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Kal So-won
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Kal So-won (Korean: 갈소원; born 14 August 2006) is a South Korean child actress. She debuted with the television series Take Care of Us, Captain (2012) and is best known for starring in Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013), one of the best-selling Korean films of all time.[1][2][3]
Key Information
Life and career
[edit]Kal So-won (Korean: 갈소원) was born on 14 August 2006 in Seoul, South Korea. Her family consists of her parents and Kal Sun-woo, her younger brother who was born two years after. Kal is also the granddaughter of Jo Eun-il, a writer who is known for one of the best-selling series' "Baker Mom's 100 Point Diary" (빵점엄마 백점일기). Jo had also previously written pieces based on her granddaughter's life in the format of letters similarly to diary entries.[4] Kal briefly attended Seoul Ojung Elementary School before transferring to Nabeup Elementary School. She currently resides in Jeju Island and attends Aewol Middle School.[citation needed]
6-year-old Kal began her journey as a child actress following her debut acting role in Take Care of Us, Captain (2012). Her performance in the South Korean film, Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013) gained her domestic recognition after becoming one of the best-selling Korean films of all time. Her role earned her numerous nominations and awards including "Best New Actress" at the Baeksang Arts Awards and Max Movie Best Film Awards, and notably made her the youngest nominee for the "Best New Actress" and "Best Actress" awards in the history of the Grand Bell Awards'. In February 2014, Kal signed an exclusive contract under YG Entertainment. She revealed amongst several candidates, she chose YG Entertainment as her first agency. In celebration, she had a meal with singers and actors including Big Bang, 2NE1, Cha Seung-won, and Yoo In-na.[5] Under the agency, her credits include the television series' My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol (2015), Glamorous Temptation (2015), The Doctors (2016), The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016), and A Korean Odyssey (2017).
In 2015, Kal joined BigBang onstage and performed the intro to their single "Blue" at their MADE World Tour held in Seoul, South Korea.[6] Kal also appeared as a guest performer for iKon during the first portion of their stage for the single "Love Scenario" (사랑을 했다) at the 2018 Continue Tour held in Seoul, South Korea.[7]
Kal has been on a hiatus from acting since 2023.[8]
In 2025, after YG Entertainment announced it would end its actor management division, her contract expired in May.[8]
Ambassadorship
[edit]| Year | Title | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Handon Public Relations Ambassador | [9] |
| The Seoul Guro Children Film Festival | [10] | |
| Suncheon Bay World Animal Film Festival | [11] | |
| 2014 | Child Abuse Prevention | [12] |
| 2016 | Child Safety Ambassador | [13] |
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | ||||
| 2012 | The Taste of Money | 돈의 맛 | Ri-ni | [14] | |
| 2013 | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | 7번방의 선물 | Ye-seung (young) | [15] | |
| One Stormy Night | 폭풍우 치는 밤에 | Narrator | Dubbing | [16][a] | |
| 2020 | Mr. Zoo: The Missing VIP | 미스터 주: 사라진 VIP | Seo-yeon | [15] | |
Television series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | ||||
| 2012 | Take Care of Us, Captain | 부탁해요 캡틴 | Han Da-yeon | [17][b] | |
| 2013 | The Secret of Birth | 출생의 비밀 | Hong Hae-deum | [17] | |
| Medical Top Team | 메디컬 탑팀 | Eun Ba-wi | [18] | ||
| 2014 | Lump in My Life | 내 인생의 혹 | Geum-ji (young) | [19][c] | |
| 2015 | My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol | 내 딸, 금사월 | Geum Sa-wol (young) | [17] | |
| Glamorous Temptation | 화려한 유혹 | Hong Mi-rae | [17] | ||
| 2016 | The Doctors | 닥터스 | Hye-jeong (young) | [17] | |
| The Legend of the Blue Sea | 푸른 바다의 전설 | Se-hwa (young) | [17] | ||
| 2017 | A Korean Odyssey | 화유기 | Jin Seon-mi (young) | [17] | |
| 2022 | Tomorrow | 내일 | Goo-ryeon (young) | [20] | |
| Cleaning Up | 클리닝업 | Jin Yu-na | [21] | ||
| 2023 | Delivery Man | 딜리버리맨 | Choi Ha-yul | Cameo (episode 5–6) | [22] |
Web series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | ||||
