# Park Kyung-lim

Park Kyung-lim (Korean: 박경림; born March 30, 1979) is a South Korean entertainer, host, comedian, radio DJ, and businesswoman. In 2001, she achieved several milestones, including winning the Baeksang Arts Awards TV Category Female Entertainment Award, the KBS Radio MC Award, the MBC Drama Awards Radio Excellence Award, and the prestigious MBC Entertainment Awards Grand Prize. This notable accomplishment still stands today, as she remains the sole recipient of the Entertainment Grand Prize in her twenties, a record that has remained unbroken for over 20 years. In 2002, she also won the Golden Disk Special Award and Mnet Music Award New Female Artist Award for her album "Park Gote Project," a highway mixtape-making project with Park Soo-hong.

## Early life

Park Kyung-lim was born on March 30, 1979 in Galhyeon-dong, Eunpyeong District, Seoul, South Korea as the daughter of a disabled Vietnam War soldier. Her father, who served in the Marine Corps, suffered a bullet wound in his arm and had shrapnel in his leg upon returning home. Despite being disabled, he made a living through various trades and daily labor. However, financial difficulties persisted, and around the time of Park Kyung-lim's birth, their house in Gupabal, Seoul, which had been built without a permit, was demolished. This event led their family into a period of extreme poverty.
Park Kyung-lim, who faced poverty during her upbringing, found strength and resilience in her dream of becoming an MC. This dream allowed her to survive the challenging times and live confidently. During a 5th-grade picnic, Park's classmate, who was supposed to be the host, fell ill. She stepped in as a substitute and confidently took hold of the microphone, skillfully maintaining a lively atmosphere during the entertainment session. This experience led her to discover her hidden talent. Inspired by her homeroom teacher's comment that becoming an MC would allow her to observe society throughout her life, she made the decision to pursue a career in that field.
   "I was in charge of emceeing the school's entertainment class, and I was also the school president when I was in the 6th grade. When I was young, I liked the fact that even though I came from a poor family, I could be recognized in other ways and that other people could not ignore me. "I thought I had to become a deep person to become a good MC, so from then on I started studying by clipping newspaper editorials."
During her middle and high school years, Park gained fame as student MC and was even invited to appear as an MC on festival stages at nearby schools. Her relationship with radio began in 1996 when She won the KBS Cool FM "Turn Up the Volume Yvonne" summer camp while she was in high school. During a talent show on a bus heading to Yongpyeong Resort in Gangwon, she sang Caterpillar's 'To You' and received a positive response. She also served as the host until they arrived, entertaining the passengers. Recognizing her exceptional talent, the producer suggested that she take over as a host on stage during public broadcasts. Renowned singers of that time, such as Solid, Kim Won-jun, Kim Gun-mo, Shin Seung-hoon, and R.ef, appeared on this stage.
Park Kyung-lim, emerged as a high school star through MBC Standard FM (95.9 MHz)'s 'Starry Night'. In 1996, Park Kyung-lim, a high school girl, participated in the summer camp of MBC's radio program 'Starry Night', which was the most popular at the time which was hosted by Lee Moon-sae and written by Go Eun-kyung. At the time, Park attracted attention by appearing on an entertainment program wearing a school uniform. Subsequently, she became a regular host on MBC Radio's '2 O'Clock Date' alongside Lee Moon-sae, hosting a 10-minute segment. She received a lot of love from listeners for her powerful unique voice and confident manner of speaking.

