Comedian Jee Seokjin (59) is keeping vigil after the death of his mother, and messages of condolence are being posted.
Jee Seokjin's mother, Ms. Kim I-ja, passed away in the early morning of the 24th from old age. The wake has been set up at Asan Medical Center funeral hall in Seoul, and Jee Seokjin was listed as a chief mourner together with his wife Yoo Su-jeong and son Jee Hyun-woo and other family members.
This sad news is even more heartbreaking for Jee Seokjin. That is because just three days earlier, on the 21st, at the 3rd 'Excuse Go Awards' he experienced the joy of winning his first grand prize in his 33-year career. Although it was not an awards ceremony of the three terrestrial broadcasters, it was a meaningful first grand prize recognizing his long-standing, quietly endured efforts, and congratulations followed.
At the time, Jee Seokjin, in his acceptance remarks, said, "This is the first grand prize I have ever received in my life. I felt that the saying 'if you endure and endure, good days will come' is sincere," conveying his choked-up emotions and moving many people. But before the joy had fully faded, news of his mother's death was reported, and fans and colleagues have been unable to hide their sorrow.
After the sad news was made public, online and on social media came messages of condolence and comfort such as, "It's so heartbreaking to receive this news after getting your first grand prize," "The joy and the sorrow coming together makes it even more heartbreaking," and "I offer my deepest condolences and hope Jee Seokjin finds strength."
Meanwhile, Jee Seokjin debuted as a singer in 1992 with his first album 'Smile on a melancholy afternoon' and the following year passed KBS special recruitment as a 10th class comedian, beginning his full-fledged broadcasting career. He is currently appearing on SBS 'Running Man', Channel A 'Star Health Ranking Number One', and tvN 'Sixth Sense: City Tour 2', and he also communicates with the public through his YouTube channels 'Jee Comfortable World' and 'Jo Dongari'.
Faced with the sad news of his mother's death amid the joy of receiving his first grand prize, many people are offering prayers for the deceased and deep condolences to Jee Seokjin and the bereaved family.
The funeral will be held at 8 a.m. on the 26th, and the burial site is Eden Paradise in Icheon, Gyeonggi.
[Photo] 'OSEN DB'
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