Twelve years ago, a true love story of an elderly couple moved theaters nationwide to tears. It was the film 'My Love, Don't Cross That River.' And following the passing of Jo Byeong-man grandfather, who died earlier in the film, the news that grandmother Kang Gye-yeol has passed away 10 years later adds to the sorrow felt by many.
On the 10th director Jin Mo-young posted on his personal social media, "The film's protagonist, grandmother Kang Gye-yeol passed away this afternoon," delivering the sad news. She was 102.
Director Jin said, "Even the first day I met her in 2012 she was like a young girl, and that girl crossed the river after turning 100," and mourned, "She went to be beside the one she loved, Jo Byeong-man grandfather. Grandmother, farewell."
Previously Jo Byeong-man grandfather died in 2013 after finishing filming for the movie. Afterward, grandmother Kang Gye-yeol remained alone and kept her longing for her husband. In particular, it was reported that she visited movie theaters several times to see her husband's appearance again while he was alive, which left a deep impression. Her desire to meet her husband again, even on the screen, made viewers' hearts ache.
Released in 2014, 'My Love, Don't Cross That River' is a documentary depicting the love and farewell of 89-year-old grandmother Kang Gye-yeol and 98-year-old Jo Byeong-man grandfather, and as an independent film it drew an extraordinary 4.8 million viewers, receiving explosive love.
At the time the film, without a single top star, created a box office storm solely on the power of a "real story," leaving a deep impression on the Korean film industry. Genuine emotion born from life itself, not forced tears, moved audiences, and above all the couple's 76 years together — cherishing and loving only each other more than anyone else — delivered deep emotion and resonance.
After the film's release, grandmother Kang Gye-yeol learned Hangul and personally wrote a letter saying, "Thank you to everyone who cherished our movie. I love you," which moved people once again.
And after 10 years, grandmother Kang Gye-yeol headed to be beside the grandfather who had passed away. Although the sight of the elderly couple can no longer be seen, the true love and way of life they showed will remain in the memories of movie fans for a long time. Tributes are continuing for the final farewell of the 'My Love' couple, who reminded an era of the meaning of true love.
Meanwhile, the wake has been set up at Wonju Medical Center funeral hall and the funeral procession is on the 12th. The burial site is Seonsan, Cheongil-myeon, Hoengseong County.
[Photo] "film still"
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