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Actress Kim Ja-ok dies of cancer at 63

November 15, 2014
Kim Ja-ok's memorial at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. (Yonhap)

Kim Ja-ok’s memorial at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital. (Yonhap)

SEOUL (Yonhap) — Kim Ja-ok, an award-winning South Korean actress, died Sunday of lung cancer. She was 63 years old.

Kim had starred in a series of hit films and television dramas since her debut in 1970. She remained a fixture in TV shows and commercials well past her 50s, and also released an album in 1996 to briefly dabble at a singing career.

Kim underwent successful surgery for colorectal cancer in April 2008 and resumed acting the following month. Industry sources said cancer had spread to her lungs recently, leading to her hospitalization.

Kim garnered multiple awards for her acting in films in the 1970s and had enjoyed a career renaissance since the turn of the millennium with critically acclaimed performances in TV series.

She is survived by her husband, recording artist Oh Seung-keun, and two children.

Her funeral will be held Wednesday in Seoul.

9 Comments

  1. Sam gyup sal

    November 15, 2014 at 10:02 PM

    So sad to read the news like this… She was a real legendary actress for decades in Korean drama history.. Rest in peace… ㅠㅠ

    Reply

  2. Pingback: Rest In Peace Kim Ja Ok! - Kwiyeopta

  3. saada

    November 16, 2014 at 12:02 PM

    Mes condoléances pour la famille tres triste

    Reply

  4. rls4311

    November 16, 2014 at 8:27 PM

    Very sad!
    She was Samsoon’s mother in “My Lovely Samsoon”. I saw that drama about 7 times, and remember her wanting Samsoon to get married, and chasing Samsoon’s ex-fiance’ down the street. I loved her in any drama she was in. She always played nice women, and she was an excellent actress. I will miss her very much. MBCAmerica & KBSAmerica announced her death tonight, and I was shocked. I will miss you very much.

    Reply

  5. chaw chaw

    November 16, 2014 at 9:44 PM

    So sad for my darling lady Kim Ja Ok.. Great loss for Korean Film Industry and audience all over the world who admire her excellence performance.

    Reply

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  7. robyne

    November 17, 2014 at 6:43 PM

    i’m so sad! God comfort her family.

    Reply

  8. shax

    November 18, 2014 at 5:55 AM

    she played Gong Yoo’s mom in coffee prince. i remember wishing they would play mother & son again. they were really good in that drama.

    Reply

  9. elizabeth

    November 20, 2014 at 12:36 PM

    So sad.though i never knew mrs kim ja ok.i feel bad for her.bt GOD wish is the best,we love you but GOD love you most.may your soul rest in perfect peace.

    Reply