[Interview] 'Kim So-yi Style'

Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle of Actress Kim So-yi

Actor Kim So-yi. Photo by NameValueStars

[Culture & Life Section Reporter Eunji Kim]

Quotation Mark

"Oh? It's Soy with the floral pattern!" "Hehe."

Actor Kim Soi appeared with a flower-patterned shirt paired with denim, her naturally styled hair flowing as she smiled gently. She was like a single raspberry blossom?fresh and tangy with a purplish hue. She was lovely. It felt as if a sweet berry scent was emanating from her.

She seemed as soft as a fluffy cake, melting ice cream, or a cozy winter coat. Yet inside, she was strong and solid. Through understanding, accepting, and embracing herself, she found the 'Kim Soi style' and 'Kim Soi’s path,' and now she willingly becomes a guiding light for those who follow her on that path.

In a recent interview conducted at the headquarters, Kim Soi talked about her recent life, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Let’s focus on the whispers of Kim Soi, the small but strong, seemingly delicate yet unyielding raspberry-like actress.

Hello 'Soi'

Actor Kim So-yi. Photo by NameValueStars

Q. Hello, Soi. First, congratulations. I heard your film 'Rebound' was selected for the domestic competition at the Seoul International Short Film Festival. It must feel like achieving one of your dreams.

A. Rather than feeling like I achieved a dream, I’m happy to have experienced the feeling of my film being selected for the competition section. Now, I’m curious about how it would feel to win an award. (laughs)

Q. Soi, you’re a 'multi-talented person.' You act, direct, write scripts, and even create music yourself. Among all these roles, what title would you like to have in front of your name?

A. I want the title 'actor.' Being a singer-songwriter or musician is something you can do without someone choosing you. You can create works even at home. But being an actor is a profession where you must be chosen and recognized from start to finish. You have to go to auditions and be cast, and further, receive applause from the audience. I want to act better. I think I’m developing a strong determination about being an actor.

Q. Such a broad 'Kim Soi universe.' Where does that inspiration come from?

A. Love. Actually, I recently had a 'dark phase' and don’t think love is everything anymore, but a few years ago, I believed love could overcome everything. I don’t think that way now, but I believe love definitely has power?whether it’s love among friends or family. Love is my base.

Q. I’m curious about how you want to age.

A. I want to grow up being true to myself, with a heart that can embrace everything. I want to be an adult, a grandmother who is as true to herself as possible and knows how to accept differences. Just as those who passed before me shone a light on me, I want to be a lantern for those who come after me on this path. I dream of being an adult who can give reassurance by saying, 'This path is okay,' 'You can keep walking this path.' I also dream of being a grandmother who rides a bike wearing a floral pattern dress with a hairpin perfectly placed in her hair. (laughs)

I am 'Soi'

Actor Kim So-yi. Photo by Kim So-yi Instagram

Q. Soi, you wear floral pattern dresses coolly and chicly without being over the top. Could you tell us about your styling method and what 'Soi style' means to you?

A. What I just can’t pass by is vintage floral patterns. I like these floral patterns even more in summer. I love things that show the marks of time endured. Shopping at vintage shops is almost like a cultural experience for me. Haha.

Q. Could you recommend some 'Soi PICK' vintage shops?

A. I don’t go often because of COVID-19, but I like Vintage Necktie Code in Gwangjang Market. In Hongdae, Page One! Both places curate so well that you can’t help but buy clothes. Once I go there, my seasonal wardrobe is complete. I tend to buy a lot at once. In Busan, there’s the secondhand market! It’s really fun to find clothes there. There are items just arrived from Japan, so it’s fun to score some great finds. When I go to Jeju Island, I also look for vintage shops.

Q. Finding a style that fits perfectly isn’t easy. How did you find your own 'Soi style'?

A. As I came to understand my body shape, I started to see which clothes wouldn’t suit me. Before, I didn’t realize this and bought clothes, often hearing, 'Did you wear your mom’s or dad’s clothes?' Now I can see what suits me. I accepted, 'Yes, I’m short!'

When I first started working, I hated my body. In overcoming that, I accepted my body and decided not to overwork it. As I became healthier, I found myself. Also, when you accept 'who you are, what you like, and who you are,' your own style naturally follows. I hope people confidently express their preferences. Even if I have a million floral clothes, I say, 'What can I do if I like floral patterns!' Haha.

