Veteran actor Kwon Seong-deok, widely known for his role as President Syngman Rhee in dramas such as "Yain Sidae," passed away on the 13th at the age of 84.
According to the National Theater and the theater community on the 14th, Kwon Seong-deok died the day before after battling esophageal cancer.
Born in 1940 and raised in Naju, Jeollanam-do, he began his acting career in 1963 as a member of the theater troupe "Gwangjang." He joined the National Theater in 1972 and worked as a member for over 20 years, serving as the director of the National Theater from 1994 to 1996. Having appeared in over 180 plays, he delivered powerful performances portraying a wide range of characters, from charismatic authorities to intellectuals contemplating reality, and comedic figures that made audiences burst into laughter.
He consistently appeared in dramas as well, leaving a deep impression on viewers by portraying President Syngman Rhee in "Yain Sidae," "Yeongung Sidae," and "Seoul 1945," thanks to his striking resemblance to the former president. His scolding portrayal of President Rhee became such a sensation that it is still used as an "internet meme." He also left a mark by appearing as an elderly shopkeeper in the film "Ajeossi."
Occasionally publishing essays in magazines such as "Monthly Essay," he also released an autobiographical essay titled "Becoming a President and a Beggar" in 2014 to commemorate his 50 years as a theater actor.
He left the stage after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer while preparing for the 2016 production of "Hamlet," but returned to the stage in 2018 with "Romulus the Great." In 2022, he continued to demonstrate his passion and determination for the stage by playing the role of the gravedigger in "Hamlet," which he had left in 2016.
Kwon Seong-deok received numerous awards, including the Korean Theater and Film Award for Best New Actor in 1969, two Dong-A Theater Awards (1970 and 1992), the Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actor (1975), the Korean Theater and Film Award for Best Actor (1976), the Actor of the Year Award from the Theater Actors Association (2000), and the Lee Hae-rang Theater Award (2002). In 2001, he was honored with the Order of Cultural Merit, Ok-gwan.
The funeral is being held at the Seoul National University Hospital funeral hall in Jongno-gu, Seoul, with the cremation scheduled for 9 a.m. on the 16th.
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