The Korean Actors Association is facing intense backlash after falsely announcing the death of veteran actress Yoon Seok-hwa, who is still alive. The incident marks an unprecedented error in South Korea’s entertainment industry, sparking public outrage—especially after the association’s apology still referred to her family as “bereaved.”

On the morning of December 19, the association released a press statement announcing that Yoon Seok-hwa had passed away the previous night at 9 PM, reportedly “surrounded by family.” However, the news turned out to be entirely false. Hours later, the association issued a correction, stating:

“We urgently clarify that the news of actress Yoon Seok-hwa’s passing is not true.”

They went on to explain that while Yoon is currently battling a malignant brain tumor and is in critical condition, she remains alive under her family’s care. The erroneous announcement, they claimed, was due to “confusion during the verification process” amidst overnight emergency monitoring.

Despite this correction, the follow-up apology drew further criticism. The statement read:

“We sincerely apologize for the confusion and pain caused to the bereaved family, fans, and everyone wishing for her recovery.”

The use of the term “bereaved family”—typically reserved for those who have lost a loved one—sparked renewed anger, as it reinforced doubts about the association’s professionalism and basic fact-checking. Critics have pointed out the shocking failure to confirm the most fundamental fact: whether the actress was alive.

Born in Seoul in 1956, Yoon Seok‑hwa made her acting debut in 1975 with the play Honey Taste. She later rose to prominence through iconic stage works such as “Agnes of God,” “Hamlet,” and “A Letter to My Daughter,” establishing herself as one of the most influential actresses in Korean theater history. Alongside senior actresses Park Jung‑ja and Son Sook, she was often referred to as part of the legendary “three queens” of Korean theater.

Her career extended far beyond the stage. Yoon also appeared in musicals, television dramas, and films, and notably became the first actress to portray Empress Myeongseong in the musical “The Last Empress.” In the 1990s, she gained widespread public recognition through commercials, most famously a coffee advertisement that popularized the line, “I’m actually a gentle woman, too.” She even lent her voice to commercial theme songs, showcasing her versatility.

Yoon was also deeply involved in production and social causes. In 1994, she founded Stone Flower Company, named after her given name Seok‑hwa (meaning “stone flower”), and served as its CEO. She was a strong advocate for adoption, having adopted both a son and a daughter herself, and received a Presidential Commendation for her contributions to improving adoption culture in Korea.

Her accolades were numerous and prestigious. She won the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress four times and received honors including the Women’s Dong‑A Award, Seoul Theater Festival Award, Lee Hae‑rang Theater Award, and the Directors’ Association Actor Award. She was also awarded the Minister of Culture and Tourism Commendation in 2004, followed by a Presidential Commendation in 2005. In 2009, she received the Korea Culture and Arts Award in the theater and dance category.

Yoon Seok‑hwa underwent surgery for a malignant brain tumor in October 2022 and had been receiving treatment since then. Her latest stage appearance was a special guest role in the 2023 play Toccata.

Sources: Nate, Naver