## Career

Her official debut was in 1998. After graduating from high school, she began appearing in various entertainment programs in earnest. She played an active role as an MC for three popular entertainment programs of the time, including 'Sunday Sunday Night', 'Exclamation Point', and 'Cohabitation Together'. She announced the emergence of a new entertainment character with unique nicknames such as 'Square Jaw' and 'Unique Voice'. In the same year, Park Kyung-rim attended Dongduk Women's University's Broadcasting and Entertainment Department and received a full scholarship due to her excellent scores.
In the year 2000, she served as an MC on KBS2's 'Declaration of Freedom Today is Saturday' and MBC's 'Radio Experience'. Additionally, she appeared as an actor in MBC's 'Truth' and KBS2's 'Great Friends'. Furthermore, she made regular radio appearances as a guest on KBS 2FM's 'Cha Tae-hyun's FM Popular Song'.
Park took on the role of Zo In-sung's on-screen partner in the South Korean youth sitcom, Nonstop 2, which aired from 2000 to 2002. The show is regarded as one of the legendary sitcoms of its time, and Park garnered immense love and support from the audience through her performance.
In 2001, she achieved several milestones, including winning the Baeksang Arts Awards TV Category Female Entertainment Award, the KBS Radio MC Award, the MBC Drama Awards Radio Excellence Award, and the prestigious MBC Entertainment Awards Grand Prize. This notable accomplishment still stands today, as she remains the sole recipient of the Entertainment Grand Prize in her twenties, a record that has remained unbroken for over 20 years.
In 2002, Park released her first album for "Park Gote Project," a highway mixtape-making project with Park Soo-hong. The album sold 250,000 copies, and they embarked on a tour, visiting 7 cities. She won the Golden Disk Special Award and Mnet Music Award New Female Artist Award for her album.
In 2003, Park took a hiatus from broadcasting and embarked on a study abroad journey in the United States, enrolling at the New York Film Academy School of Film & Acting. she was actively involved in 7 to 8 programs and enjoyed significant popularity, amassing a fan club with 150,000 members online. Despite her success, Park made the decision to study abroad to fulfill her childhood aspiration of becoming an MC capable of interviewing foreign guests in English. However, her English proficiency was initially lacking, as evidenced by her placement at the lowest level in the language school's entrance test upon her arrival in New York. Nevertheless, Park remained determined and completed her studies as a special scholarship student on October 15, 2004.
After two years of studying abroad, In February 2005, Park made her comeback on SBS TV's 'Ambitious' talk show. With her eloquence, she delighted viewers, and the special 100th episode achieved a high viewership rating of 21%. In August 2005, Park signed an exclusive contract with agency Phantom.
She regained her popularity as an MC for SBS's popular show, Good Sunday: X-Man! She left the show in 2006.
Park hosted the MBC Standard FM Radio show "Park Kyung-rim's Heart Wave" from April 25, 2005, to October 14, 2007. After hosting the show for 2 years and 6 months, Park made the decision to resign for health reasons. The show aired from midnight until 2 a.m., and being a live broadcast during those late hours took a toll on her health.
From 2007 to 2008, She was a permanent member of High Five, which was part of KBS's Happy Sunday. The show also featured comedian Jo Hye-ryun, entertainer Hyun Young, singer Chae Yeon, and actress Kim Min-sun. It aired on KBS 2TV from May 6, 2007, to May 18, 2008. Directed by Lee Myung-han and Na Young-seok, and hosted by Jee Seok-jin, the show focused on five female stars as they embarked on different job experiences. From flight attendants to farmers, stuntwomen to police officers, the stars took on various roles.
Since April 7, 2008, Park was served as DJ for MBC Radio Standard FM's 'Starry Night', taking over from Park Jeong-ah, who was leaving her position as the show's DJ. Becoming a starry night host was her dream of since her school days, was both a challenge and an opportunity for Park.
Park also hosted her own show entitled Park Kyung-lim's Wonderful Outing on MBC Every1. She appeared as a host for the show Thank You for Waking Us Up! and Thank You for Raising Me Up! with SS501.
In 2012, Park signed an exclusive contract with the comprehensive entertainment group KOEN.
In 2016, it was announced that Park would be a host on the Netflix reality show Ultimate Beastmaster along with comedian Seo Kyung-seok.
In 2018, Park founded the creative group WeDream Company with individuals who had previously collaborated with her on publishing and performances. That same year, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced its appointment of Park as a public relations ambassador for the Women's New Work Center (Saeil Center) at the Central Saeil Center in Mapo District, Seoul.
In Oct 2018, to celebrate her 20th debut Anniversary, Park held talkshow.

## Personal life

Park is known for her witty and kind behaviour. Park met her husband, Park Jung-hoon, while hosting the KBS show 'Introduce Me to a Good Person.' After finishing the recording, she exchanged contact information with Park Jung-hoon, who was one of the contestants, at an after-party. They married at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on July 15, 2007. On January 16, 2009, she gave birth to a son. On July 16, 2011, she announced on MBC's Saebakhwi that she was expecting her second child. Unfortunately, in October 2011, she suffered a miscarriage.

