Actress Kim Soo-mi Dies at 75: Family Shares Cause of Death and Financial Hardships

Jung Myung-ho, the CEO of Napalkkot F&B and son of the late Kim Soo-mi, shared with Yonhap News that “The police investigation concluded that hyperglycemic shock was the ultimate cause of death,” and noted that “Her blood sugar levels had surged past 500.”

Hyperglycemic shock is a critical condition that arises when blood glucose levels become excessively elevated, resulting in serious bodily dysfunction. Various external factors, such as stress, can contribute to this medical emergency. In Kim Soo-mi’s situation, her son reported that she faced substantial stress related to unpaid performance fees for her long-running work in the musical “My Mother,” where she had performed for 14 years. The production company, currently plagued by plagiarism allegations, reportedly had not compensated her for over a year and Kim Soo-mi was poised to take legal action.

Earlier this year, signs of Kim Soo-mi’s deteriorating health became apparent. In May, she halted her professional commitments due to exhaustion and required hospitalization. Despite visible signs of distress during an August appearance on a home shopping broadcast—where she exhibited hand tremors and slurred speech—she reassured fans in a phone interview with Star News, insisting that “My health is fine.”

Kim Soo-mi, born in 1949, embarked on her remarkable career in 1970 as a member of MBC’s third group of contracted talents. She gained widespread fame for her 22-year portrayal of Il-yong’s mother in “Country Diaries,” which debuted in 1980. Her extensive body of work includes acclaimed productions such as “Something Happened in Bali,” “Hello Franceska,” “4 Legendary Witches,” and “Band of Sisters.” On the big screen, she starred in popular films including the “Mapado” series, the “Marrying The Mafia” franchise, “Late Blossom,” and “Granny’s Got Talent.” In recent years, she also endeared herself to audiences on variety shows, hosting programs like “Mother’s Touch: Korean Side Dishes” and “Are You Eating Well?”

Actor and broadcaster Jung Jun-ha, who worked alongside Kim Soo-mi in the “Marrying The Mafia” series, expressed his deep sorrow upon learning of her passing.

He stated, “This morning, I received the heartbreaking news from CEO Jung Myung-ho, Kim Soo-mi’s son. I’m utterly devastated,” adding, “The enormity of the situation is overwhelming, and I’m at a loss for words. I hope for your understanding.”

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. A funeral altar is set to be established at the funeral hall of Hanyang University Hospital in Seoul later today.