It has already been three years since the legendary Korean actress Kang Soo-yeon passed away.
On May 5, 2022, the late Kang Soo-yeon was found in a state of cardiac arrest at her home in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul, and was transported to the hospital, but ultimately passed away without regaining consciousness, at the age of 55.
At that time, Kang Soo-yeon announced her return to the screen by appearing in director Yeon Sang-ho's film 'Jung-ee,' breaking a 10-year hiatus, but the sudden news brought great shock to many.
Kang Soo-yeon was a rising young star from the late 1980s. She gained recognition through 'Whale Hunting 2' and 'Youth Sketch of Mimi and Cheolsu,' and in 1986, she won the Best Actress award in director Im Kwon-taek's 'The Surrogate Woman,' establishing herself as Korea's first world star in film. Afterwards, she gained attention at global film festivals with works such as 'Ajusshi Aje Aje Bar Aje,' enhancing the status of Korean cinema.
In the 1990s, she participated in many notable works including 'Falling Leaves Have Wings' (1989), 'Road to the Racecourse' (1991), 'Blue Inside You' (1992), 'Go Alone Like the Horn of a Rhinoceros' (1995), and 'Dinner of Virgins' (1998), and received love from viewers through the TV drama 'Women in the World' in 2001.
In addition, she served as an executive committee member of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) starting in 1998, and was elected as co-executive chairperson in 2015, working for the development of Korean cinema.
Her passing brought deep feelings of loss to many beyond the film industry, and in 2023, a memorial exhibition titled 'Kang Soo-yeon, Moviefully Long' was held to commemorate her first anniversary, featuring screenings that reflected on her achievements.
Furthermore, a memorial book titled 'Kang Soo-yeon' was published, which included writings from critic Jeong Sung-il and novelist Jeong Se-rang, letters from director Bong Joon-ho and actors Seol Kyung-Gu and Kim Hyun-joo, and dozens of photos documenting the late actress's film journey, allowing many to remember her journey once again. The memorial service for her second anniversary was also solemnly held with industry colleagues and family members in attendance.
This year, the film industry is also expected to continue various memorial activities in honor of Kang Soo-yeon, and her presence will always remain in the hearts of many.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]