Seo Hyo-rim to take kimchi business global to honor Kim Su-mi

Actress Seo Hyo-rim has revealed her plans to expand the family *kimchi* business, aiming to carry on the culinary legacy and spirit of the late Kim Su-mi.

This move goes beyond simple business succession; it embodies her determination to preserve the name and philosophy of her mother-in-law, with whom she shared a deep bond as family. Support is pouring in for Seo's new challenge as she expands her career from actress to entrepreneur.

On the 30th, Seo posted several photos on her SNS with the caption, “I will take these cabbages and radishes and head out to the world.”

In the photos, Seo is seen smiling brightly while holding large cabbages and radishes in an apron. In another photo, she presents an elegant look wearing a pink *hanbok*, conveying her mission to promote Korean flavors and traditions.

Her expression, in particular, caught the attention of fans.

Moving beyond mere promotional shots, her appearance reflected a profound sense of responsibility to preserve the family legacy and the affection for food that Kim Su-mi maintained throughout her life.

Even after Kim passed away, Seo had expressed deep respect and affection for her mother-in-law on several occasions.

In the past, she stated via SNS, “I will proudly move forward with the thankful title attached to my name: Kim Su-mi’s daughter-in-law,” adding, “I was happy and grateful to be her daughter-in-law.”

She continued with a vow, “I will strive to carry on the short but deep memories of Mom and Mom’s handmade flavors.”

The relationship between the two, who first met as fellow actors, developed into a special bond that transcended the traditional mother-in-law and daughter-in-law dynamic.

During her lifetime, Kim often treated Seo like her own biological daughter, and Seo, in turn, regarded Kim as a life advisor and a mother figure.

Kim worked tirelessly to promote Korean flavors through food programs and her *kimchi* business. Her culinary philosophy, which emphasized rustic, warm, handmade flavors and the importance of a family meal, was beloved by many.

What Seo seeks to continue is not merely a product.

It is an attempt to deliver the “mother’s handmade flavor,” “family memories,” and the “sentiment of Korean food” contained within it.

Seo and her husband, Haran, married in 2019 and have a daughter. Haran has been managing the food business Kim was involved in during her lifetime, and Seo is now joining him to follow the family's wishes.

However, the last few years have been exceptionally difficult for the family. Following Kim's passing in October 2024, the family suffered further loss with the passing of her father-in-law.

Despite this, rather than remaining in sorrow, Seo has chosen to uphold the values Kim left behind.

Recently, she shared affectionate photos of her daily life with her husband, showing how they lean on one another. The image of the couple sitting side-by-side on a sofa demonstrated the deep trust between the two as they endure their grief together.

During her life, Kim frequently conveyed that “the heart of the maker goes into the food.” Seo's current challenge aligns perfectly with that philosophy.

Moving beyond her primary profession as an actress, Seo has stepped onto a new path as a successor to her family's legacy.

What she is carrying is not just cabbages and radishes, but the legacy of “Korean flavor” that Kim built throughout her life. All eyes are now on whether her declaration to “head out to the world” will create a new success story.