| 2018 | YG Future Strategy Office | YG 전략자료본부 | Herself | Cameo (Episode 6) | [23] |
| 2021 | Writing Your Destiny | 당신의 운명을 쓰고있습니다 | Sam-shin | [24] | |
Television show
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Korean | ||||
| 2018 | Nest Escape 3 | 둥지탈출3 | Cast member | Episode 4 | [25] |
| 2020 | King of Mask Singer | 복면가왕 | Contestant (Innocent Manga) | Episodes 281–282 | [26] |
Music video appearances
[edit]| Year | Title | Artist | Length | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | "After Winter" (이 겨울이 가도) | Koyote (featuring Kal So-won) | 4:06 | [27] |
| "Hurtful" (아프고 아프다) | Shin Ji-hoon | 3:07 | [28] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee(s) / work(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APAN Star Awards | 2015 | Best Young Actress | My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol | Won | [29] |
| Baeksang Arts Awards | 2013 | Best New Actress – Film | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Nominated | [30] |
| Buil Film Awards | 2013 | Best New Actress | Nominated | [31] | |
| Grand Bell Awards | Nominated | [32] | |||
| Best Actress | Nominated | ||||
| Special Jury | Won | ||||
| Korea Drama Awards | Best Young Actress | The Secret of Birth | Won | [33] | |
| Korea Yakult Superstar V-KIDS Contest | 2011 | N/a | Kal So-won | Won | [34] |
| Max Movie Awards | 2014 | Best New Actress | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Won | [35] |
| MBC Drama Awards | 2015 | Best Young Actress | My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol Glamorous Temptation |
Won | [36] |
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Park, Eun-jee (28 December 2012). "Two heartwarming films for when you can't feel your toes". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on 5 January 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ Baek, Byung-yeul (7 February 2013). "Cell 7 isn't quite I Am Sam". The Korea Times. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ An, So-hyoun (8 February 2013). "Interview: Ryu Seung Ryong Says He Gained Respect from His Wife with The Gift of Room 7". enewsWorld. CJ E&M. Archived from the original on 6 May 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ Jang Tae-gyu (9 June 2014). "[The Lady](7) 조은일 - 빵점 엄마, 만점 할머니가 되다". Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Jo Yeon (19 February 2014). 천재아역 갈소원 첫소속사 YG 확정, 빅뱅과 한솥밥. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Kim Mi-hwa (26 April 2015). 갈소원, 빅뱅 콘서트 올랐다..소속사 오빠들 지원사격. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Yong Jun-hong (18 August 2018). [스몰톡Q] 배우 갈소원, 아이콘 콘서트서 "나도 노래 부를래" 무대 위 깜짝 등장. SportsQ (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ a b Lee Chang-gyu (23 May 2025). "YG 떠난 갈소원, 공주가 따로 없네…놀이공원서 뽐낸 특급 비주얼" [Kal So-won, Who Left YG, Looks Like a Real Princess… Showing Off Stunning Visuals at the Amusement Park]. Xportsnews (in Korean). Retrieved 14 November 2025 – via Naver.
- ^ Lee Eun-ji (15 April 2013). 한돈 홍보대사 홍은희·갈소원 위촉. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ Song Hyo-chan (1 August 2013). 서울구로국제어린이영화제. NewsMaker (in Korean). Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ Ahn Ei-seul (31 July 2013). 오연서 "동물영화제 참여 기뻐..축제 즐겨주시길". Star News (in Korean). Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ Kim Chil-ho (3 February 2014). 양준혁·갈소원 경기도아동학대예방홍보대사 위촉. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ Ryu Bo-ram (29 March 2016). 구로경찰서 아동안전 홍보대사에 아역배우 갈소원. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ Kim Ji-yoon (14 February 2021). '미스터 주: 사라진 vip' 갈소원, 폭풍성장 근황‥이레와 다정 투샷. News Asiae (in Korean). Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ a b Jeong Hee-yeon (27 March 2021). 폭풍성장 갈소원, '당운쓰' 출연 소감 [일문일답]. Sports Dongha (in Korean). Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ "2013.5.3 Now playing". Korea JoongAng Daily. 3 May 2013. Archived from the original on 20 June 2013. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g Kang Seon-ae (15 September 2020). ""7번방 예승이, 많이 컸네?"…갈소원, 폭풍 성장 근황". Seoul Broadcasting System (in Korean). Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ Nam Woo-Jung (24 October 2013). '메디컬탑팀' 권상우, 갈소원 향한 눈물의 호소 '뭉클'. Star News (in Korean). Retrieved 22 November 2020.
