
Hae-suk Kim
**Kim Hae-suk** (김해숙), born December 30, 1955, is a South Korean actress widely recognized for her versatility and ability to embody a wide range of characters, often maternal. She began her career in television but has established herself as a consistent and esteemed presence in Korean cinema.
Often referred to as the "mother of the nation" (국민 엄마), she is renowned for her skill in portraying complex parental figures on screen, ranging from the common, resilient woman to more enigmatic or comedic characters.
Among her most significant film roles are the unsettling mother-in-law in Park Chan-wook's *Thirst* (2009), the charismatic mother in *The Thieves* (2012), and the wise and compassionate grandmother in the popular *Along With the Gods* series (2017-2018).
Her acting style is characterized by a poignant realism, deep emotionality, and the ability to convey both vulnerability and extraordinary inner strength, making her one of the most respected and recognizable actresses in South Korean cinema.