Stay tuned for Pyo Kyung-min's latest K-pop stories, where she digs into the backstories that matter. She’d love to hear from you — share your thoughts at pzzang@koreatimes.co.kr. After all, every article gets better with insights from those who love the scene, just like she does!
Beloved actor Kim Soo-mi dies at 75, leaves long-standing role in Korean entertainment scene
Late veteran actress Kim Soo-mi / Courtesy of JTBC
By Pyo Kyung-min
Veteran actor Kim Soo-mi, known for her prolific career in the Korean entertainment scene, passed away on Friday at the age of 75.
Kim had temporarily stepped back from her work in May due to health concerns, citing exhaustion from a heavy schedule. Concerns over her health grew in September when she appeared in a home shopping broadcast with a visibly swollen face and trembling hands.
She suffered cardiac arrest at her home Friday morning and was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her son, Jung Myung-ho, an executive at Morning Glory F&B, confirmed Friday that police attributed her death to hyperglycemic shock, a condition caused by dangerously high blood sugar levels.
Debuting in 1970, Kim spent her early years playing supporting roles, including in the 1971 drama "Chief Inspector." Her big break came in 1980 when she starred in "Country Diaries," a beloved Korean drama series that ran for 22 years.
In "Country Diaries," Kim portrayed Il-yong's mother, a rural grandmother. Though only in her 30s at the time, her convincing performance as an older woman won her widespread acclaim, leading her to win the 1986 MBC Drama Award.
A scene from the 1980 MBC series "Country Diaries," featuring the late actress Kim Soo-mi, left, portraying a rural grandmother despite being in her 30s. / Courtesy of MBC
Kim's career hit new heights in the 2000s with her role as Isabel in the 2005 sitcom "Goodbye Francesca," with her witty portrayal of a lustful, quirky vampire expanding her popularity among younger audiences. Her continued success in TV series such as "The Legendary Witch" and "Band of Sisters" further solidified her reputation as an irreplaceable figure in Korean television.
Kim was equally successful on the silver screen, where her comedic talents shone through. Her bold personality and sharp wit won over audiences in films such as "Mapado" (2005), "Marrying The Mafia" (2002), "Meet the In-Laws" (2011) and its sequel "Enemies In-Law" (2015), as well as "Granny's Got Talent" (2015). "Marrying the Mafia: Returns," released in 2023, marked her final film appearance.
Kim remained active in theater up until recently, having performed for 14 years in "My Mother," a Korean musical she held dear. Her latest appearance was in June. However, her son disclosed that she was preparing to file a lawsuit over unpaid wages as she had not been paid since last year due to the production company being embroiled in a plagiarism controversy.
Aside from acting, Kim also became a regular guest on variety shows, recognized for her culinary skills and her matriarchal image. She was a regular on TV shows such as tvN's "Mother's Touch: Korean Side Dishes" and "The Village President's People," continuing to connect with viewers through her wide range of talents.
Late actress Kim Soo-mi on tvN's cooking show, "Mother's Touch: Korean Side Dishes" / Courtesy of tvN
News of Kim's death has led to an outpour of tributes from various figures in Korean society, as they reflect on the legacy of the beloved actor.
Veteran actor Kim Young-ok, 86, expressed her shock upon hearing the news. "I couldn't believe it — I (first) thought it was fake news on YouTube. It's such a huge shock,” she said, according to reports.
Kim Young-ok's connection with the late actor spans more than 40 years, beginning with their work on the 1978 MBC drama, "I Sell Happiness."
"I spoke with her about 20 days ago and she said her health was fine," Kim Young-ok recalled. "I asked if I could visit, but she told me she was fine, so we agreed to meet later. Now, with her gone so suddenly, my heart aches."
The cast of "Country Diaries" also paid tribute to Kim. Veteran actor Choi Bool-am remarked, "It's heartbreaking. She was so young when she let go of her looks and fully embraced her character acting."
Culture Minister Yu In-chon, a former co-star with Kim on "Country Diaries," expressed his grief as well.
"It feels like we’ve lost not just a star, but a family member," Yu told reporters. "We are grateful to Kim Soo-mi for showing younger actors the diverse possibilities within their craft."
A funeral service for Kim will be held at Hanyang University Hospital Funeral Hall in Seoul's Seongdong District.