- ^ Geum Bit-na (14 August 2014). 강혜정·변희봉·갈소원, MBC 추석극 '내 인생의 혹' 출연 확정. Maeil Broadcasting Network (in Korean). Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ Jang Ah-reum (4 February 2022). [단독] 갈소원, 김희선 아역 된다…MBC '내일'로 안방 복귀 [[Exclusive] So-Won Kal, Hee-Sun Kim to become child roles... Return to the small screen with MBC 'Tomorrow'] (in Korean). News1. Retrieved 4 February 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Jung Ji-hyun (23 March 2022). 갈소원, '내일'→'클리닝업' 출연 확정…연기 변신 예고 [공식] [Kal So-won confirmed to appear in 'Tomorrow' → 'Cleaning Up'... Smoke Transformation Notice [Official]] (in Korean). MyDaily. Retrieved 23 March 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ Seon Mi-kyung (17 March 2023). 류승룡 딸 갈소원, 벌써 이렇게 컸네('딜리버리맨') [Ryu Seung-ryong's daughter Gal So-won, already grown up like this ('Delivery Man')] (in Korean). OSEN. Retrieved 17 March 2023 – via Naver.
- ^ Kim Ha-yeon (15 May 2015). '둥지탈출 시즌3' 갈소원, 빅뱅의 막내 승리 투샷…'YG 최연소 배우'. TopStarNews (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Kim Bo-young (26 February 2021). 티빙, 새 오리지널 '당신의 운명을 쓰고 있습니다' 론칭 [공식]. E-Daily (in Korean). Retrieved 26 February 2021 – via v.daum.
- ^ Kang Seon-ae (2 May 2018). '둥지탈출3' 갈소원, 여전히 예쁘고 사랑스러운 '제주 소녀'. Seoul Broadcasting System (in Korean). Retrieved 19 April 2021.
- ^ Jang Woo-young (22 November 2020). '복면가왕' 부뚜막고양이, 압도적 5연승…갈소원·김립·주다인·페노메코 등장 [종합]. OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved 22 November 2020.
- ^ Hwang Ji-young (11 December 2013). 아역배우 갈소원, 코요태 신곡 '이 겨울이 가도' 피처링-MV 참여. TVreport (in Korean). Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ Kim So-ra (27 November 2013). 갈소원-이희성, 신지훈 '아프고 아프다'.."대박 나세요". OSEN (in Korean). Retrieved 20 April 2021.
- ^ "Kim Soo-hyun wins grand prize at APAN Star Awards". Kpop Herald. 29 November 2015.
- ^ Lee, Hye-ji (10 May 2013). "Behind the Scene: 2013 Paeksang Arts Awards: Red Carpet Report". TenAsia. Archived from the original on 22 May 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2013.
- ^ Lee So-dam (29 November 2013). 정은채 수상소감 "신인상 과분, 부담스럽다" 눈물 글썽(영평상). Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Yoo Jin-hyung (1 November 2013). 갈소원, 女주연·신인상 대신 심사위원특별상 수상 [제50회 대종상]. MyDaily (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ "Winners at the 2013 Korea Drama Awards". The Manila Bulletin. Yahoo. 3 October 2013.
- ^ Kim Yoo-jin (8 November 2015). "[2015 안방 앙팡테리블①] '연기 신동' 갈소원, 벌써 대표작이 있답니다". Herald POP (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Yeon Vic (10 February 2014). 관객이 뽑은 최고의 영화상에 '변호인'. Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ Kim Soo-jin (30 December 2015). "MBC연기대상 女아역상 갈소원 "'금사월' '화려한 유혹' 스태프 감사하다" 깜찍 수상소감". Stoo Asiae (in Korean). Retrieved 7 June 2021.
