Actor Gang Myung-joo has passed away after battling cancer, leading to tributes from the entertainment industry.
According to the theater community on Feb. 28, Gang Myung-joo died on the 27th following a battle with cancer. She was 54 years old.
The deceased made her debut in 1992 with the Experimental Theater Company's 'Kuni, Nara' and has appeared on numerous theater stages, including 'Gu Il-man Hamlet', 'PI and CIAAT', '20th Century Blues', and 'Bea'.
A work that caught the public's eye was the drama 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo'. In the play, Gang Myung-joo played the role of a judge, making a brief but charismatic appearance that left a strong impression.
In particular, the deceased was known to have maintained her passion for acting even while battling illness, having performed until recently in 'Sweat', 'Bea', and '20th Century Blues'.
The deceased's daughter, also an actress, Park Se-young, mourned her on social media, saying, "My mother left this afternoon for a long journey. I would be grateful if you remember the stage and the shining moments my mother loved."
Actor Nam Myung-ryeol also expressed condolences the same day via social media. He noted, "It is very unfortunate because she was so young in her 50s. I first met actress Myung-joo in 1995 in 'Journey with Oedipus'. She was truly a beautiful actress, and her beauty shone even brighter on stage."
He continued, "Then I heard some time later that Myung-joo was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. It was around the time I heard that actor Lee Yeon-kyu, who was working with me on 'Scorched Love', was in critical condition due to cancer. Shortly after, actor Yeon-kyu was unable to overcome the cancer's attack and went to heaven," conveying his sorrow.
Nam Myung-ryeol expressed, "I was worried about actress Myung-joo, but contrary to my concerns, she continued to perform on stage. I thought actress Myung-joo would resiliently overcome cancer and stand on stage, but hearing this obituary leaves me utterly shocked. I remember actress Gang Myung-joo as a person of truth and purity. I pray for her soul's rest and extend my deepest condolences to the remaining family members."
Meanwhile, the deceased's mortuary is set up in room 11 of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital funeral hall. The funeral will be held on March 2, with the first burial site at Seoul Memorial Park and the second at Yongin Catholic Park Cemetery.
[Photo] SNS
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