The actress Kim Sun of the Korean Art Film Studio is leaving a profound impression on people with her distinctive character portrayals. How does she manage to shape the roles she plays so flawlessly? Kim Sun’s colleagues, who have worked with her in the acting field, attribute her success to her relentless dedication.
Kim Sun is a member of the Film Critics Division of the Central Committee of the Korean Literature and Art Federation, and also serves as an adjunct faculty member at the Pyongyang University of Theatre and Film, as well as a critic.
What sets Kim Sun apart is her commitment to thoroughly understanding the personality traits of the characters she portrays, regardless of the role. She invests effort in studying reference materials and works of fiction where the unique personalities of characters are manifested. Through this, she absorbs a wealth of historical facts, as well as insights into people’s characters, psychological states, and customs, all of which are essential knowledge for actors.
This habit wasn’t cultivated overnight. Upon graduating from university, Kim Sun initially appeared in a few films in minor roles without putting much emphasis on her acting. However, one day, her mother visited her from her hometown. During their conversation, she learned that her daughter didn’t regard minor acting roles as significant. Hearing this, her mother shared a story with Kim Sun.
Her mother, who had attended middle school in Japan, couldn’t afford to continue her education without financial support. At the age of 18, she was sent by the country to study at the Sinuiju Comprehensive University. There, she was provided with opportunities to pursue her aspirations and talents, ultimately graduating and becoming an actress. Reflecting on her mother’s sacrifices, Kim Sun realized the importance of embracing every role, regardless of its size.
From that moment on, she devoted herself to improving her craft. Through her efforts, Kim Sun showcased her distinctive personality in minor roles in numerous art films such as “Son of Cholsanbong,” “Happy Family With Songs”, “Souls Protest,” and “The Country I Saw.”
Kim Sun has appeared in various art films and television dramas, leaving a lasting impression
Her relentless pursuit of a unique acting style allowed her to excellently portray the leading role in the art film “Under the Sky,” which depicts a woman who raises orphans as her own children. In one scene of the movie script, the protagonist is shown smiling without any dialogue while surrounded by about ten children. When the director instructed her to simply smile, Kim Sun, after studying the script, realized that the scene was about more than just the protagonist’s happiness; it was about the realization that many people had worked hard for the children’s sake. She conveyed this sentiment through her facial expressions, posture, and demeanor, stunning everyone present.
The film received the Special Screening Award at the 11th Pyongyang International Film Festival, where judges from various countries praised Kim Sun’s remarkable character portrayal. She also participated as a representative in the 9th Artists’ Congress.
Those close to Kim Sun say that she continues to approach her craft with the mindset of a novice actor, always striving to create unique and genuine character portrayals.