External links
[edit]- Kal So-won at IMDb
- Kal So-won at the Korean Movie Database
- Kal So-won at HanCinema
Kal So-won
View on GrokipediaPersonal life
Early life
Kal So-won was born on August 14, 2006, in South Korea.[2] Limited public information exists about her family background, as her parents have maintained a strong preference for privacy. She is the granddaughter of Jo Eun-il, a prominent South Korean writer known for her series Bbangjeom Eomma Baekjeom Ilgi (Failing Mom, Perfect Grandma). Her father is Gal Sang-jin, her mother is Lee Il-young (born 1973), and she has a younger brother, Gal Seon-woo (born August 22, 2008).[7][8] During her childhood, Kal So-won and her family relocated from Seoul to Jeju Island to provide a more serene environment away from urban life. This move, which occurred prior to 2016, allowed her to experience a nature-oriented upbringing, as showcased in her appearance on the 2018 tvN variety program Nest Escape 3, where she was depicted enjoying activities like playing by the sea and horse riding.[9][10]Education and residence
Kal So-won attended a local elementary school in Seoul, specifically Ojung Elementary School, where she began her early education following her debut as a child actress. After her family relocated to Jeju Island, she transferred to Nabeup Elementary School and completed her primary education there.[11] Upon graduating from elementary school in 2019, she enrolled at Aewol Middle School on Jeju Island, where she navigated her studies while balancing her acting commitments under the affiliation with YG Entertainment since 2014. She graduated from middle school in early 2022, marking a transition to high school amid her growing career.[12] Kal So-won progressed to Hanlim High School on Jeju Island, completing her secondary education with a graduation in June 2024; photos from her graduation album highlighted her transformation from a child star to a young adult, capturing her poised demeanor and physical growth. As of 2025, there has been no confirmed enrollment in university following her completion of the College Scholastic Ability Test in November 2024.[13][14] Her family chose Jeju Island as their current residence to embrace its natural environment, offering a serene setting that supports family privacy and a less pressured lifestyle away from urban demands, a decision influenced by the need for balance during her early fame. This location has allowed her to maintain a grounded routine while pursuing her professional endeavors.[15][16]Career
Debut and breakthrough (2012–2015)
Kal So-won made her acting debut at the age of six in the 2012 SBS drama Take Care of Us, Captain, where she portrayed the roles of Han Da-yeon, the younger sister of the protagonist, and Ppo Song.[2][6] This initial foray into television marked her entry into the industry as a child actress, showcasing her ability to handle emotional family dynamics in a coming-of-age story centered on a flight attendant's personal growth. Her performance, though in a minor capacity, highlighted her natural screen presence and set the stage for subsequent opportunities in both television and film. Following her debut, So-won appeared in several early television roles that further developed her versatility. In 2013, she took on the main child role of Hong Hae-deum in the SBS melodrama The Secret of Birth, playing the young version of a central character entangled in a tale of family secrets and identity.[17] That same year, she had a supporting role as Eun Ba-wi, a patient undergoing medical procedures, in the MBC series Medical Top Team, which explored hospital rivalries and surgical expertise. By 2015, she appeared as Hong Mi-rae, the young daughter of a key character, in the MBC drama Glamorous Temptation, contributing to its narrative of revenge and social intrigue.[18] That year, she also portrayed the young Geum Sa-wol in the MBC historical drama My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol, taking on the titular child role in a story of family separation and reunion.[19] These roles, often involving poignant child perspectives amid adult conflicts, helped build her reputation for emotive depth despite her young age. So-won's breakthrough came with her lead child role as Ye-seung in the 2013 film Miracle in Cell No. 7, directed by Lee Hwan-kyung, where she played the intellectually disabled father Ryu Seung-ryong's devoted daughter, central to a heartwarming story of wrongful imprisonment and familial bonds.[1] The film achieved massive commercial success, attracting over 12.81 million admissions in South Korea, making it one of the highest-grossing domestic releases of the year and earning widespread acclaim for its emotional impact. Her portrayal garnered significant recognition, propelling her from supporting parts to a prominent child star status and leading to nominations at major awards, including Best New Actress.