'Grandmother Kang Gye-yeol, the protagonist of the film "Please Don't Cross That River," has passed away. She was 102. She missed the grandfather who predeceased her, so many people are mourning, hoping the two will meet again in heaven.'
Yesterday, the 10th, director Jin Mo-young shared the sad news on his personal social media, saying, "The film's protagonist, Grandmother Kang Gye-yeol, passed away this afternoon."
Director Jin said, "I visited on March 31 to say a final goodbye. Even as she grew forgetful, she remembered us clearly and offered words of kindness," and mourned, "When I first met her in 2012 she was like a girl, and that girl crossed the river after passing 100 years of age."
He added, "She went to be with the beloved Mr. Jo Byung-man. Grandmother, goodbye," leaving a final farewell.
Grandmother Kang Gye-yeol was a figure who won nationwide affection through the 2014 documentary film "Please Don't Cross That River." The film captured the tender love and daily life of the couple Kang Gye-yeol and Jo Byung-man and, unusually for an independent film, drew 4.8 million viewers, leaving many people deeply moved and touched.
After the film's release, Grandmother Kang Gye-yeol especially began studying Hangul and moved people by sending thank-you notes written by hand. In the letter she conveyed her sincere feelings: "Thank you to everyone who cherished our film. I love you."
Above all, during her life, grandmother reportedly returned to the theater several times to see the late Jo Byung-man as he had been in life, which left many people with heavy hearts.
Meanwhile, news of Grandmother Kang Gye-yeol's passing is bringing sorrow online as well. The protagonist of "Please Don't Cross That River," who proved her love over a long life and even sought her beloved husband on screen, may finally be reunited beside the person she most wanted to see... many people's condolences continue to pour in.
[Photo] 'SNS'
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