Kim Eul-dong

Kim Eok-dong, born in 1957, is a renowned South Korean film and television actress as well as a political figure. She comes from a distinguished family; her grandfather, Kim Jo-jeon, was a general during the resistance against Japanese colonial rule. Her father, Kim Do-han, was a legendary anti-Japanese hero, whose life story was adapted into the Korean drama "Wild Days," in which actor Ahn Jae-mo portrayed him. Among her family members, her son Song Yi-guk and daughter Song Song-i are both involved in the entertainment industry, working as performers. She is married to a government official.

In terms of education, Kim Eok-dong attended Qi-dong Elementary School, Geongmun Girls’ Middle School and High School. In 1963, she entered Chung-Ang University, majoring in Political Diplomacy. In 1994, she furthered her studies at Korea University’s Graduate School of Natural Resources. She has also served as a visiting professor at Usan University and as president of the Hanyang Women’s Octagon Association.

Her acting career began in 1971, initially working as a news announcer for Seoul Broadcasting System (SBC). In the same year, she joined Korea Broadcasting System (KBS), gradually becoming a full-fledged actress under their agency. Her notable works include the films *Mapo Island* (2005), *Mapo Island 2* (2007), and *Christmas Escape* (2006), also known as *School Bully*. On television, she has appeared in numerous dramas such as *Wife's Blooming Age* (2007), *Kimchi Cheddar Smile* (2007), *Class 1st Year* (2006), *Janghui Bin* (2002), as well as several popular 1990s series like *Love as a Tide*, *Red Love*, *Western Palace*, and *Lonely Man*. She has also appeared in many short comedy sketches, including the sequel *Unstoppable HighKick*, which features the "Kimchi Cheddar Smile" story, and family-themed sitcoms.

Beyond her entertainment work, Kim Eok-dong actively participates in politics and public service. She has served as Vice President of the Korea Broadcasting System Drama Association, an executive commissioner for the Entertainment Industry Labor Union, a director of the Independent Meritorious Persons Association, and an honorary member of the Korea Voice Actor Association. In 1995, she was elected as a Seoul city councilor. She has held key positions within regional party organizations, including roles in the Liberal Union and the Grand National Party in Gyeonggi Province’s southern regions. From 2008 to 2012, she served as a member of the 18th and 19th National Assemblies, representing Songpa District in Seoul, and participated in committees related to culture, sports, tourism, and territorial protection. She has also served as the president of the memorial society for General Jo Jeon Baekyeol.

Kim Eok-dong’s career spans both the entertainment industry and politics, with her work encompassing performing arts, public service, and cultural development, making her a significant influential figure in Korean society.