[4] In addition to her dramatic work, So-won ventured into film with a minor supporting role as Ri-ni in the 2012 erotic thriller The Taste of Money, directed by Im Sang-soo, which delved into themes of wealth and corruption within a chaebol family. She also provided Korean dubbing as the narrator for the 2013 animated film One Stormy Night, adapting the Japanese story of unlikely animal friendships for local audiences.[2] That year, she featured in Koyote's music video for "After Winter," a holiday-themed track emphasizing warmth and innocence, where her childlike charm complemented the group's performance.[20] These diverse projects underscored her early adaptability across genres. In February 2014, at age seven, So-won signed an exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, becoming the agency's youngest actor at the time and joining a roster that included established stars like Goo Hye-sun.[4] This affiliation provided her with enhanced professional support during her formative years as an actress, solidifying her position in the competitive South Korean entertainment landscape.Rising prominence (2016–2020)
In 2016, Kal So-won portrayed the young Yoo Hye-jung in the SBS medical drama The Doctors, appearing in the first 20 episodes as the childhood version of the protagonist played by Park Shin-hye, marking her entry into more emotionally layered roles amid high ratings exceeding 20%. That same year, she took on the supporting role of young Shim Cheong in the fantasy romance The Legend of the Blue Sea, depicting the protagonist's traumatic early life in a narrative starring Jun Ji-hyun and Lee Min-ho, which drew over 17% viewership and highlighted her ability to convey vulnerability. By 2017, So-won continued her ascent with the role of young Jin Seon-mi in tvN's A Korean Odyssey, a modern retelling of the Chinese classic Journey to the West featuring Lee Seung-gi, where she appeared in flashbacks across 20 episodes, contributing to the series' success with average ratings around 5%. In 2018, she made a cameo appearance as herself in episode 6 of the YG Entertainment-produced web series YG Future Strategy Office, a mockumentary-style project starring BIGBANG's Seungri that satirized agency operations and garnered international attention on Netflix. As a YG-affiliated actress since 2014, this role exemplified her involvement in the agency's internal creative endeavors during this period.[3] So-won's versatility extended to variety programming, where she served as a regular cast member in episodes 3–4 and 29–30 of tvN's Leaving the Nest Season 3 (also known as Nest Escape 3) in 2018, a reality show exploring teen independence that featured her in observational segments alongside other young participants.[21] In 2020, she competed as the disguised contestant "Innocent Manga" on MBC's King of Mask Singer in episodes 281–282, performing songs like AKMU's "Last Goodbye" and showcasing her vocal talents in the anonymous singing competition.[22] Her film work culminated in 2020 with the supporting role of Seo-yeon in the family comedy Mr. Zoo: The Missing VIP, directed by Park Chul-soo, where she displayed emerging comedic timing opposite Lee Sung-min in a story involving animal transformations and heists, contributing to the film's lighthearted appeal during its theatrical release.[23] These projects solidified So-won's transition from child actress to teen performer, emphasizing nuanced portrayals in established dramas and entertainment formats.Recent developments (2021–present)
In 2021, Kal So-won took on the supporting role of Sam-shin, a young writer character, in the web series Writing Your Destiny, marking her continued presence in ensemble dramas amid her transition from child to teenage roles.[24] The series, which aired on TVING, explored themes of fate and storytelling, allowing her to portray a more introspective character compared to her earlier works. This project highlighted her growing versatility as she navigated adolescence in the industry. The following year, 2022, saw So-won in two notable television appearances. She portrayed the teenage version of the protagonist Koo Ryeon in the fantasy drama Tomorrow on MBC, appearing in key flashback episodes that delved into the character's backstory.[25] In the JTBC series Cleaning Up, she played Jin Yun-ah, the elder daughter of the lead characters, contributing to the narrative's focus on family dynamics and financial struggles in a high-stakes insider trading plot. These roles underscored her shift toward more mature, emotionally layered performances. In 2023, So-won made a brief cameo as Choi Ha-yul in episodes 5 and 6 of the ENA comedy-drama Delivery Man, adding a lighthearted touch to the story of a supernatural taxi service.[26] Her involvement remained selective, reflecting a deliberate pace in her career as she balanced acting with personal milestones. The enduring popularity of her breakout role in Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2013) continued to influence opportunities, drawing connections to similar heartfelt narratives. So-won's visibility expanded internationally in 2024 with a high-profile music video appearance in Lee Seung-chul's single "It's Rainy Day," where she co-starred alongside HORI7ON member Kyler in a romantic, rain-soaked storyline.