On the evening of the 10th, 32nd Korean Folk Culture and Arts Awards took place at K Hotel Seoul in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The awards are the largest comprehensive arts event in Korea, recognizing excellence in various artistic fields, including domestic and international culture, art, music, TV, film, musicals and theatre.
This year the Grand Prize was awarded posthumously to actress Kim Soo-mi. It follows the Special Achievement Award he received 5 at the 2024 Seoul International Film Awards. Once again, his daughter-in-law, actress Seo Hyo-rim, stepped forward to accept the award on his behalf.
Comedian and host Yoo Jae-pil introduced Kim Soo-mi, saying: “She has become a star in the heavens, residing forever 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, he began: “Accepting this award on behalf of someone who has passed away is really difficult.”
He continued, “The 49th day commemoration ceremony will be the day after tomorrow. Our family, overwhelmed by the sudden loss, did not have time to grieve or grieve adequately as we were busy managing daily tasks. Among Mom’s belongings we discovered an old diary that gave us a glimpse into Kim Soo-mi’s delicate and tender life as a woman. I promise to live well and repay the grace we have received from so many who mourn his loss.”
Kim Soo-mi died on October 25 at the age of 75 due to high glycemic shock. His 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, were present 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 pain. Throughout her life, 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 married her to my son,” revealing his deep affection.
Born in 1949, Kim Soo-mi debuted as part of MBC’s third open recruitment for actors in 1970 and has starred in many Korean dramas since then. She has also been active in various entertainment programs and on stage.
Source: MyDaily
