Veteran Actress Vaults on Ministerial Stage

'This is the result of support of audiences like you.', the new environment minister, Son Sook, said between sobs, after having heard the news of her recent appointment while hosting her program, 'The Age of Women' on MBC radio Monday.
Son, co-leader of the Korean Federation of Environmental Movements as well as a famous actress, has been one of the most ardent and longtime supporters of President Kim Dae Jung.
While managing her theater career for more than three decades and hosting a talk show for the last ten years, Son also engaged in various social activities.
The 55-year-old woman entered the environmental movement in 1993 when the Korean Federation of Environmental Movements was founded.
From that point on she sacrificed any leisure time she possessed to the green movement, and as a radio talk-show host, she constantly emphasized the importance of the environment.
She is reported to have maintained a close relationship with President Kim, and the president has made frequent appearances at her performances.
Son, with a wide-range of theatrical experience, is regarded as one of the most popular actresses in Korea.
Shang-bok Shim : simsb@joongang.co.kr