Kim Young-ok is a legendary South Korean actress and voice actress widely known as the nation’s “National Grandma” for her memorable portrayals of elderly women and grandmothers across film and television. With a career spanning nearly seven decades since her 1957 debut, she remains Korea’s oldest active actress and continues to appear in major dramas and films well into her late 80s. Her work in hits like Coffee Prince, Boys Over Flowers, Squid Game, and the 2024 film Picnic has made her a beloved figure both at home and internationally.
Kim Young-ok was born on January 6, 1938, in Keijō (present-day Seoul), during the Japanese colonial period. As she is 88 years old. She is South Korean by nationality, and her zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Kim Young-ok (김영옥) |
| Nickname | National Grandma, Halminem |
| Profession | Actress, Voice Actress |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1938 |
| Age | 88 |
| Birthplace | Seoul (Keijō), Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Religion | Protestant (Protestant Christian) |
| Friends | Tang Wei (湯唯) |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Current Residence | South Korea (Seoul area) |
| Qualification | Chung-Ang University (Korean Literature, dropped out) |
Career
Kim Young-ok started in theater with the play The Monkey’s Paw in 1957 and appeared in early films such as Farewell Sorrow!. In 1959 she joined Chuncheon Broadcasting Station as an announcer. She then moved into voice acting, joining CBS in 1960 and becoming part of MBC’s first voice-actor group in 1961. Her distinctive, powerful voice made her a standout in animated works, including boy protagonists in Mazinger Z, Robot Taekwon V, and others.
She made her television drama debut in 1969. A major breakthrough came with the 1978 MBC series I Sell Happiness, which earned her the Grand Prize (Daesang) for Television at the 15th Baeksang Arts Awards in 1979. Over the decades she has appeared in more than 200 dramas and films without a significant hiatus, often taking on grandmother or elderly roles starting relatively early in her career.
Notable later works include Old Miss Diary (2004–2005 and its film adaptation), Coffee Prince (2007), Boys Over Flowers (2009), Protect the Boss (2011), Snowy Road (2015), Squid Game (2021) as Seong Gi-hun’s mother, Pachinko, King the Land (2023), Picnic (2024) opposite Na Moon-hee (for which she shared Best Actress recognition), The Judge from Hell (2024), and Iron Family (2024–2025). She received the Bogwan Order of Cultural Merit in 2018 and multiple achievement awards, including at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards. She remains active as Korea’s oldest working actress.
Kim Young-ok Husband
Kim married former KBS announcer Kim Young-gil in 1960 after meeting through university broadcasting activities. The couple had one son and two daughters and were married for over 65 years until his passing in May 2026 at age 88/89. She has spoken openly about the ups and downs of their long marriage and later about adjusting to life after his death.
Physical Appearance
| Height | Approx. 158 cm (5’2″) |
| Weight | |
| Eye Color | Dark |
| Hair Color | Gray/White (natural with age) |
| Body Type | Slim / Elderly frame |
Kim Young-ok Drama List
Kim has an extensive filmography spanning stage, film, television, web series, and voice work. Selected highlights include:
Television / Drama
- I Sell Happiness (1978) – Lead role (Baeksang Daesang winner)
- Old Miss Diary (2004–2005) – Grandmother
- Coffee Prince (2007) – Han-kyul’s grandmother
- Boys Over Flowers (2009) – Head maid
- Protect the Boss (2011)
- Snowy Road (2015) – Older Choi Jong-boon
- Squid Game (2021) – Seong Gi-hun’s mother
- Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) – Kim Gam-ri
- King the Land (2023) – Cha Soon-hee
- The Judge from Hell (2024) – Oh Mi-ja
- Iron Family (2024–2025) – Ahn Gil-rye
- Typhoon Family (2025) – Yeom Bu-ni
Film
- Farewell Sorrow! (1957) – Early role
- Old Miss Diary: The Movie (2006)
- Sunny (2011) – Na-mi’s grandmother
- Ballerina (2023)
- Picnic (2024) – Geum-soon
Voice Acting
- Mazinger Z, Robot Taekwon V, Paul’s Miraculous Adventure, and others (1970s–1980s)
Kim Young-ok Net Worth
Kim Young-ok’s net worth is estimated in the range of several million USD (sources have cited figures around $5–10 million), though exact figures are not publicly verified. Primary income sources include decades of acting fees from television and film, voice work and narration, awards-related recognition, and more recently her YouTube channel and related activities.
FAQs
How old is Kim Young-ok ?
She is 88 years old (born January 6, 1938).
Who was Kim Young-ok’s husband?
She was married to former KBS announcer Kim Young-gil from 1960 until his death in May 2026.
Does Kim Young-ok have children?
Yes, one son and two daughters. She is also a grandmother who has been involved in caring for a grandson.
What is Kim Young-ok famous for?
Her long career as a versatile supporting actress specializing in grandmother roles, her early voice-acting work, and appearances in global hits like Squid Game.
Is Kim Young-ok still acting?
Yes. She continues to take roles in dramas and films and is recognized as Korea’s oldest active actress.
What is her YouTube channel about?
Everyday life, senior friendships, travel, cooking, and candid reflections on a long career and family.