Actor Kang Soo-yeon, Farewelled by Filmmakers, Passes Away Peacefully

Funeral on the 11th, Film Industry Seniors and Juniors Embrace Loss and Mourn
Kim Dong-ho "Become a Star in Heaven and Protect Our Films"
Yeon Sang-ho "A Person Like Korean Cinema... Acting Is Ongoing"

'Star of Korean Cinema' actress Kang Soo-yeon passed away on the 11th, accompanied by farewells from fellow filmmakers. The late Kang Soo-yeon Funeral Committee held a memorial service at 10 a.m. at the Samsung Seoul Hospital funeral hall. She collapsed from a cerebral hemorrhage on the 5th and was receiving hospital treatment before passing away on the 7th at the age of 55.

Colleagues who had worked with her on film sets mourned the loss with heavy hearts. Kim Dong-ho, chairman of the Gangneung International Film Festival and co-leader of the Busan International Film Festival, choked up during his eulogy, saying, "I send you off with a heavy heart." He added, "It hasn't even been a month since we met at Okhye-gyeong Dumpling House, where we often went... We lived like father and daughter, older brother and younger sibling, so how could you leave before me?" expressing his grief.

Chairman Kim composed himself and recalled her past step by step. He comforted her by saying, "She wore the crown of 'World Star' at a young age and lived a difficult life. She lived well to the end, protecting her honor and pride." He continued, "She was a tough, wise, and strong head of the family. Even in hardship, she never showed it outwardly and devotedly cared for her parents and eldest brother, leading her younger siblings well," and expressed gratitude, saying, "With such leadership and inclusiveness, she also guided her juniors well." He then requested, "Now, please watch over our films as a star in the heavens, not on earth."

Director Im Kwon-taek, who led the late actress to global stardom with films like Sibaji (1987) and Aje Aje Bara Aje (1989), could not hold back his sorrow. With a trembling voice, he said, "You were always by my side like a friend, daughter, and younger sister, so reassuring. Why are you in such a hurry to leave?" and tearfully added, "Rest in peace."

Actor Sol Kyung-gu, who acted alongside the late actress in director Park Jong-won's film Song-eo (1999), expressed his grief in a eulogy, saying, "I am so heartbroken and devastated that I don't know what to say. This situation is too cruel." He pointed to the late actress and said, "She was a senior who taught me in detail when I had no film experience." He added, "In harsh production environments, she cared for even the youngest and gave infinite courage and love," and said, "She was a giant who embraced both seniors and juniors. I miss the senior who must have been lonely because she was so confident."

Director Yeon Sang-ho, who directed the late actress's final work Jung-yi, recalled memories from 11 years ago. He said, "In 2011, at the Busan International Film Festival, my small work The King of Pigs won several awards, and a Cannes Film Festival official came to me, and she interpreted everything day by day." The King of Pigs was invited to the Directors' Fortnight at Cannes the following year. Director Yeon said, "I wondered why a Korean representative actress and star helped an independent animation director who was struggling because she didn't know English," adding, "She did not fear the heavy burden as if she herself were Korean cinema."

He confessed, "Working with such a person made me feel like I had someone supporting me from behind." He continued, "I have to go back to the post-production studio and face the senior's face," and said, "Kang Soo-yeon's acting is ongoing. Now, I will be the one supporting from behind."

The late actress's remains were cremated at Seoul Memorial Park and interred at Yongin Park.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.