Turning 20, by Korea’s traditional aging system, marks a special milestone in many people’s lives. Technically, it’s the age that permits young people to buy alcohol or enter clubs, but for Kim So-hyun, it meant a time for her to challenge herself and discover her true identity.

Kim embraces the idea in upcoming Lifetime reality show “This is my First Twenty -- Kim So-hyun’s YOLO Solo California,” a travel program that features the actress enjoying her vacation in California -- a land of dreams as well as a completely unknown territory for the actress -- as well as finding her true self in the journey. It also marks Kim’s first solo reality program.




“Actually, I’m not the kind of person who enjoys challenges. I’m not bold, and I wasn’t comfortable with reality shows. And when I was offered to shoot the program, I contemplated it a lot, worrying whether I would be able to carry it out by myself,” Kim said in a press conference in Seoul on Friday.

“But I decided to star in the program because I was 20 years old. Although I built my career through a plethora of TV dramas and movies, I still have a lot to experience. I thank Lifetime for giving me such a global opportunity.”




In the program, Kim travels various tourist spots in California and nearby, such as Las Vegas, Warner Bros. Studio and Silicon Valley. She also meets new people from various fields. She plans to share travel tips and information on various attractions and restaurants via multiple live broadcasts and social media.

Kim, who began her career as a child actress in 2006, shot to stardom with hit drama series “Moon Embracing the Sun” in 2012. She already boasts an impressive career, winning an award for best child actress for her role in “Missing You” in 2012 and starring in drama series “Who Are You: School 2015” and “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask,” last year.

It’s been well over a decade since her debut, but Kim said she still feels somewhat lost living the life of an actress.

“When working on dramas or films, I feel the distance between my true self and the characters. I couldn’t feel true happiness for whatever I did, and I was losing passion. Then I met this program. Through it, I realized that there were so many hidden sides of myself, that I was a bright person and could truly enjoy my life. I think I’d kind of felt burdened with responsibility and the thought of having to be mature,” she added.



Asked about her favorite spot during her stay, the actress chose Warner Bros. Studio and Las Vegas, hinting at her aspirations for a Hollywood debut.

“Making a Hollywood debut is a far-fetched dream for me, but after visiting the studio, I kind of want to make the dream come true in the future, when I’m really prepared,” Kim said.

“This is My First Twenty” will air its first episode Friday at 8 p.m. via YouTube, Facebook and Naver TV.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)

By Hong Dam-young (dyhong@heraldcorp.com)