Actor Kim Joo-hyuk’s remembered as friends express enduring grief 8 years after his death

Actor Kim Joo-hyuk / Courtesy of Namoo Actors

Eight years have passed since actor Kim Joo-hyuk’s untimely death, but those who loved him say their hearts still ache with longing.

Kim died on Oct. 30, 2017, after his car overturned near Samseong-dong in Seoul’s Gangnam District. He was 45. According to police, his vehicle struck another car before crashing into an apartment wall and tumbling down a staircase.

He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He was later laid to rest in his family’s burial site in Daesan-eup, Seosan, South Chungcheong Province.

Debuting in 1998 as part of SBS’s eighth group of contracted actors, Kim starred in numerous hit films and dramas, including “Singles,” "Believer," “Confidential Assignment,” “The Beauty Inside” and “The Tooth and the Nail.” On television, he was known for roles in “Lovers in Prague,” “Hur Jun, The Original Story” and “KAIST.”

Kim also earned immense popularity as a cast member on KBS2’s variety show “2 Days & 1 Night,” where his warm personality earned him the affectionate nickname “Gutaeng-hyung.”

His final film, “Believer,” posthumously brought him multiple honors, including Best Supporting Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards, Grand Bell Awards and Blue Dragon Film Awards.

His final public words are also being remembered — the acceptance speech he gave just four days before his death at the first Seoul Awards held at Kyung Hee University’s Peace Hall on Oct. 27, 2017.

“It’s been 20 years since I started acting, but this is the first time I’ve ever received a film award. I’m truly grateful,” Kim said as he accepted the Best Supporting Actor prize for his role in “Confidential Assignment.”

“I’ve mostly done romantic comedies, so I’d long wanted to take on a villainous role. I thank the director of ‘Confidential Assignment’ for giving me that opportunity,” he added, concluding, “It feels like a gift from my parents in heaven.”

Kim Dong-sik, CEO of Namoo Actors — Kim’s former agency — expressed his feelings. “I still think about how reassuring it would be if he were here. Every Oct. 30 brings back a rush of emotion.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.