Great Love for 'Ilyong Eomni' in MBC's Long-Running Drama
Choi Bulam, Yoo In-chon, Kim Yong-gun, Lim Ho Mourn
Actress Kim Sumi (real name Kim Youngok) passed away suddenly on the 25th, plunging the 'Jeonwon Ilgi' team into sorrow. Jeonwon Ilgi is an MBC drama that aired 1,088 episodes over 22 years and 2 months, from October 21, 1980, to December 29, 2002.
Kim Sumi played the role of 'Ilyong Eomni' in Jeonwon Ilgi. At the time of the broadcast, she appeared in elderly makeup at the age of 31 and received great love. The actors who had worked closely together on 'Jeonwon Ilgi' visited the funeral hall one after another upon hearing the news of her passing. Park Eunsoo, who played the role of 'Ilyong,' the son in the drama, met with reporters in front of the funeral hall and said, "We used to call her 'Eomni, Eomni,' but now another Eomni has passed away, and it feels empty." He added, "It seems hard to find such an actress in the future, and I cannot express how sad I am. I hope she rests comfortably without any more hardships."
Choi Bulam, who appeared as Chairman Kim, mourned, saying, "It is truly empty," and described her as "a diligent junior who always tried to make those around her happy." Kim Yonggon, who played Yongjin, the eldest son of Chairman Kim, said, "She called me in her usual voice just two weeks ago. She said, 'Let's meet on a comfortable day,' but I was stunned when I heard the news this morning."
Yoo Inchon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, who played Yongshik, the second son of Chairman Kim, sent a condolence message that day, saying, "She was an actress who left a deeper impression than anyone else. Rather than being glamorous, she approached like family with warmth and humor, so the sadness feels even greater." He added, "It feels like losing a family rather than a star." He continued, "I thank Teacher Kim Sumi for showing various possibilities to junior actors and deeply mourn her."
Im Ho, who played the role of Geumdongi in the drama, wrote on his social media, "I hope you are no longer in pain and are happy in heaven," and said he would pay his respects. Im Ho also appeared with Kim Sumi on the tvN STORY variety show 'Chairman's People,' which ended last September. The last farewell message from Kim Sumi in the final episode, "Everyone, stay healthy and see you again," has been circulating online, leading to continued tributes to the deceased.
Kim Sumi passed away on the 25th due to high blood sugar shock caused by underlying illnesses such as diabetes, according to her son, Jung Myungho. She was 75 years old. The funeral hall for the deceased has been set up at Hanyang University Hospital in Seoul.
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