Kim Ah-ra (; born September 7, 1991) is a South Korean television personality and actress and North Korean defector. She first gained national prominence on the reality talk show Now On My Way to Meet You before transitioning into a career as a dramatic actress in television and film.
Early life and defection Kim was born in Hoeryong, North Hamgyong Province, North Korea. Her childhood was marked by the extreme North Korean famine; she has recalled foraging for grass and roots to supplement meager rations of rice porridge. She did not receive a formal education during her youth in the North, instead spending her time scavenging for calories to help her family survive.
She eventually escaped North Korea at age 12, fleeing to China before finally settling in South Korea around 2009. Upon her arrival, she pursued higher education, attending Myongji University and Kookmin University.
Career 2011–2015: "Defector TV" and Early Media Appearances Kim's entry into the entertainment industry was driven by the rise of "defector TV" in the 2010s. She became a regular cast member on the Channel A talk show Now On My Way to Meet You (2011–present), where her appearance and stories of survival earned her the nickname "the goddess of North Korean defectors".
2016–Present: Acting and Breakthrough In 2016, Kim transitioned into scripted acting with a minor role in the acclaimed horror film The Wailing. She gained wider recognition through supporting roles in several television dramas, frequently portraying North Korean characters or resilient young women.
Her most significant mainstream breakthrough occurred in the global hit series Crash Landing on You (2019–2020), where she played a North Korean village resident. Kim notably influenced the production by proposing authentic North Korean dialogue based on her own experiences.
Personal life In October 2023, Kim married a non-celebrity whom she met at her church. The couple held a private wedding ceremony in Seoul on October 28, 2023. She remains active in the South Korean entertainment industry, continuing to use her platform to humanize the lives of North Korean defectors.
Filmography Television series Year Title Role 2015 Someone I Know Kim Yeon-hee 2017 Calm Down Cheon Doong Ah-ra 2017 Ugly Miss Young-ae Mi-na 2018 Tempted Bing Bing 2019 Crash Landing on You North Korean Village Housewife 2023 DMZ Daeseongdong Na-ri
Film Year Title Role Ref.2016 The Wailing Dermatology Nurse2018 The Soul-Mate So-young2020 Sixball Choi Seo-kyeong2022 Honest Candidate 2 Announcer from the North
Ambassadorship Ambassador for the North Korean Human Rights International Film Festival 2018 Rotary International District 3640 Friendship Exchange Committee Ambassador 2018 World Peace Culture Festival Organizing Committee Overseas Promotion Delegation Member
Awards and nominations + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result 24th Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards Multi-Channel Network Award 2016 Masterpiece Brand Special Award Now On My Way to Meet You
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