Kim Soo-mi’s son, Jung Myung-ho, CEO of Napalkkot F&B, revealed to Yonhap News that “The police investigation determined hyperglycemic shock as the final cause of death,” adding that “Her blood sugar levels had exceeded 500.”
Hyperglycemic shock occurs when blood glucose levels rise dramatically, leading to severe bodily dysfunction. This condition can be triggered by external factors, including stress, which may have played a significant role in Kim Soo-mi’s case. According to her son, Kim Soo-mi had been dealing with considerable stress due to unpaid performance fees from the musical “My Mother,” where she had performed for 14 years. The production company, embroiled in plagiarism controversies, had allegedly failed to pay her since the previous year, leading Kim Soo-mi to prepare legal action.
“My mother was under immense stress because of the musical” Jung Myung-ho explained. “She hadn’t received a single penny in performance fees since last year and was preparing to file a lawsuit.”
Earlier this year, there were signs of Kim Soo-mi’s declining health. In May, she had temporarily suspended her activities due to fatigue and was hospitalized. Despite concerns raised about her health in August, when she appeared on a home shopping broadcast showing hand tremors and slurred speech, Kim Soo-mi had dismissed these worries, telling Star News in a phone interview that “My health is fine.”
Born in 1949, Kim Soo-mi began her illustrious career in 1970 as part of MBC’s third batch of contracted talents. She gained nationwide recognition through her 22-year role as Il-yong’s mother in “Country Diaries,” which began airing in 1980. Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous acclaimed productions, including “Something Happened in Bali,” “Hello Franceska,” “4 Legendary Witches,” and “Band of Sisters.” Her film credits include the “Mapado” series, “Marrying The Mafia” series, “Late Blossom,” and “Granny’s Got Talent.” In recent years, she had also become a beloved figure on variety shows, hosting programs like “Mother’s Touch: Korean Side Dishes” and “Are You Eating Well?”
Upon hearing the news, actor and broadcaster Jung Jun-ha, who co-starred with the late Kim Soo-mi in the“Marrying The Mafia” movie series, expressed his devastation at the sudden news.
He stated, “I received the sad news this morning from CEO Jung Myung-ho, Kim Soo-mi’s son. I’m devastated,” adding, “Given how overwhelming the situation is, I’m at a loss for words right now. Please understand.”
Kim Soo-mi is survived by her husband Jung Chang-gyu, daughter Jung Joo-ri, son Jung Myung-ho, and daughter-in-law Seo Hyo-rim, who is also an actress. The funeral altar will be set up at Hanyang University Hospital’s funeral hall in Seoul during the afternoon.