"Father, You Are the Eternal Grandmaster"

Hollywood Actor Snaipes, Son-in-Law of Late PD Park Cheol, Pays Tribute

Wesley Snipes, who appeared in the movie 'Nine Lives'

"You have embarked on a beautiful journey as a reward for having wonderfully cultivated your life."

Hollywood actor Wesley Snipes (57) mourned the passing of his father-in-law, producer Park Cheol, who died on the 13th. In a tribute sent on the 21st, he wrote, "Many admire the fragrance of flowers, but forget that it is the strength of the roots that truly determines the beauty of a bouquet," adding, "You are the root of countless flowers." He continued, "Thank you for sharing your dreams with us."

The late Park was a broadcaster who led the golden age of home dramas. Alongside veteran writer Kim Soo-hyun (77), he produced dramas such as "Saeeomma (1972)", "Selling Happiness (1978)", "Love and Truth (1984?1985)", and "What Is Love (1991?1992)".

In particular, "What Is Love" empathetically depicted the process of the female lead wisely transforming the patriarchal values of her in-laws, achieving an average viewership rating of 59.6%, making it a huge hit. The highest rating was 64.9% for the episode aired on May 24, 1992. It is the second highest ever, following "First Love (April 20, 1997)" which scored 65.8%.

The late producer Park Cheol

Snipes met Park’s daughter, Park Na-kyung, who was studying in the United States in 1997, and married her in March 2003. Known as a "Korean son-in-law," he frequently visits Korea, even flying in a private plane to visit his in-laws. In an interview during his lifetime, Park said, "When my son-in-law comes to Korea, we eat and drink together," adding, "I am very satisfied because they live harmoniously and I feel reassured."

Snipes referred to his father-in-law as the "Grand Master" and respected him deeply. In his tribute, he wrote, "From Korea’s post-war reconstruction era through turbulent times, you led the cultural history that allowed the people to cry, laugh, and grow with vision, courage, and creativity, ultimately transforming Korea into a magnificent strong nation that created the globally recognized Hallyu culture."

He added, "Your wife, children, and descendants love you, and your fans send you gratitude and respectful praise. Grand Master, thank you for your hard work. We look forward to an even more wonderful next chapter." Veteran actress Kim Hye-ja (79), upon reading the tribute, said, "He was truly an Eastern, good-natured actor," and called it "a grateful thing."

Besides "What Is Love," Park left many hit works including "Mother’s Sea (1993)", "Salted Mackerel (1996)", "Because I Love You (1997?1998)", and "Sorry for Loving You (1998)". He was laid to rest forever on the 15th at Haneul-an Memorial Park in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province.