On January 5, the 2024 MBC Drama Awards aired after being pre-recorded. Originally scheduled for the 30th of the previous month, the event had been postponed due to the tragic accident involving a Jeju Air flight the day before.
During the ceremony, MBC’s Chae Soo-bin noted: “We would like to take this time to honor the late Kim Soo-mi, a great star of Korean drama, and reflect on the beautiful memories she left behind. As we watch the video, I hope everyone can feel his warm smile and deep resonance as we celebrate his legacy.”
At the 2024 MBC Drama Awards, a special plaque of gratitude was awarded posthumously to Kim Soo-mi, and her daughter-in-law and actress, Seo Hyo-rim, accepted the award on her behalf.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Seo Hyo-rim shared, “When I arrived at MBC today, many thoughts ran through my mind. My mother-in-law debuted in 1970 as part of MBC’s third public recruitment, and the first time my mother-in-law and I met was on MBC’s “Man in the Kitchen” in 2017. MBC is where we met for the first time, and it looks like MBC is the one who sent me to my wedding. It’s a very special bond with my mother-in-law and it’s such a precious place for me, so I wanted to share my happy thoughts as we look ahead to next year.”
He continued, “However, unexpectedly, our beloved country, South Korea, is going through so much pain. I thought if I eased my pain, things would get brighter, but with sad news coming at the end of the year, I’m not sure how to handle it. My mother used to say, “Yesterday is the past, today is a gift, and tomorrow is a mystery.” I want to thank MBC for honoring my mother’s memory and wish a new year in which all of us, as citizens of South Korea, can grow together.”
Kim Soo-mi died on October 25 at the age of 75. She was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital in Seoul for cardiac arrest and later died. The cause of death was reportedly high blood sugar shock due to diabetes and other chronic conditions.
