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'Miracle in Cell No. 7' Child Star Kal So-won Reflects on Growing Up: "I'm Grateful Just to Be Remembered"

Kang Kyung-youn

Published : Aug 11, 2026 5:01 PM


Kal So-won (Photo provided by Getty Images Korea)Child actor-turned-star Kal So-won recently shared an update on her life as an adult, showing off her enduring lovely charm.

On the August 10th episode of KBS YouTube channel "Gag Concert" segment "Malja Show", Kal So-won was spotted in the audience. Kal So-won shot to stardom in 2013 by playing the role of Ye-seung in the film "Miracle in Cell No. 7", becoming one of the youngest-ever nominees for Best Actress and Best New Actress at the Daejong Film Awards. She made her debut in the 2012 SBS drama "Take Care of Us, Captain". Having become an adult last year, she has been continuing her career as actor Kal So-won, shedding her child actor title.

During the broadcast, Kim Young-hee asked Kal So-won if she had any special worries, to which Kal So-won replied, "I think the fact that I don't really have any worries is my worry." She drew attention by describing her personality, saying, "I'm living life like flowing water." Hearing that Kal So-won is now 21 years old this year, Kim Young-hee expressed surprise, asking, "How old are you to already be living like that?"
Kal So-won (Photo provided by Getty Images Korea)
When asked if there were any hardships since she has been active since she was little, Kal So-won mentioned on the show that she frequently gets asked questions like "Isn't it hard being trapped in a mold?", but shared her thoughts by saying, "Whether people remember me as Ye-seung, as Kal So-won, or as that baby from "Miracle in Cell No. 7", no matter how they remember me, I am so grateful." In particular, she showed a more mature attitude by adding, "I'm just grateful that they remember me."

When asked if the public's attention during her childhood was burdensome, she looked back and shared that while it initially felt like going to play at a broadcasting station, there was a period when it was somewhat uncomfortable when people recognized and approached her. However, she explained that as she became a middle and high school student, she realized there are many people who want to do it but cannot, which changed her perspective into one of gratitude.
Kal So-won (Photo provided by Getty Images Korea)(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)