▲ Late veteran actress Kim Soo-mi (2nd from L) is posing alongside fellow actresses Byun Jung-soo, Bae Jong-ok, and Yoon Hyun-sook, in this photo captured from Yoon's social media post on Oct. 25, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Following the passing of actress Kim Soo-mi (real name Kim Young-ok), a wave of tributes emerged on social media platforms on the 25th, with many mourning the beloved star.

 

Actress Yoon Hyun-sook shared a heartfelt post on her Instagram, posting a photo from a trip she took with Kim, along with Bae Jong-ok and Byun Jung-soo. She wrote, "Teacher, how could you leave like this? We were planning to visit Gangwon Province with Jung-soo. My heart aches." Yoon Hyun-sook and Kim Soo-mi became close after working together in the 2011 drama All About My Love, forging a strong mentor-mentee bond.

 

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- Former announcer Yoon Young-mi also took to Instagram to reminisce about her experiences with Kim. 

 

She recalled, "(She invited me to her home and) served a warm meal with homemade soy sauce-marinated crab and dried yellow corvina. When I went to emcee her 70th birthday party, the house was filled with Korea’s most famous actors and singers. It was a testament to how generous she was and how wide her circle of care extended." Yoon added, "Even at her age, she loved to read, write, and dress up. I believe she went to heaven with love in her heart."

 

Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, who appointed Kim Soo-mi as the city's honorary ambassador last year, also paid tribute with a brief message, "My deepest condolences."

 

Online communities were filled with shocked responses to the sudden news, with many sharing memories of her most iconic roles. Given Kim’s long career since her debut in 1971, people from various generations recalled different films and dramas that left a lasting impression.

 

One netizen mentioned, "I was watching the sitcom Hello Francesca just yesterday. This is so sudden." Another noted, "To me, Kim Soo-mi will always be 'Il-yong's Mom' from Country Diaries. Even after 40 years, she seemed so healthy. It’s hard to believe."

 

Her appearance in the 2019 variety show Do You Eat?, where she offered comfort and wisdom to ordinary guests, resurfaced on online forums. Fans also fondly remembered her work beyond acting, including her forays into publishing and cooking, with many reflecting on her recipes and food-related anecdotes.

 

One fan shared, "My mom used to cook meals using recipes from Kim Soo-mi’s cookbook. They were so delicious. I’m thankful for her."

 

 

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