On the evening of the 10th, the 32nd Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards took place at The K Hotel Seoul in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The awards are the largest comprehensive arts event in Korea, recognizing excellence across various artistic fields, including domestic and international culture, art, music, TV, film, musicals, and theater.
This year, the Grand Prize was posthumously awarded to actress Kim Soo-mi. It follows the Special Achievement Award she received at the 2024 Seoul International Film Awards on the 5th. Once again, her daughter-in-law, actress Seo Hyo-rim, stepped forward to accept the award on her behalf.
Comedian and host Yoo Jae-pil introduced Kim Soo-mi, saying, “She has become a star in the heavens, forever residing in our hearts.” Wearing a black dress, Seo Hyo-rim took the stage and introduced herself as “Kim Soo-mi’s daughter-in-law.” With difficulty, she began, “Accepting this award on behalf of someone who has passed is truly difficult.”
She continued, “The 49th-day memorial service is the day after tomorrow. Our family, overwhelmed by the sudden loss, hasn’t had time to properly grieve or mourn as we’ve been busy managing day-to-day tasks. Among Mother’s belongings, we discovered an old diary that allowed us to glimpse the delicate, tender life of Kim Soo-mi as a woman. I promise to live well and repay the grace we’ve received from so many people mourning her loss.”
Kim Soo-mi passed away on October 25 at the age of 75 due to high blood sugar shock. Her funeral was held on October 27 at Hanyang University Hospital in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Her husband, Jeong Chang-gyu, her son, Jeong Myung-ho, her daughter-in-law, actress Seo Hyo-rim, and her granddaughter, along with close colleagues from the entertainment industry, attended to pay their respects.
Seo Hyo-rim, who affectionately called her “Mom,” tearfully said, “Mom, I’m sorry, don’t go,” and “How could you leave after suffering so much?” The touching scene left many in sorrow. During her lifetime, Kim Soo-mi shared a close bond with Seo Hyo-rim, even portraying a mother-daughter relationship in a drama. Kim Soo-mi once said, “I liked Seo Hyo-rim so much that I made my son marry her,” revealing her deep affection.
Born in 1949, Kim Soo-mi debuted as part of the third open recruitment for actors by MBC in 1970 and acted in many Korean dramas ever since. She was also active in various entertainment programs and on stage.
Source: MyDaily
