Veteran actor Kim Soo-mi dies at age of 75

Actor Kim Soo-mi (Yonhap)

Actor Kim Young-ok, more commonly known by her stage name, Kim Soo-mi, a prominent presence in Korean film and television, passed away on Friday morning. She was 75.

According to the Seoul Seocho Police Station, Kim suffered a cardiac arrest and was transported to The Catholic University of Korea Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, around 8 a.m., where she was later pronounced dead.

Kim's son is reported to have told the local media that the cause of her death is due to hyperglycemic shock, stating that her blood sugar level was over 500 (milligrams per deciliter) around the time of her death. Normal fasting blood sugar levels range from 70 to 110 mg/dL, while postmeal levels vary by individual but are generally considered to be below 140 mg/dL.

Hyperglycemic shock occurs when blood glucose levels spike rapidly, causing a decline in bodily functions. It is reported that external factors, such as stress, can contribute to this condition.

In May, Kim suspended her activities after being hospitalized at Hanyang University Hospital in Seongdong-gu due to severe exhaustion.

At the time, reports indicated that Kim had been advised to take an extended rest due to fatigue resulting from her busy schedule, which included both performances and broadcasting commitments.

Born in 1949, Kim started her career in 1970 when she debuted on a talent contest hosted by public broadcaster MBC. She rose to prominence by playing the role of Il-yong's mother in MBC series "Country Diaries." (1980) The iconic TV show, which spanned 1,088 episodes and aired over 22 years, cemented Kim's status as one of the most popular Korean actresses of the 1980s.

Kim later found success in the comedy genre, beginning with a memorable cameo as a foul-mouthed woman in the 2003 comedy film "Oh! Happy Day." Her popularity increased with roles in hit comedies, such as MBC's sitcom series, "Hello Franceska," comedy film "Granny's Got Talent" (2015), and the "Marrying the Mafia" series.

Kim was also recognized for her dramatic performances, winning the Best Supporting Actress award at the 32nd Blue Dragon Film Awards for her role in the 2011 film "Late Blossom." The film, based on a popular webtoon, tells the story of romance in two older couples and features her portrayal of a woman with Alzheimer's.

Most recently she appeared as part of the main cast on tvN variety show "The Village President's People," which aired its last episode on Sept. 16.

"I express my deepest condolences on the passing of Kim Soo-mi. She was an actor who left a lasting impression more than anyone else. Instead of presenting herself as a glamorous star, she connected with the audience like family through her warmth and humor, and this heightens the sense of loss. It feels more like losing a family member than a celebrity," said Culture Minister Yu In-chon, a former actor who also appeared on "Country Diaries," with Kim via a press release on Friday.

"We are profoundly thankful to Kim for demonstrating the numerous possibilities for junior actors, and once again, I offer my sincere condolences," he said.

By Lee Yoon-seo(yoonseo.3348@heraldcorp.com)