Kim Soo-mi's Son: "Mother's Cause of Death Was Hyperglycemic Shock... Suffering Due to Unpaid Appearance Fees"

"I am preparing to file a lawsuit over unpaid appearance fees"

Actor Kim Soo-mi [Photo by Asia Economy]

The cause of death of actress Kim Sumi (75), who passed away on the 25th, was reported to be hyperglycemic shock.

Jung Myung-ho, director of Napalkkot F&B and Kim Sumi's son, stated in an interview with Yonhap News on the same day, "The police who investigated the cause of death informed us that hyperglycemic shock was the final cause," adding, "Her blood sugar level was over 500." Hyperglycemic shock is a condition where the glucose concentration in the blood rapidly rises, leading to impaired bodily functions. It is said that external factors such as stress can be causes.

In fact, it was understood that Kim Sumi was preparing a lawsuit over unpaid fees for the musical 'Chinjeong Eomma' (Mother's Home), in which she had performed for 14 years. The production company became embroiled in plagiarism disputes, and Kim Sumi had not received any payment since last year. Director Jung said, "Actually, my mother was under a lot of stress because of 'Chinjeong Eomma,'" and added, "She had not received a single payment since last year and was preparing for a lawsuit."

Earlier, Kim Sumi suffered cardiac arrest at her home and was transported to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu around 8 a.m. that day but was ultimately pronounced dead.

It was reported that Kim Sumi was found unconscious at her home in Bangbae-dong, Seocho-gu, by her son that morning. He immediately called 119, and Kim Sumi was taken to the emergency room at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Later, emergency room staff confirmed her death and reported it to the police.

The funeral hall was decided to be at Hanyang University Hospital. The bereaved family includes her son, businessman Jung Myung-ho, and daughter-in-law, actress Seo Hyo-rim.