According to the Seoul Seocho Police Station, Kim Soo-mi was rushed to Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital in Seocho-gu around 8 AM on October 25th after suffering from sudden cardiac arrest, but was ultimately pronounced dead.
Born in 1949, Kim Soo-mi had previously suspended her activities in May due to accumulated fatigue. At the time, she was hospitalized at Hanyang University Hospital in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, as doctors recommended rest due to overlapping commitments in both performances and broadcasting activities. Despite this setback, she had recently resumed her work, appearing on home shopping networks.
In September, concerns about her health surfaced when an online community user posted about her home shopping network appearance, noting, “Her face appears swollen, her hands are shaking, her speech is slow, and it’s concerning.”
In response, her son, Jung Myung-ho, a director at Napalkkot F&B, told Xports News, “Kim Soo-mi has never stopped her broadcasting activities. She was hospitalized for two days in July and has continued filming since then.” The home shopping network additionally clarified that the footage was pre-recorded, explaining that her seemingly poor condition might have been due to rushed overnight filming.
Up until her hospitalization, Kim had been actively performing in the musical “My Mother” and appearing in various shows including tvN Story’s “The Village Presidents People” and KBS 2TV’s “Boss In The Mirror.”
The news of her passing has taken a toll on her close celebrity friends. Actor Tak Jae-hoon, who was often referred to as Kim Soo-mi’s “favorite son,” received the news late as he was abroad filming SBS’s “Dolsing Fourmen.” The pair had maintained a close mother-son-like relationship since working together on films “Marrying The Mafia II” (2005) and “Barefoot Ki Bong” (2006), and recently collaborated on “Marrying The Mafia: Returns” (2024).
Actor Shin Hyun-joon was overwhelmed with grief upon hearing the news. During a phone call with OSEN News, he was reportedly too emotional to speak, highlighting the deep impact of Kim Soo-mi’s passing.
Chef Jung Ji-seon from the Netflix variety show “Black and White Chef” paid tribute to the late Kim Soo-mi, who passed away on the 25th. He wrote on his personal account, “She was truly a special person to me. She was warm-hearted and treated me sincerely.”
He expressed his sorrow, stating, “Just five days ago, we spoke on the phone and exchanged greetings…” Jung Ji-seon continued, “Her constant support gave me strength. I am so upset. I love you, Teacher Kim Soo-mi. I respect you, Teacher Kim Soo-mi. May the deceased rest in peace.”
On the afternoon of the 25th, a mourning room was set up for the late Kim Soo-mi at the Hanyang University Hospital funeral hall in Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Her son, Jung Myung-ho, was among the attendees. Jung Myung-ho is also the husband of actress Seo Hyo-rim.
Choi Ji-woo left the mourning room around 4 PM after paying her respects to the late Kim Soo-mi. She passed by reporters with a sad expression while wearing a mask.
In addition to Choi Ji-woo, actors Shin Hyun-joon, Yeom Jung-ah, Park Eun-soo, and former SS501 member Kim Hyung-joon also visited the mourning room that day.
The police are currently investigating the detailed circumstances of her death.