo-yeon . May 30, 2023 . 김남주, 5년 만 안방극장 복귀한다…'원더풀월드' 여주 확정 [공식] ]. Kim Nam-joo returns to the home theater after 5 years... 'Wonderful World' female lead confirmed [Official] . May 30, 2023 . My Daily . ko . Naver . May 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530003059/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003734426 . live .
  26. Web site: Kim. Hyo-eun. In with the old, out with the new. https://archive.today/20130127054853/http://koreajoongangdaily.joinsmsn.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=2951603. usurped. January 27, 2013. 2012-11-18. Korea JoongAng Daily. 18 April 2012.
  27. Web site: Park Seo-yeon . May 30, 2023 . 김남주, 5년 만 안방극장 복귀한다…'원더풀월드' 여주 확정 [공식] ]. Kim Nam-joo returns to the home theater after 5 years... 'Wonderful World' female lead confirmed [Official] . May 30, 2023 . My Daily . ko . Naver . May 30, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530003059/https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=117&aid=0003734426 . live .
  28. Web site: 소녀시대·송승헌·설경구 문화연예대상 대상. 30 November 2009. Star News. ko. 1 February 2018. 28 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190128083410/http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2009113012344195565&outlink=1&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com.sg. live.
  29. Web site: Ko Hyun-joung wins grand prize at MBC Acting Awards. Park. So-yeon. 31 December 2009. 10Asia. 2014-10-08. 2018-07-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20180709153754/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?sec=ent5&idxno=2009123109141101469. live.
  30. Web site: Style Icon Awards shines 2009 with edginess. 13 November 2009. 10Asia. 1 February 2018. 21 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210721162823/http://en.tenasia.com/archives/889. dead.
  31. Web site: Government names Kim Nam-joo top actor of 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20180201075645/http://en.tenasia.com/archives/1295. dead. February 1, 2018. 23 November 2009. 10Asia.
  32. Web site: Ko Hyun-jung, Haeundae win grand prize at PaekSang Arts Awards. Kim. Lynn. 29 March 2010. 10Asia. 2014-06-05. 2016-03-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224155/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010032909304748800. live.
  33. Web site: Kim Nam-joo voted top ten Asian actors in China. https://web.archive.org/web/20180201075449/http://en.tenasia.com/archives/3230. dead. February 1, 2018. 17 June 2010. 10Asia.
  34. Web site: Kim Nam-joo wins grand prize at award ceremony in China. 21 June 2010. 10Asia. 19 June 2013. 24 March 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140324050456/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010062109092690371. live.
  35. Web site: "My Husband Got a Family" Dominates At Korea Drama Awards. 4 October 2012. HanCinema. KBS World. 1 February 2018. 21 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230921015744/https://www.hancinema.net/my-husband-got-a-family-dominates-at-korea-drama-awards-48192.html. live.
  36. Web site: The 20th Korea Culture Entertainment Grand Prize Winners List. Korea Culture Entertainment Awards. ko. dead. https://archive.today/20130413133701/http://awards.emn.kr/news/index.php?tcode=aw02_05&qsort=wr_good&qord=desc. 2013-04-13.
  37. Web site: 제1회 '케이 드라마 스타 어워즈' 대상 손현주. 9 December 2012. Yonhap News Agency. ko. 1 February 2018. 1 February 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180201075931/http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/entertainment/2012/12/09/1101000000AKR20121209043700063.HTML?source=rss. live.
  38. Web site: [포토엔]이성민-김남주, 최우수 남녀 연기자상 수상 '2012 그리메상']. 14 December 2012. Newsen. ko. 1 February 2018. 21 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230921015652/https://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201212141954482810. live.
  39. Web site: Baeksang Arts Awards recognize 'Stranger,' '1987'. 4 May 2018. The Korea Herald. 4 May 2018. 10 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220210050717/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=201880504000622. live.
  40. Web site: 이병헌·손예진·아이유 APAN스타어워즈 노미네이트. 27 September 2018. Star News. ko. 27 September 2018. 4 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190404195917/https://entertain.naver.com/read?oid=108&aid=0002730227. live.
  41. Web site: Seoul Awards honor the year's best. 29 October 2018. Korea JoongAng Daily. 28 October 2018. 28 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181028225647/http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3054808&cloc=joongangdaily. live.
  42. Web site: Actress Kim Nam-joo to Receive Presidential Honor. 23 October 2018. The Chosun Ilbo. 23 October 2018. 20 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230920194753/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/10/23/2018102300961.html. live.
  43. Web site: Kim Nam-joo takes home award. 14 January 2019. Korea JoongAng Daily. 17 January 2019. 20 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230920194821/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3058124. live.
  44. Web site: Forbes Korea's Top 'Power Celebrity 40' List 2013. February 28, 2013. Manila Bulletin. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210523081111/https://ph.news.yahoo.com/forbes-koreas-top-power-celebrity-40-list-2013-032351781.html. May 23, 2021. May 23, 2021. Yahoo! News.

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