Song Hye Kyo supports Park Sol Mi's kimchi business

Actress Song Hye Kyo has showcased her close friendship with actress Park Sol Mi by publicly supporting Park's new kimchi business. While Hong Jin Kyung has long been recognized as a leading celebrity entrepreneur in the kimchi industry, Song stepped up to support her friend's recent venture by personally introducing Park's products. Beyond a simple product promotion, the gesture has drawn renewed attention to the close bond between the two stars.

On the 22nd, Song posted a photo to her Instagram Story with the brief caption, "Our Sol Mi Kimchi." The image featured an appetizing spread of cabbage *kimchi*. Without lengthy explanations or promotional slogans, she promoted the product using only a short message highlighting her friend's name.

In particular, attention focused on the fact that Song chose to publicly endorse Park's products rather than those of Hong Jin Kyung, who has built significant public recognition in the kimchi business. Hong has been cited as one of the most successful examples of celebrity entrepreneurs, managing her business alongside her broadcasting career. In contrast, Park's kimchi business officially launched this year and is in its early stages of brand recognition.

Song's support appears to be more about cheering on a close acquaintance's new challenge than an evaluation of sales volume or business performance. Given that a single social media post from a major star can immediately drive public interest, the moment offers a glimpse into how personal networks can influence business activities.

The friendship between the two has been increasingly visible lately. When Song recently posted a photo of a dress she wore to an event on SNS, Park left a comment calling her "my puppy," revealing their informal and close relationship. The interaction suggests a deep personal bond rather than a professional connection formed through official broadcasts or business venues.

Park entered the kimchi industry this year. She emphasized her hands-on involvement in the process, noting that she personally selected ingredients by visiting cabbage fields in March and contributed to both the recipe and the design. She explained that the products are not merely name-only endorsements, but items she helped plan from the initial concept to ingredient selection. She has since been expanding her reach through channels such as home shopping.

Celebrity ventures into the food and catering industry are common today. A star's familiar image, personal tastes, and lifestyle can directly influence consumer purchasing decisions. Traditional foods like *kimchi*, which are staples on Korean dining tables, are particularly well-suited for celebrities who project a friendly or familial image.

However, food businesses bearing a celebrity's name do not guarantee success. While public recognition helps attract initial interest, long-term success depends on product quality, price competitiveness, distribution networks, and the ability to encourage repeat purchases. Park faces the challenge of building a distinct brand identity beyond the initial buzz.

In this context, Song's public endorsement provides significant momentum for Park. As Song maintains high recognition both domestically and internationally, her SNS posts are treated as major content by the public. This is why a simple photo and a short phrase were enough to bring Park's business into the spotlight.

The relationship is also capturing interest because Song is known for being private, typically focusing her public presence on her professional works and official events. The fact that she directly mentioned and supported a friend's business serves as a clear testament to her friendship with Park.

Born in 1981, Song debuted in the entertainment industry after winning the grand prize at the Sunkyong Smart Model Contest in 1996. She has since built an extensive career across dramas, films, and OTT series. Interest in her career remains high as she prepares for the release of the Netflix series "Tantara." In this instance, the actress has stepped in as a vital supporter for her friend's new endeavor.

Glamorous connections in the entertainment industry do not always move solely on business interests. Rather, this case demonstrates how long-standing human relationships can translate into meaningful support for colleagues facing new challenges. Song's introduction of "Our Sol Mi Kimchi" highlights both their personal bond and the way celebrity networks connect to the consumer market.