The model-actress' resume ran only to commercials and short films before Park, who also directed Sympathy For Mr Vengeance 2002 and Lady Vengeance 2005 , selected her from more than 1,000 hopefuls.
Kim says that showing affection for another is the same, regardless of sex.
It is the kind of break actors dream about - to be cast as a lead in a feature film by an internationally renowned film-maker.
The Handmaiden was competing for the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes International Film Festival in May.
She says that she was cast after a series of one-to-one meetings with Park.
The role is a demanding one for Kim Tae Ri.