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| yna@yna.co.kr 2025-12-19 20:22:10
SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- A steady stream of figures from the theater and cultural communities visited the funeral hall of late actress Yoon Seok-hwa, who passed away on Friday, at Severance Hospital’s funeral hall in Sinchon, Seoul.
Director Sohn Jin-chaek, who directed the play “Hamlet,” Yoon’s final stage appearance before she began battling illness in 2022, said, “She would sometimes say she felt tired while working on ‘Hamlet,’ but I never imagined it was the beginning of her illness.” He added, “She was the first true star of the theater world, and it is heartbreaking that she left before fully blossoming her talent. It must be regrettable for her as well, and for us too, but I feel we will meet again soon and do good work together.”
Actress Kim Sung-nyeo, Sohn’s wife and a longtime colleague of the late actress from their days in the Minjung Theater Troupe, also mourned her loss. “I feel troubled thinking that perhaps we must accomplish what she was unable to,” Kim said. “I hope she goes ahead and forms a theater troupe in heaven, and that we can follow later and perform plays together there.”
Former Culture Minister Yoo In-chon, who appeared alongside Yoon in “Hamlet,” also expressed deep sorrow.
“It is heartbreaking and painful because this was a time when she still had much more to contribute to the theater world,” Yoo said. “I believe Yoon Seok-hwa will remain alive in the hearts of many people.”
He added, “She told me several times that once she recovered from her hospital bed, she wanted us to work together on a production. We promised to do a good piece once she got better,” saying, “I hope she dreams of and creates many wonderful works in a place free of limitations.”
Culture Minister Choi Hwi-young also paid his respects at the funeral hall.
“Yoon Seok-hwa was a great pillar of the theater world and someone who burned brightest on stage,” Choi said. “Even while battling illness, she never let go of her longing for the stage. It is heartbreaking and numbing that she has left us so soon. I will remember her forever.”
Visitors continued to arrive throughout the day. Actress Park Jung-ja, a close friend of the late actress, remained at the funeral hall to greet mourners.
Inside the hall, a 1-hour-and-20-minute documentary was screened, featuring Yoon’s performances on stage as well as moments of fellow artists cheering her on during her illness.
Yoon underwent surgery for a brain tumor in 2022 and chose natural therapy instead of chemotherapy during her treatment.
The documentary was produced by Lee Jong-il, former head of the Minjung Theater Troupe, who had participated in producing plays starring Yoon since 1985.
“She said she hoped to be remembered as the most beautiful actress on stage, and I agree,” Lee said. “Her passion and dedication were difficult to match. Even while receiving treatment at home after choosing natural therapy, she never lost her positive outlook.”
Actresses Son Sook, Kang Seok-woo, Gil Hae-yeon, chair of the Korea Theater Artists Welfare Foundation, singer Youl, Korea Arts Council Chairman Jung Byung-guk, and Yang Sung-won, a professor at Yonsei University’s College of Music, were also among those who paid their final respects.
Singer Youl, known to have shared a particularly close bond with Yoon, said, “After I debuted at the College Music Festival in 1986, she invited me to many performances, and I saw many of her plays. When I was seriously ill two years ago and gave a testimony at a small church, she even came to see me after hearing about it. She was such a warm-hearted person.”
Singer Lee Moon-se, actresses Go Doo-shim and Choi Jung-won, actors Nam Kyung-joo and Song Seung-hwan, among others, sent wreaths to express their condolences.
The funeral procession will take place at 9 a.m. on the 21st. A memorial rite will follow at 10 a.m. for about 20 minutes at Hanye Arts Theater in Daehangno, where the late actress founded and operated the small theater Jeongmiso, hosted by the Korea Theater Artists Welfare Foundation. She will be laid to rest at Yongin Park Honor Stone.
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]