The late actor Kim Sung-won has marked the third anniversary of his death.
On Aug. 8, 2022, Kim Sung-won passed away after battling cancer. He was 85.
Born in 1936 in Pyongyang, South Pyongan Province, he debuted as a CBS voice actor in 1956 while attending Seorabeol University of Arts (now the Department of Theater and Film at Chung-Ang University). He gained popularity for his role as Tuco in TBC's 'The Lawless Sun' and lent his voice to the 'Fugitive' series, 'Air Force Grand Strategy', 'Papillon', 'Seoul Night Song', and more.
In addition to his voice acting, he was a member of the 현대극장 company and also worked as a first-generation musical actor. He appeared in the play 'Hamlet' and Korea's first original musical 'A Fleeting Visit', and later served as chairman of the Korea Musical Association and advisor to the Seoul Musical Promotion Agency.
Particularly, despite being a voice actor, he drew attention with his outstanding visuals and was scouted as an actor during TBC's launch process. In 1971, he began his acting career in earnest by playing the lead role of Jeong Seon-dal in TBC's historical drama 'Hello Jeong Seon-dal'. This contributed to him winning a TBC acting award in 1974.
In the 2000s, he established his presence as a 'specialized actor for chairmen'. He showcased strong charisma in numerous works such as 'Perfect Love', 'Lovers in Paris', 'Cute or Crazy', 'Bravo My Life', 'New Heart', and 'Smile, Dong-hae' in the role of a chairman.
Meanwhile, Kim Sung-won was diagnosed with severe diabetes in his late 30s and has consistently worked on his health for over 50 years. During this time, he appeared in health programs with his wife, who supported him, and in 2006 published a book titled 'Make Friends with Diabetes'. He was recognized for this work and became an ambassador for the Korean Diabetes Association, as well as receiving a commendation plaque awarded by the president of the International Diabetes Federation, making him the first person with diabetes to receive such an award.
However, his battle with cancer made his later years difficult. Kim Sung-won was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer in early 2022. Consequently, he passed away less than a year after his cancer diagnosis, evoking deep sorrow.
[Photo] OSEN DB.
[OSEN]