[27] Later that December, she reunited with her Miracle in Cell No. 7 co-star Ryu Seung-ryong at the gala premiere of the Indonesian sequel 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 in Jakarta, attending as special guests to promote the remake and share insights on the original film's global impact.[28] On the personal front, So-won graduated from high school in June 2024, sharing graduation photos on Instagram that showcased her evolved, more adult appearance and garnered widespread attention for her growth since childhood fame.[13] She turned 19 on August 14, 2025, further signaling this image shift through updated profile images emphasizing poise and maturity. Regarding her professional management, So-won's exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, which she joined in 2014, concluded in early 2025 following the agency's decision to discontinue its actor management division in January to refocus on music.[29] In June 2025, she took on her first leading role as Oh Seol-rem in the Wavve web series Where's My Hero?, a mystery romance that aired from June 27 to July 11.[30] As of November 2025, she operates independently while exploring potential new affiliations.Public engagements
Ambassadorships
Kal So-won has been actively involved in several official ambassadorships promoting cultural, environmental, and social causes, particularly those focused on youth and child welfare. Her roles have leveraged her public profile as a young actress to raise awareness through events, public service announcements, and advocacy campaigns. These appointments began during her early career and continued into her teenage years, emphasizing her commitment to public service. In 2013, Kal So-won was appointed as a promotional ambassador for the Seoul Guro Children Film Festival, where she helped promote youth cinema by participating in promotional events and encouraging children's engagement with film arts.[31] Her involvement highlighted the festival's goal of fostering creativity among young audiences in the Guro district of Seoul.[32] Also in 2013, she served as a promotional ambassador for the inaugural Suncheon Bay World Animal Film Festival, advocating for animal welfare by attending press conferences and festival openings alongside other celebrities and animal actors.[33] This role underscored the event's mission to raise awareness about environmental conservation and animal rights through cinema, with Kal So-won emphasizing the importance of compassion toward animals in public appearances.[34] In February 2014, Kal was selected as an ambassador for the Gyeonggi Province Child Abuse Prevention Campaign, collaborating with former baseball player Yang Joon-hyuk to participate in awareness events and promote policies aimed at eradicating child abuse. During the appointment ceremony, she expressed her dedication to creating a safer environment for children, stating, "I hope adults will listen to children's stories and love them," while committing to online and offline promotional activities.[35] This initiative was part of broader provincial efforts to strengthen child protection measures.[36] Kal's ambassadorship extended to child safety in March 2016, when the Seoul Guro Police Station appointed her as a public relations ambassador for preventing school violence and eradicating child abuse.[37] In this one-year role, she collaborated on educational programs and public service announcements targeting Korean youth, vowing to actively participate in related activities to foster a violence-free school environment.[38] Her appointment was seen as a way to engage young audiences effectively through her relatable image.Variety appearances and endorsements
Kal So-won has showcased her versatility through appearances on popular variety programs. In 2018, she participated as a contestant in the third season of Nest Escape (also known as Leaving the Nest), a reality show where children of celebrities embark on independent living challenges in Nepal; she featured in episode 4, highlighting her resourcefulness and adaptability in group activities.[39] Two years later, in 2020, she competed on King of Mask Singer under the masked identity "Pure Comics," delivering a notable voice performance in the 141st generation competition, where contestants disguise their identities to focus on singing talent.) These engagements allowed her to connect with audiences through music and personality, distinct from her acting roles. Under her affiliation with YG Entertainment (2014–2025), Kal So-won secured early brand deals targeting youth demographics. She has since transitioned to more selective commercial partnerships, emphasizing subtle endorsements that align with her growing public persona. Kal So-won has actively participated in promotional events to engage fans globally. In 2014, she made a special appearance at the YG Family World Tour "Power in Seoul" concert, delivering a video message and performing alongside label artists, which helped introduce her to broader audiences within the YG ecosystem. More recently, in December 2024, she attended the gala premiere of the Indonesian remake sequel 2nd Miracle in Cell No. 7 in Jakarta, reuniting with co-star Ryu Seung-ryong and sharing experiences with local fans, underscoring her international appeal from the original 2013 film.