It has been exactly one year since beloved veteran actress Kim Soo-mi passed away, leaving a lasting void in the Korean entertainment industry and in the hearts of her family and fans.
The actress, who died on October 25, 2024, was 75 years old. According to her family, the cause of death was hyperglycemic shock brought on by complications from diabetes and other chronic health issues.
Kim Soo-mi’s Final Days
Kim Soo-mi was transported to Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in Seocho-gu in a state of cardiac arrest on the morning of October 25 but was later pronounced dead at the age of 75.
The late actress had been active in various dramas and variety shows, with her final appearance being on tvN STORY’s “The village presidents people”. Notably, in the episode that aired last August, she shared unexpected final wishes.
During that episode, transformed into a recruit, Kim Soo-mi expressed gratitude for being called by the country at her age. She joked, “I don’t know if I’ll die in 2-3 years, but please bury my ashes at the national cemetery.”
In response, Lim Ho asked, “Why are you making a will?” and Kim Kwang-kyu found himself at a loss for words. Nevertheless, Kim Soo-mi casually sang, “I’ll meet you on the other side of the Jordan River.”
6 years ago, on SBS’s “Master in the House”, she even took a portrait for her memorial photo. She requested a unique portrait, “I want a photo that can’t be seen in any funeral home; it would be nice if there were no weeping, just dancing,” expressing a desire for the funeral to be a place for sharing memories rather than sadness.
Kim Soo-mi showcased a variety of outfits, from a white dress to a striking pink ensemble, and stated, “While it’s not pleasant to accept death at over 70, we should embrace it,” urging others to “let go of the notion of a memorial photo.”
Her Son Jeong Myung-ho Remembers That Night
In a past episode of TV Chosun’s variety program “Father and I”, Kim Soo-mi’s son Jeong Myung-ho recalled the heartbreaking moment he discovered his mother’s passing.
“My father called early in the morning and said, ‘Something’s wrong with Mom — come quickly.’ When I got there, she was lying beside the bed. As I lifted her to the bed, I realized her body was already cold. That short moment felt like forever,” he said.
He confessed that he struggled deeply with grief in the days that followed. “After the funeral, I sat at home and suddenly tears just fell. I couldn’t stop crying — it was the first time in my life I cried like that,” he admitted. “I still don’t know if I’m enduring or just barely holding on. Every day when I open my eyes, I miss her.”
Jeong added with emotion: “My mom was the best mother anyone could have. I often ask myself if I could ever do for my children what she did for me.”
Treasured Belongings: Savings Books, Lottery Tickets, and a Mother’s Words
Earlier this year, Jeong Myung-ho and his wife, actress Seo Hyo-rim, appeared on “Father and I” to share memories of the late actress. During the episode, Seo revealed some of Kim Soo-mi’s personal belongings — neatly packed into two suitcases.
Inside were handwritten bankbooks, old bundles of lottery tickets, and a personal diary filled with heartfelt messages for her son. One passage expressed her greatest wish: “I just hope my son lives happily — that’s all a mother could want.”
These keepsakes offered a glimpse into the late actress’s private life — not the glamorous world of television, but that of a devoted mother who found joy in small things and deep love for her family.
Source: Daum
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