Kim Yeong-ok

Kim Yeong-ok is a South Korean actress who has been acting since 1957, a career of almost seventy years. She is lovingly known as South Korea's National Grandma for her many warm grandmother roles. Even in her late eighties, she keeps working, and global fans know her from King the Land (2023) and Squid Game (2021).

Early life

Kim Yeong-ok was born on December 5, 1937, in Incheon, South Korea. She began her career in 1957, when Korean television was just starting, and worked in theatre, film, radio and voice acting. Her clear voice and natural warmth made her a favourite for family stories across many generations of viewers.

Career and breakthrough

Across the decades, Kim Yeong-ok appeared in hundreds of dramas and films, often as the heart of the family. She played grandmothers to many of Korea's biggest stars and became a symbol of Korean family love on screen. Her long career has been honoured many times, and younger actors treat her as a living teacher of their craft.

Popular roles

In King the Land (2023), Kim Yeong-ok plays Cha Sun-hui, the hero's dear grandmother, whose simple love guides his life. In Squid Game (2021), she played the mother of Seong Gi-hun in scenes the whole world remembered. In Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021), her grandmother Gam-ri became one of the most loved characters of the year.

Recent work and why fans love her

She joined The Judge from Hell (2024) as O Mi-ja and Our Sticky Love (2026) as Go Yeon-hong, still taking new roles with energy. Fans love Kim Yeong-ok because she feels like everyone's grandmother. Her gentle humour and honest tears carry almost seventy years of Korean life, and her presence blesses any drama she enters.