The Late Kang Soo-yeon, Her Courage and Spirit Live Forever

Farewell Ceremony Amid Filmmakers' Mourning on the 11th
"A Senior Who Was Proud and Unpretentious Anywhere"
"Our Eternal Star" Tearful Farewell
A Star More Beautiful Than the Stars, Goodbye

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Clear skies and warm sunlight illuminated the path of the late Kang Soo-yeon. Film industry professionals swallowed their rising tears as they bid farewell to the deceased. Friends who had laughed and cried together during her lifetime gently touched the casket where she rested and offered their final goodbyes, praying for her peaceful rest with hands clasped. The Film Industry Funeral Committee delivered their last farewell with the words, "A star more beautiful than any star, farewell."

At 10 a.m. on the 11th, the funeral and farewell ceremony for the late Kang Soo-yeon were held at the Samsung Seoul Hospital funeral hall in Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Actor Yoo Ji-tae hosted the ceremony, and Kim Dong-ho, Im Kwon-taek, Moon So-ri, Sol Kyung-gu, and Yeon Sang-ho delivered eulogies.

Actor Sol Kyung-gu shed tears as he said goodbye to Kang Soo-yeon. He said, "There was so much you wanted to say, and you told me we would see each other soon. Today was the day we were supposed to meet, but here I am delivering a eulogy. It’s heartbreaking and sorrowful. This situation feels unreal, like a scene from a movie I wouldn’t want to shoot. This moment is cruel," his voice trembling.

"I first connected with senior Kang in 1998 while filming the movie 'Song-eo' (Trout). She taught me everything from A to Z, even though I had almost no acting experience. She treated the entire cast and crew to a meal in difficult conditions and regularly cared for even the youngest production staff. To me, an unknown actor at the time, she gave courage and hope that I would continue acting. I was her eternal assistant, and she was my eternal mentor."

Sol Kyung-gu also recalled, "She gave boundless affection and love to all actors. She was our true star. From juniors to seniors, she embraced everyone. She was a great person for whom that was never awkward. She was modest and approachable, delicate, confident wherever she went, and always took care of everyone," remembering the deceased.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kang Dong-ho, director of the Gangneung International Film Festival, said, "Seeing you lying peacefully and serenely, even as you took your last breath with a ventilator in the emergency room and intensive care unit, brought many thoughts to mind." He continued, "Although Kang Soo-yeon has left us today, she will shine as a celestial star through our films and protect us brilliantly until the very end. I hope you rest in peace."

Moon So-ri, who delivered a eulogy in a voice filled with sorrow, said, "When I heard the news that my sister had closed her eyes, I fell asleep with a heavy heart and woke up suddenly smiling softly. It made me think that the world of film is not only on earth. I hope she is making a movie with other filmmakers in heaven. I don’t know if they will get along, but if she is there, everything will be resolved," expressing her longing.

She added, "I will never forget her heart for Korean cinema. Nor will I forget her voice. I hope we can make a movie together when we meet again."

Director Yeon Sang-ho, who directed the late Kang’s final work, the Netflix film "Jung-E," recalled, "I wanted to make an SF film planned together with senior Kang Soo-yeon, an icon of Korean cinema with a unique aura. No other actor came to mind. When she said, 'Let’s try it once,' I was overjoyed. It felt like I had gained a strong support."

"Instead of saying a final goodbye, I have to return to the studio, face her image, and think about the new film. She was Korean cinema itself. Having worked on the last film together, I will accompany her until the end to present the new film to the many people who loved her. I will be a strong support until the very last moment."

After the farewell ceremony, Director Yeon Sang-ho, Sol Kyung-gu, Jung Woo-sung, and others carried the casket. Film industry professionals broke down in tears as they accompanied her on her final journey.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kang Soo-yeon collapsed at her home on the afternoon of the 5th and was transported to the hospital due to cardiac arrest caused by cerebral hemorrhage. She passed away on the 7th at the age of 55. The funeral has been held as a film industry funeral since the 8th. The farewell ceremony was broadcast live on the Korean Film Council’s YouTube channel, with over 15,000 people attending. The burial site is Yongin Park in Gyeonggi Province.

"She used to say, 'We may not have money, but do we lack pride?' A heroic figure who was confident and unhesitant in life. Though Kang Soo-yeon has passed away, her courage and spirit will remain forever in our hearts."

"Kang Soo-yeon will now shine as a celestial star illuminating our films, protecting us brilliantly until the very end." (Kang Dong-ho)

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