Kim Soo-mi, a beloved veteran female actor with a career spanning over 50 years in the South Korean film and TV industries, passed away on Friday. Reports from Korean media indicate that Kim was discovered unconscious at her residence in Seoul and was rushed to Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital at 8am local time, where she was sadly pronounced dead in the emergency room.
The cause of Kim’s sudden passing is suspected to be cardiac arrest, with authorities launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Earlier in May, Kim had been hospitalized and had to temporarily pause her acting commitments due to fatigue. At the time, she was actively involved in the musical production of “My Mother”.
Born on September 3, 1951, Kim Soo-mi was 73 years old at the time of her demise. However, Korean age calculation customs often differ, with many local media outlets reporting her age as 75. Kim kickstarted her acting journey at MBC TV in 1971, going on to feature in numerous television shows and films. One of her most memorable roles was in the long-running series “Country Diaries” from 1980 to 2002, where she portrayed an older character, earning her the Grand Prize at the MBC Drama Awards in 1986.
Her filmography includes standout performances in movies such as the 2011 comedy-drama “Late Blossom,” for which she received a Blue Dragon award for best supporting actress. She also appeared in the 2005 comedy-adventure film “Mapado,” the 2006 comedy-drama “Barefoot Kibong,” and had recurring roles in the “Marrying the Mafia” film series.
In recent years, Kim Soo-mi made appearances on various reality TV shows, including the cookery series “Mother’s Touch: Korean Side Dishes” on tvN. Tragically, at the time of her passing, Kim was still involved in filming her latest project, “Ghost Police,” alongside her frequent co-star Shin Hyun-joon, with whom she collaborated on “Barefoot Kibong” and the “Marrying the Mafia” franchise.
Kim Soo-mi’s contribution to the entertainment industry will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike. Her versatile acting skills and warm on-screen presence have left an indelible mark on South Korean cinema and television. May she rest in peace.
