Kim Young-ok's philosophy shines brighter than luxury: 'I could buy Prada, but...'

Actress Kim Young-ok (88) left a deep impression by revealing her personal spending standards that remain unshaken even in the face of luxury goods. It was a moment that reflected the values and life philosophy she has built throughout her lifelong career as an actress, rather than judging items simply by their price tag.

In a video released on the YouTube channel 'Kim Young-ok' on the 29th, her daily life in Paju was captured. She spent a small but leisurely day, visiting a long-time regular restaurant to enjoy a meal and stopping by an outlet to go shopping.

After sharing memories while dining at a restaurant she has frequented for 20 years, Kim set out to shop. While browsing summer footwear, she expressed satisfaction as she tried on a pair of comfortable jelly shoes.

"Even if I weren't like this, I wanted to buy a pair of cool shoes like these," Kim said, expressing satisfaction with her practical purchase. She eventually bought two pairs of shoes for approximately 350,000 won.

Her unique, down-to-earth charm was particularly evident when explaining her reason for the purchase. "People might ask why I buy so many shoes, but my size is the same as my daughter-in-law's and my granddaughter's. So, they can wear them too," she said.

However, she quickly added, "Actually, that's just an excuse," bursting into laughter and showing her honest humanity amidst her frugality.

Afterward, Kim visited a Prada boutique. Since filming inside the store was restricted, the production team conveyed the scene through her voice.

Inside the store, she encountered a price tag of 5.96 million won. After checking the price, Kim expressed surprise, saying, "5.96 million won?" Thinking of her close junior actress Ban Hyo-jeong, she remarked, "If Hyo-jeong saw this, she would say, 'Unnie, can't you even buy one of those?'"

However, Kim's choice was different.

She revealed her reason for not purchasing, stating, "I could buy it, but I don't want to act out of bravado." It was a statement reflecting her philosophy of guarding against consumption beyond necessity, rather than a simple lack of financial means.

Kim, who continues to work as an active actress even at 88 and has long been beloved by the public, showed another side of her charm by valuing life's balance and moderation over a flashy image.

As an inspiration to junior actors through her active broadcasting career despite her advanced age, she delivered a message in this video that "how one lives" is more important than "how much one can spend."

Kim's words, which remained unshaken even before a 5.96 million won luxury item, went beyond a simple story of saving; it was a testament to the dignity and personal standards held by someone who has lived through many years. What shone brighter than the luxury goods was not the price tag, but her attitude toward life.