Actor Kim So-yi. Photo by Kim So-yi Instagram

Q. What is your most cherished and beloved fashion item?

A. Floral dresses! I would never throw them away. To me, floral dresses feel truly classical. Most of my floral dresses were made in the 1970s and 1980s. Once, when my friends came to organize my closet, they said, 'My eyes hurt!' because everything was floral patterns. (laughs) In winter, I like ugly sweaters. For my birthday party, I always tell my friends to come wearing ugly sweaters. But my ugly sweaters have to be a bit special. Since my skin is very sensitive, the sweater material can’t be scratchy. I like cozy ones.

Q. I’d also like to know your 'Soi PICK' brands.

A. Wunderkammer. I like the main brand Wunderkammer, but I also cherish the second label Wunderkammer Jun. In French films, you see actors wearing bright yellow, blue, and red clothes shining by the water. Wunderkammer Jun recreates that vibe. I also love Lookcast. Although it’s a brand run by a friend, if the clothes didn’t suit me, I wouldn’t wear them no matter what. But Lookcast clothes fit me perfectly, so I wear them often.

Clear 'Soi'

Actor Kim So-yi. Photo by Kim So-yi Instagram

Q. Soi, you have clear skin. I heard you don’t wear makeup, but your skin looks transparent. Could you share your skincare secrets?

A. Eye cream and sunblock are must-have items. I think early education played a role. I grew up believing that not applying these two would be a big problem. Especially sunblock. I even apply sunblock when I go to a convenience store in the middle of a dark night. I’ve been applying eye cream since I was 16.

Q. If you apply sunblock often, cleansing must be important. What is your skincare routine?

A. No matter how sleepy I am, I always wash my face. No matter how tired, I apply everything I need. I have very dry skin, so I use many products. Because it’s so dry, I tend to apply thick cream. I also do thick skincare in the morning.

Q. What is your usual makeup style?

Actually, I don’t wear much makeup. I’m beyond clumsy?I’m a 'messy hand.' I’m bad at drawing eyebrows. At least once a week, I fail at brow makeup. But what I pursue is minimal makeup. I like makeup that looks like I’m barely wearing any. Makeup artists keep persuading me, 'Soi, let’s do a little more!' (laughs) I always answer, 'It’s okay. Haha.'

Actor Kim So-yi. Photo by Kim So-yi Instagram

A. Your hairstyle is also naturally pretty, with a hint of French sensibility. How do you take care of your hair?

Q. My hair is completely straight, so a perm lasts only about a week. That’s why I envy people with natural curly hair the most. The vibe I want comes from natural curls. I keep getting perms regularly. I don’t use essence or anything like that.

A. Many 'Kim Soi Sonminsu' fans nationwide are curious about the filter that gives your Instagram posts such a sentimental vibe! What is it?

Q. I take photos myself with a vintage camera and develop them. Or I use a typical vintage camera filter. Apps famous for bright filters strangely don’t suit me. So I take photos with a regular camera and just slightly adjust the colors.

Buam-dong 'Soi'

Actor Kim So-yi. Photo by Kim So-yi Instagram

Q. I want to say that Soi was 'there' at every hot place. Every place you visit becomes a hot spot. Do you agree? (laughs)

A. My friends say, 'If Soi moves, buy a house there. The price will go up.' Haha. I used to live in a corridor-style apartment in Oksu-dong, and the moment I moved out, prices rose. It was the same when I left Samgakji. These days, because of COVID-19, I don’t visit my favorite places often, but before, I often went to a shop in Yeonnam-dong that plays LP music. It was a place where people danced if they wanted to and listened to music if they wanted to.

Q. You have become an icon of Buam-dong. What do you think is the charm of Buam-dong?

A. When I first moved to Buam-dong, my father said, 'There is Jahamun, the gate with the purple sunset.' He also said, 'I’m really glad my daughter lives in a neighborhood where great writers lived.' That’s when I realized that Buam-dong is where I belong. Inspiration comes to me wherever I go in Buam-dong. It’s a neighborhood where ideas come even when you’re still.

Q. You seem full of love. Is it because love is your source of inspiration? How is your current 'love status'?

A. I have a very big vessel that craves love. If there’s an empty space, it becomes a reason to love more. When I feel love is lacking, I just love more. Hmm... right now, the vessel isn’t full. Since there’s space, I think it’s time for me to share more love.