Kim Sumi's Appearance Fee Unpaid for Two Years... CEMA and Union Protest "Insult to the Deceased"

Nearly two years after the passing of actor Kim Sumi, her musical appearance fee still has not been paid. Related organizations have urged the production company to issue the payment, stating that withholding it constitutes "an insult to the deceased."

Actor the late Kim Sumi. Photo by Yonhap News

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On April 13, the Korea Entertainment Management Association (CEMA) Disciplinary and Ethics Committee and the Korea Broadcasting Actors Union (KBAU) released a joint statement pointing out, "The production company of the musical 'My Mother', in which the late actress Kim Sumi starred in 2024, has not paid her appearance fee, which was clearly stipulated in the 'Performing Arts Appearance Contract' signed in April of the same year, even though nearly two years have passed since the agreed payment deadline."

They criticized, "The production company's failure to pay the appearance fee violates the principle of good faith under the contract, is a serious illegal act by social norms, constitutes a disorderly conduct that cannot be justified, and is also an act of insult against the deceased."

The musical 'My Mother' was Kim's final work. Over roughly 14 years since 2010, she took the stage as the lead character Bongran, and during her lifetime, she expressed a special affection for the piece, once saying it was a work she wanted "to take to the grave along with 'Country Diaries.'"

However, as the issue of the unpaid appearance fee persisted, it was reported that the late Kim suffered mental distress and was preparing a related lawsuit before her passing. It is known that not only key cast members, but also some staff in stage, sound, lighting, and props departments have not received their wages.

Regarding this, CEMA and KBAU stated, "Given the current situation where the late Kim and her family have suffered secondary damage due to the production company's nonpayment, we cannot overlook this any longer," adding, "If the production company continues to withhold the appearance fee, we will regard it as an illegal act, lead efforts to remove the company from the industry, and impose regulatory sanctions on the company and its producers."

Meanwhile, Kim passed away on October 25, 2024, at the age of 75.

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