[40] Her social media presence on Instagram (@sowon_cat) serves as a key platform for fan engagement, where she shares updates on personal growth, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and occasional subtle endorsements as of 2025, fostering a direct connection with supporters worldwide.)Filmography
Films
Kal So-won made her film debut in a minor supporting role as Ri-ni in The Taste of Money (2012), a satirical drama directed by Im Sang-soo that explores themes of wealth and corruption within a chaebol family. In 2013, she portrayed young Ye-seung, the daughter of a mentally disabled father wrongfully imprisoned, in Miracle in Cell No. 7, serving as the emotional core of the father-daughter story that drives the film's heartfelt narrative about love and injustice. The film achieved massive box office success, drawing 12.8 million admissions and becoming one of South Korea's highest-grossing movies of the year, with critical acclaim for its poignant performances, including So-won's tender depiction of the child's unwavering bond with her father.[41][42] That same year, So-won provided the Korean dubbing voice as the narrator for One Stormy Night (2013), an animated adaptation of the Japanese picture book series, contributing to the film's gentle storytelling about friendship between a goat and a wolf during a stormy night. So-won returned to live-action feature films in 2020 with the supporting role of Seo-yeon in Mr. Zoo: The Missing VIP, a family-friendly action-comedy about a zoo veterinarian entangled in a national security mission involving escaped animals. Her performance as the spirited young girl added warmth and humor to the ensemble-driven plot.[23]Television series
Kal So-won made her television debut in 2012 at the age of six, quickly establishing herself as a talented child actress through supporting and young character roles in various genres, from family melodramas to fantasies and medical dramas. Her early performances often highlighted resilient young girls navigating hardship, contributing emotional depth to ensemble casts. As she transitioned into her teens, her roles expanded to include more complex supporting parts in supernatural and crime thrillers, showcasing her growth in portraying nuanced family dynamics and personal struggles.| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Take Care of Us, Captain | Han Da-yeon (supporting) | Debut role in the SBS family drama about a naval captain raising his orphaned nieces; portrayed a young girl adjusting to family changes in a heartfelt ensemble narrative. |
| 2013 | Birth Secret | Hong Hae-deum (supporting) | Played the genius daughter of an amnesiac mother in the SBS mystery melodrama exploring family secrets and sacrifices; her arc emphasized innocence amid parental turmoil. |
| 2013 | Medical Top Team | Eun Ba-wi (minor) | Depicted a young patient undergoing bone marrow and lung transplants in the MBC medical drama; formed a close bond with a doctor, adding emotional stakes to hospital procedures.[43] |
| 2014 | Drama Festival 2014: Lump in My Life | Geum-ji (child) | Brief appearance in the MBC family-oriented special focusing on everyday life challenges; contributed to lighthearted child-centric moments.[2] |
| 2015 | My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol | Young Geum Sa-wol | Portrayed the mischievous yet warm-hearted orphan protagonist in the MBC emotional family drama; her performance as the young version of a resilient architect highlighted themes of perseverance and sibling bonds, earning acclaim as a series highlight.[19] |
| 2015 | Glamorous Temptation | Young Shin A-jin | Appeared as the child version of a key character in the SBS revenge melodrama; arc involved early family conflicts in a tale of betrayal and redemption. |
| 2016 | The Doctors | Young Yoo Hye-jung | Played the childhood incarnation of the delinquent-turned-neurosurgeon lead in the SBS medical romance; captured the character's tough early years marked by rebellion and loss. |
| 2016 | The Legend of the Blue Sea | Young Shim Cheong | Depicted the child mermaid-princess in the SBS fantasy romance based on a Joseon-era folktale; her innocent portrayal bridged mythical origins to modern reincarnation themes.[44] |
| 2017 | A Korean Odyssey | Young Jin Seon-mi | Portrayed the childhood version of the reincarnated monk in the tvN fantasy adventure inspired by Journey to the West; arc showed early encounters with supernatural entities.[45] |