## Filmography
### Film

Film acting credits :
| Year | Title | Title | Role | Notes |
| Year | English | Korean | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | Ghost Taxi | 공포 택시 | Cameo appearance | |
| 2002 | Funny Movie | 재밌는 영화 | | |
| 2003 | Oh! Happy Day | 오! 해피데이 | | |
| 2016 | Familyhood | 굿바이 싱글 | Drama Presentation MC (Cameo appearance) | |
| 2021 | Hostage: Missing Celebrity | 인질 | Cameo appearance | |

### Television series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | The Truth | Choi Eun-shil | |
| 2000 | Nonstop 2 | | |
| 2002 | Sidestreet People | Choi Young-mi | |
| 2002 | Rival | Go Eun-se | |
| 2005 | Cute or Crazy | Park Kyung-lim | |
| 2009 | High Kick Through the Roof | Kyung-lim | Cameo appearance ep. 19 |
| 2011 | The Greatest Love | | |
| 2011 | The Musical | Sa Bok-ja | |
| 2013 | Potato Star 2013QR3 | Bo-young's cracked voice | Cameo appearance ep. 10 |
| 2013 | Unemployed Romance | Female professor | Cameo appearance |
| 2021 | Imitation | TV program host | Cameo appearance ep. 2 |

### Web drama

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2017 | Sweet Revenge | Duk-hee's mom | |

### Television shows

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000–2002 | Star Survival Dongeodongrak | Cast member | |
| 2005–2006 | X-Man | Cast member | |
| 2005–2006 | Music Bank | Host | with Kang Kyung-joon |
| 2005–2006 | SS501 Thank You for Waking Me Up | Host | with SS501 |
| 2010–2011 | Oh! My School | Host | |
| 2013–2014 | Mamma Mia | Cast member | |
| 2018 | Global Views | Cast member | |
| 2021 | Park Kyung-lim's Life Story | Host | |
| 2022 | Mystery Duet | Panelist | |
| 2022–2023 | Lovers of Joseon | Host | with Park Soo-hong, Choi Seong-guk and Oh Na-mi |
| 2023 | Big Brother Era | Regular Member | |

### Web shows

| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
| 2016 | Ultimate Beastmaster | Host with comedian Seo Kyung-seok | |
| 2023 | The Devil's Plan | Player | |

### Music video appearances

Music video appearances :
| Year | Title | Artist(s) | Ref. |
| 2007 | "Queen" | Bada | |

## Stage
### Musical

| Year | Title | Title | Role | Role | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Actress | Coproducer | Ref. |
| 2009 | Hairspray | 헤어스프레이 | Tracy | Yes | |

### Talk show

| Year | Title | Title | Venue | Date | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Venue | Date | Ref. |
| 2014 | Park Kyung-rim Talk Concert | 박경림 토크콘서트 | Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall | October 1 to 5 | |
| 2015 | Park Kyung-rim Talk Concert Season 2 | 박경림 토크콘서트 2 | Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall | October 7 to 11 | |
| 2015 | Park Kyung-rim Talk Concert Season 2 | 박경림 토크콘서트 2 | Centum City Sohyang Theater Lotte Card Hall | November 14 | |
| 2016 | Park Kyung-rim Talk Concert Season 3 | 박경림 토크콘서트 3 | Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall | November 16 to 20 | |
| 2018 | Park Kyung-rim Listen Concert | 박경림 리슨콘서트 | Ewha Womans University Samsung Hall | October 19 to 21 | |
| 2019 | Park Kyung-rim Listen Concert | 박경림 리슨콘서트 | Daegu Health University Indang Art Hall | January 12 | |
| 2019 | Park Kyung-rim Listen Concert | 박경림 리슨콘서트 | Icheon Art Hall Grand Performance Hall | January 19 | |

## Radio show

Radio hosting credits :
| Year | Title | Title | Broadcaster | Role | Ref. |
| Year | English | Korean | Broadcaster | Role | Ref. |
| 2001 – 2002 | Park Soo-hong, Park Kyung-rim's FM Popular Song | 박수홍, 박경림의 FM 인기 가요 | KBS2 FM | Host (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| April 2005 – October 2007 | Park Kyung-rim's Heart Wave | 박경림의 심심타파 | MBC Standard FM | Host | |
| April 2008 – May 2011 | Park Kyung-rim's Starry Night | 박경림의 별이 빛나는 밤에 | MBC Standard FM | Host | |
| June 2013 – September 2016 | Two-o'clock date: This is Park Kyung-rim | 두시의 데이트 박경림입니다 | MBC FM4U | Host | |

## Discography
### Single

| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | Ref. |
| Title | Year | KOR Hot | Album | Ref. |
| "Swamp with Illusion" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Hello ~ Hot Bar" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Love that will be criticized" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Park Gote Trot Medley" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Forever With You" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Pretty things aren't the only things that are beautiful" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Gorgeous outing" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Are you shy?" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "On a wonderful day in October" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Highway Romance" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |
| "Swamp of Illusion (Remix)" | 2002 | — | Park Brother and Sister Expressway Tape (with Park Soo-hong) | |