Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
Grandmother featured in 2002 hit family drama 'The Way Home' dies at 95
Kim Eul-boon / Korea Times file
By Kwak Yeon-soo
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Kim Eul-boon, who starred in director Lee Jeong-hyang's endearing family drama, “The Way Home” (2002), has died at the age of 95.
“Kim passed away peacefully on April 17. We'd really appreciate if those who remember her could cherish her memory,” Kim's family said in a statement, Sunday.
Kim rose to fame after playing a mute grandmother who looks after her spoiled grandson in “The Way Home.” The film tells a story of a seven-year-old city boy, Sang-woo, who comes to stay with his grandmother in a remote village while his mother looks for work. Although conflict arises in their relationship, Sang-woo learns the value of family through his grandmother's endless patience and love.
Before taking on the role, she had no acting experience and had never been to the cinema. Director Lee discovered her in a village in Yeongdong County, North Chungcheong Province, where she had lived her whole life.
“The Way Home” attracted more than 4 million moviegoers and won the Best Film and Best Screenplay awards at the 2002 Grand Bell Awards. Kim was nominated for the Best New Actress Award at the age of 76. Despite the wide recognition, she has never appeared in a film again.
To avoid unwanted tourists from visiting her home that appeared in the film, Kim left her residence in Yeongdong County and had been living with her family in Seoul.