Kim Sun Jin, wife of late actor Jo Min Ki and one of Korea’s first-generation makeup artists, made an emotional return to television after a long hiatus.
Kim Sun Jin appeared on Coupang Play’s large-scale makeup survival show ‘Just Makeup’, competing under the title “37 years as Genie.” Facing off against leading K-beauty artists, she expressed both excitement and determination. "I may be old school, but I’ve worked with so many stars—Shim Eun Ha, Park Joong Hoon, the late Choi Jin Sil, Shim Hye Jin... I still have that special touch as someone from the first generation," she said. "It felt like it was time to jump back in and really play again."
During the competition, hosted by Lee Hyori and judged by Jung Saem Mool and Lee Jin Soo, Kim Sun Jin showcased a bold “strong unni” concept. When she faced evaluation from beauty creator Risabae, however, emotions overcame her and she began to cry.
Risabae gently held her hand and said, "Don’t cry, director. I’ll cover you," shielding Kim Sun Jin from the others’ view. It was later revealed that Risabae had once worked at Kim Sun Jin’s beauty salon years ago.
In a backstage interview, Risabae recalled, "Should I call her Genie-nim? It still feels strange to say that. She was my boss when I first joined the salon. Standing here facing each other again brought back so many emotions."
Kim Sun Jin added, "I think we both remembered the old days. It’s not just the past—it’s the present and future too. These tears come from the memories we share."
After regaining her composure, Kim Sun Jin explained her makeup choice to the judges: "I think I’m the oldest here, and I wanted to show strength. That’s why I chose a bolder look. I don’t just want to be remembered as the ‘first artist’—I want to remain a ‘strong unni.’(a Korean term for a confident older sister figure)"
She also confessed, "Since I’ve mostly been running the salon instead of doing hands-on makeup, I lost a bit of confidence. So I practiced a lot. But what you’ve learned with your body never leaves you—it just comes back out naturally." Despite her passion, Kim Sun Jin was eventually eliminated from the round.
A pioneer of Korean makeup artistry, Kim Sun Jin has worked with numerous top stars including Shim Eun Ha, Park Joong Hoon, the late Choi Jin Sil, and Shim Hye Jin. She married Jo Min Ki in 1992 and has a son and a daughter. The couple once appeared together on MBN’s variety show ‘Graduation from Marriage’, sharing glimpses of their relationship. Jo Min Ki passed away in 2018, leaving behind a six-page letter before his death amid sexual assault allegations.
SEE ALSO: Lee Hyori impresses as 'Just Makeup' MC with wit and composure
SHARE
