The Funeral of the Late Oh Hyun-kyung... Lee Soon-jae Says, "I Will Join Soon, Let's All Meet Together"

The Republic of Korea Theater Artist Memorial Service Held at Maronie Park
Over 100 Theater and Cultural Artists Pray for the Deceased's Eternal Rest

"Is anyone there? Are you still lying down and sleeping?" The late person's voice echoed through the outdoor performance hall.

On the morning of the 5th, actor Lee Soon-jae is paying tribute to the late theater actress Oh Hyun-kyung, who passed away on the 1st, after offering flowers at the funeral ceremony held at Marronnier Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The funeral ceremony of the late theater actor Oh Hyun-kyung (88), who dedicated 70 years to acting, was solemnly held on the 5th at the Marronnier Park outdoor performance hall in Daehangno, Seoul, with the Republic of Korea Theater Artist Award.

About 100 people, including family members, senior and junior colleagues from the theater community, and figures from the cultural and artistic fields, attended the funeral held around 9 a.m. that day to pray for the deceased's peaceful rest.

The funeral was hosted by actor Lee Dae-yeon. Following this, director Lee Seong-ryeol, a junior from the deceased's university, introduced the late person's biography, and attendees watched part of the play "Spring Day," featuring the deceased's voice.

The late person's resonant voice, known for excellent pronunciation and eloquence, brought tears to the eyes of fellow theater artists.

Son Jeong-woo, president of the Korean Theater Association, read a eulogy: "Even while battling cancer, the teacher disciplined herself to maintain the dignity of her acting. She pursued perfection to the extent that she would lose sleep over a single misdelivered line, showing the true attitude of a theater artist. She advised junior actors not to feel regret even if they do not receive professional critiques, various acting awards, or media attention. She emphasized that an actor's pride lies in leaving an impression on even a single audience member's mind."

On the morning of the 5th, at Marronnier Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the funeral ceremony with a theater artist's badge for the late theater actress Oh Hyun-kyung, who passed away on the 1st, is being held, her daughter, actress Oh Ji-hye, is giving a greeting speech.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Actor Jung Dong-hwan, in his tribute, said, "I first met the teacher in 1973 while rehearsing the play 'Chobun' (草墳) at the Drama Center. At that time, she emphasized the importance of articulation to me. Every time I met her afterward, she continuously stressed the importance of articulation. Last year, the last time I saw her was when she came to watch the play 'Toccata' at the LG Arts Center. Our 50-year relationship began and ended in the theater. I will never forget her teachings," he mourned.

Actor Lee Soon-jae, who was a founding member of the Experimental Theater along with the deceased, said, "Oh Hyun-kyung was a junior from high school and a founding member of TBC (Tongyang Broadcasting Company) in 1964, along with me. When we were active in the Experimental Theater, we emphasized the importance of articulation so much that we studied it with Korean dictionaries open. All the actors who worked with us then?Lee Nak-hoon, Kim Dong-hoon, Kim Seong-ok, Kim Soon-chul?have all passed away. They are waiting ahead, so I hope she meets them well. I will go soon too, so let's meet again there," he said in farewell.

On the morning of the 5th, at Marronnier Park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, where the funeral ceremony with a theater artist's badge for the late theater actress Oh Hyun-kyung, who passed away on the 1st, is being held, her daughter, actress Oh Ji-hye, is giving a greeting speech.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Oh Ji-hye, the deceased's daughter who is also an actress, recalled, "Last year, after undergoing brain surgery, when she was tested for cognitive ability and asked what her occupation was, I remember her saying 'actor' very strongly. My father embraced acting like a religion and walked a single path," she reminisced.

On that day, the deceased took one last walk around the Arko Arts Theater in Daehangno, where she had performed during her lifetime, before leaving the venue. Family members carried her portrait, and theater artists followed to bid their final farewell.

Earlier, the deceased had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in August last year and had been battling illness until she passed away on the 1st at the age of 88. She was buried at Cheonan Park Cemetery, entering eternal rest.