| 2022 | Tomorrow | Young Koo Ryeon (supporting) | Appeared as the teenage grim reaper leader in flashbacks for the MBC supernatural action series; explored her past traumas and crisis management role in the afterlife team. |
| 2023 | Cleaning Up | Jin Yeon-ah (key role) | Played the rebellious yet sensitive eldest daughter of a single mother in the JTBC crime drama about stock market cleaners; her arc delved into adolescent angst and family loyalty amid financial schemes.[46] |
| 2023 | Delivery Man | Choi Ha-yul (cameo, eps. 5-6) | Brief guest appearance in the ENA family comedy-mystery; contributed to episodic family resolution moments. |
Web series
Kal So-won made her entry into web series with a cameo appearance in the 2018 mockumentary-style comedy YG Future Strategy Office, a Netflix original produced by YG Entertainment, where she portrayed an office worker in episode 6 as part of the show's satirical depiction of corporate chaos within the entertainment agency.[47] This brief role highlighted the web format's flexibility for quick, humorous sketches featuring real and fictional YG affiliates, emphasizing behind-the-scenes parody over traditional narrative depth. Her involvement tied into her affiliation with YG Entertainment at the time, adding an authentic layer to the ensemble cast of idols and staff.[2] In 2021, So-won took on a supporting role as Sam Shin, a mischievous deity involved in scripting human fates, in the TVING web drama Scripting Your Destiny, a 10-episode fantasy romance that blends romance, comedy, and supernatural elements tailored for online streaming audiences.[48] The series, with its concise episodes and youth-oriented themes of destiny and love, showcased web-specific production by focusing on fast-paced plotting and visual effects suited to mobile viewing, allowing So-won's character to inject whimsical energy into the central narrative of gods meddling in a screenwriter's life.[49] In 2025, So-won starred in the lead role of Oh Seol-Rem in the Wavve web drama Namju Search (also known as Where's My Hero?), a 6-episode mystery rom-com about a top student who, after failing university entrance due to gaming addiction, enrolls in college to find her ideal male lead from romance novels. Her portrayal of the determined protagonist navigating real-life romance and self-discovery marked a significant step in her transition to leading young adult roles in streaming content.[50]Music video appearances
Kal So-won made her first music video appearance in 2013, shortly after her breakout role in the film Miracle in Cell No. 7, extending her visibility as a child actress through emotional, narrative-driven roles.[20][51] In Koyote's "After Winter" (이 겨울이 가도), released on December 6, 2013, she portrayed the child protagonist in a heartwarming holiday narrative, opening the video with an adorable solo performance that highlights her clear vocals and innocent charm while interacting joyfully with the group members in a winter-themed studio setting.[20][51] Her acting style emphasized playful yet poignant emotional depth, aligning with her early post-Miracle extensions into musical features.[20] Later that year, So-won appeared in a supporting role in Shin Ji-hoon's "Hurtful" (아프고 아프다), the lead single from his album I'm, released on November 21, 2013. Alongside child actor Lee Hee-sung, she contributed to the video's melancholic R&B storyline of separation and longing, delivering pure and affectionate performances that added youthful tenderness to the emotional core.[52][53][54] This role further showcased her versatility in supporting narrative elements shortly after her dramatic film success.[55] Marking a transition to adult roles, So-won co-led Lee Seung-chul's "It's Rainy Day" (비가 와), released on June 11, 2024, alongside HORI7ON member Kyler in a romantic storyline set against rainy, introspective visuals that evoke themes of love and melancholy.[27][56][57] Her mature portrayal emphasized subtle emotional chemistry, enhancing her career's evolving visibility in musical collaborations.[27]Awards and nominations
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Korea Yakult Superstar V-KIDS Contest | — | — | Won | |
| 2013 | Korea Drama Awards | Best Young Actress | Birth Secret | Won | |
| 2013 | Grand Bell Awards | Special Jury Award | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Won | [58] |
| 2013 | Grand Bell Awards | Best New Actress | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Grand Bell Awards | Best Actress | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Baeksang Arts Awards | Best New Actress – Film | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Buil Film Awards | Best New Actress | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Nominated | |
| 2014 | Max Movie Awards | Best New Actress | Miracle in Cell No. 7 | Won | |
| 2015 | APAN Star Awards | Best Young Actress | My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol | Won | [58] |
| 2015 | MBC Drama Awards | Best Young Actress | My Daughter, Geum Sa-wol and Glamorous Temptation | Won | [58] |
