Exclusive Kim Yong Gun "Kim Sumi, we talked on the phone 2 weeks ago...I can't believe it" (interview)

While actor Kim Soo-mi passed away this morning (25th) at the age of 75, fellow actor Kim Yong-gun expressed his bewilderment.

In a phone call with YTN, Kim Yong-gun said, "I came across the sad news through an acquaintance this morning. I couldn't believe it, so I called Kim Soo-mi," he said, adding, "The signal went away, but he didn't answer."

"After that, I also called my son, CEO Chung Myung-ho, again, but I couldn't get through to see if there was any situation, but I got a call about two hours later and confirmed that the sad news was true," he said.

Kim Yong-gun, who worked with Kim Soo-mi until recently through tvN's "The Chairman's People," said, "I've been in a little bad health these days. The way I spoke was a little awkward, it wasn't the same as before. It's harder than usual, so I lie down often. So the production team and colleagues were also worried, saying, 'Please reduce your work.'

Kim Yong-gun, who also spoke to Kim Soo-mi two weeks ago, said, "Your voice was like your usual voice. He was worried about my health, saying that he was doing well. "I hope you're healthy too. I'll see you when you have time." So I hung up. But such absurd news..." he said, grieving.

Kim Yong-gun prayed for a repose, recalling the deceased, saying, "I've been watching since 'The Warring States Diary', but I'm always a person with a positive attitude and a person who gave food well and was affectionate."

According to the Seocho Police Station in Seoul, the deceased was transferred to Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in Seocho-gu at 8 a.m. due to cardiac arrest, but was eventually declared dead.

The deceased, who was born in 1949, had been active until May by appearing in musicals "My Friendly Mom," tvN's "The Chairman's People," and KBS2's "The Boss's Ears Are Donkey Ears," but temporarily suspended broadcasting activities on May 31 when he was hospitalized due to accumulated fatigue and poor health.

Later in September, he appeared on home shopping broadcasts to promote his brand kimchi, but at that time, rumors of health abnormalities arose and caused public concerns. The late

debuted in 1970 as MBC's third-term public talent. In particular, he played the role of Ilyong's tusks in the rural drama "The Country Daily," which has been aired since 1980, and has performed enthusiastically for 22 years. In addition, he has been a national actor in name and reality through dramas such as "What Happened in Bali," "Hello, Francesca," "Legendary Witch," and "My Sister Is Alive!" as well as movies such as "Greetings in the Family," "Dangerous Greetings," "Mapado" series, "Barefoot Gibong" and "Hell Money."

The mortuary will be set up at the funeral hall of Hanyang University Hospital. He is survived by his spouse Chung Chang-gyu, daughter Chung Ju-ri, son Chung Myung-ho, and daughter-in-law actor Seo Hyo-rim.

[Photo = tvN's "Chairman's People"]

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