So Kyong-sop
So Kyong-sop | |
|---|---|
| 서경섭 | |
| Born | 31 March 1939 |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 서경섭 |
| RR | Seo Gyeongseop |
| MR | Sŏ Kyŏngsŏp |
So Kyong-sop (Korean: 서경섭; born 31 March 1939) is a North Korean actor. A holder of the title People's Actor, he starred in over 80 films in his career. Along with Kim Ryong-lin and Choe Chang-su, he is considered one of the three greatest North Korean actors.
Biography
So was born on 31 March 1939, in Ryongchon County, North Pyongan Province, Korea, Empire of Japan.[1] In 1958, he started acting for the Korean Art Film Studio.[2] At the start of his acting career, he simultaneously attended the Pyongyang University of Theatre and Film from 1963 to 1970.[2] He portrayed major characters in many films starting in the 1960s, having appeared in lead roles in over 80 feature films by the 2000s.[2][3]
Among So's notable lead roles were in the films Affection (애착, 1964), Rolling Mill Workers (압연 공 들, 1972), The Forest Sways (숲은 설레인다, 1982), Silver Hairpin (은비녀, 1985), and Guarantee (보증이, 1989).[2] He was widely known in North Korea for his portrayal of Hong-sik, an intelligence scout, in the series Unsung Heroes (1979–1980).[1][3] He was also praised for his role of Yun-sang in the series Nation and Destiny, where, according to the Joseon Local History Encyclopedia, "he brought the character ... to life with a unique performance, fully demonstrating his talent as a renowned actor".[2] Other film appearances by So included In the Village on the Demarcation Line (분계 마을 에서, 1961), Red Simcheong (붉은 심청, 1961), Sanul Forest (산울 선 림, 1962), The Aggressor Ship General Sherman (침략 선 셔먼호, 1964), Endless Is My Hope (끝 없어 라 나의 희망, 1964), Youth Vanguard (청년 전위, 1965), New Star (새별, 1966), First Mission (첫 임무, 1969), Nothing to Envy in the World (세상에 부럼 없어 라, 1970), The Story of Tractor No. 1 (뜨락또르 1. 호 에 깃든 이야기, 1971), County Party Committee Secretary (군당 책임 비서, 1983), Thawing Snow in Spring (봄날 의 눈석, 1985), and Ask Yourself (자신 에게 물어 보라, 1988).[2]
So was known for "sincerity and authentic performances in his roles", and for being a "model for portraying positive characters" with "flawless performances in lead roles across numerous films and dramas".[2][3] He was given the title of People's Actor in 1983 and awarded many honors including the Order of the National Flag, first class.[2] Along with Kim Ryong-lin and Choe Chang-su, he is considered one of the three greatest North Korean actors.[4]
So has worked part-time with the faculty at the Pyongyang University of Theatre and Film.[2][5] He is married to an actress, and their daughter is also in the profession.[2]
References
- 1 2 Jeon, Young-seon. "서경섭" [So Kyongsop]. 북한예술문화사전 [Dictionary of North Korean Arts and Culture] (in Korean). Retrieved 22 June 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 조선 향토 대백과: 인물 [Joseon Local History Encyclopedia: Figures] (in Korean). Institute for Peace Affairs. p. 111.
- 1 2 3 "북녘의인기스타-인민배우 서경섭" [A Popular Star of the North: People's Actor Seo Gyeong-seop]. The Tongil Shinmun (in Korean). 27 November 2001.
- ↑ Jo, Jeong-hun (21 June 2015). "北 3대 배우 '김룡린' 사망..김정은 제1위원장 조화보내" [North Korea's Top Actor Kim Ryong-rin Dies; Kim Jong-un Sends Floral Tribute]. Tongil News (in Korean).
- ↑ "北영화 '림꺽정' 주인공, 평양영화大 출강" [Lead Actor from North Korean Film ‘Lim Kkok-jeong’ to Teach at Pyongyang Film University]. Daily NK (in Korean). 4 June 2006.