'Parasite' star Park So-dam recovering from thyroid cancer

Actress Park So-dam / Korea Times file

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Actress Park So-dam, who rose to fame after playing the crafty daughter of the working-class family in the 2019 Oscar-winning film, “Parasite,” is recovering from surgery after she was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.

According to her agency, Artist Company, Park was diagnosed during a regular health checkup. Due to the illness, the 30-year-old actress won't be able to promote her next film, “Special Cargo,” which is slated for theatrical release on Jan. 12.

The press conference for the film was scheduled to take place on Dec. 9, but the event was canceled suddenly, with organizers citing COVID-19 concerns.

Directed by Park Dae-min, “Special Cargo” is a crime action film that revolves around Eun-ha (Park), a driver for a criminal enterprise. She feels conscience-stricken about her duty when she is tasked with delivering a young boy, Seo-won (Jung Hyeon-jun). Eun-ha tries to save him from falling prey to traffickers while being chased by a corrupt cop associated with an organized crime group.

This film marks Park's reunion with Jeong after the two both appeared in “Parasite,” as the art therapy teacher and the troublemaking son of the rich family, respectively.

“Park feels regrets missing out on the promotional activities for her upcoming movie. We would like to thank all the people who showed support for Park, as well as the actors and crew of 'Special Cargo,' for overcoming this difficult time together,” the actor's agency, Artist Company, said in a statement

“The artist will focus on her recovery so that she can greet you in health in the future, and we will do our best to help the actor return to health.”

Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of thyroid cancer, according to Samsung Hospital. It normally affects people in their 30s and 40s, particularly women, and tends to be easier to treat than other types of thyroid cancer.

Park appeared in a number of movies and TV series, including “The Throne,” “Veteran” and “The Priests.”

She gained international fame after her breakout role in “Parasite,” which became the first non-English film and first South Korean film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

The actress is set to star in espionage action film “Ghost,” set in 1933, during the Japanese colonial occupation of Korea.