We've been obsessed with the Netflix series Start-Up for almost a month now and it looks like we'll be hooked for a long time, because the story just keeps getting better and better! We've already introduced Seo Dal Mi (Bae Suzy), Nam Do San (Nam Joo Hyuk), Han Ji Pyeong (Kim Seon Ho), and Won In Jae (Kang Han Na)—now let's get to know more about Dal Mi's halmeoni (grandmother), Kim Hae Sook.
The 64-year-old veteran actress is dubbed as the "Nation's Mother" for having played so many roles as an eomma (mother), not only in K-dramas but also in Korean movies. Sometimes she's a struggling mom, other times she's a rich AF mother of five! Her versatility has made her a household name in South Korea. In an article by the Korea Times, Kim Hae Sook expressed her desire in portraying more characters as a mom: "My wish is to play all the different mothers that exist in the world."
Let's look at the best K-dramas of Korean actress Kim Hae Sook that you can watch on Netflix, Viu, and Viki:
1. Start-Up (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
Obvs, we'll begin with Start-Up! Kim Hae Sook plays the role of the the warm and caring halmeoni Choi Won Deok in this Netflix drama. She took care of her granddaughter, Seo Dal Mi, after her family separated when she was young. Her main goal in life to make sure that Seo Dal Mi becomes happy, even if it means keeping secrets from her. Halmeoni Won Deok is also fond of Ji Pyeong, after she found him wandering astray in the streets one rainy night. Watch out for an *emotional* reveal when you watch the K-drama on Netflix every weekend at 9:30 p.m.
2. Hospital Playlist (2020)
Watch on: Netflix
Witness Kim Hae Sook as wealthy eomma Jung Rosa (with a bunch of ~religious~ children) in another sensational Netflix series, Hospital Playlist. The drama is about a group of doctors who've been friends since they were in medical school. Rosa shares the same tight friendship with Ju Jong Su (Kim Kap Soo), her BFF for decades. We love her character here so much that we can't stop laughing whenever his son, Ahn Jeong Won (Yoo Yeon Seok) pleads for a discussion regarding his plans in life—she would always find an excuse to get away from him!
3. About Time (2018)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu, and Viki
This fantasy drama is about a musical actress named Choi Michaela (Lee Sung Kyung) who has the power to see how long a person will live, including her own life. She meets Oh So Nyeo (Kim Hae Sook), who eventually becomes her mentor and friend. Apparently, she also shares the same ability as hers! So Nyeo is filled with wisdom, and one of her best lines in the drama is from a poem that will resonate with anyone: "None of us know when, what day, and how this outing may end."
4. Pinocchio (2014)
Watch on: Netflix, Viu
It's another filthy rich eomma role for Kim Hae Soo in the Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hye-led K-drama, Pinocchio! This time, she's a CEO named Park Rosa who runs a chain of malls and with a dark secret. The actress adds more tension to the already suspense-filled TV series, and showcases that she can also be wicked while being a loving mom. Definitely a must-watch!
5. Hotel King (2014)
Watch on: Viki
Kim Hae Sook joins Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae (aka one of our favorite OG K-drama couples who also starred in My Girl!) in the MBC drama Hotel King. Here, she's Baek Mi Nyeo, the training manager of Hotel Ciel with a revengeful plan for the death of his son.
6. I Hear Your Voice (2013)
Watch on: Netflix and Viu
What happens when a lawyer (Lee Bo Young) seeks the help of a boy (Lee Jong Suk) who can read people's minds in order to fight for justice? You get a compelling drama that will have you binge-watching until early morning. Kim Hae Sook plays the role of Eo Choon Shim, a doting mother who's determined to raise her child even if she came from an underprivileged background.
Bonus: Not a K-drama but a Korean movie—Along With The Gods: The Two Worlds (2017)
Watch on: Netflix and Viu
Take a glimpse of what the afterlife looks like in this blockbuster film starring Ha Jung Woo, Cha Tae Hyun, Ju Ji Hoon, Kim Hyang Gi, and EXO's D.O. When a firefighter dies in an accident, he was led by three guardians in an attempt to be incarnated once he passes the seven trials in 49 days. Kim Hae Sook turns into Chogang, the God of Indolence Hell, who punishes those who live their life being ~sloths~.
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