“Mom, Please Stay” — A Touching Tribute to Kim Soo-mi, Beloved Mother and Matriarch

Kim Soo-mi, renowned for her insightful critiques and heartfelt kindness, passed away on October 25 at the age of 75. A memorial service held on October 27 at Hanyang University Hospital brought together friends, peers, and younger artists to honor her legacy. Throughout her life, Kim had expressed a desire for her funeral to be a celebration filled with joy and dancing, yet her many children were unable to say their final goodbyes with cheerful hearts. The poignant cry of her daughter-in-law, Seo Hyo-rim, resonated in the air, voicing the pain of the moment with her words, “Mom, don’t go.”

Born in 1949, Kim Soo-mi’s journey in the entertainment industry began in 1970 as a talent for MBC. Although her striking beauty mirrored that of Natalie Wood, she gained fame not as a mainstream actress but through supporting roles that highlighted distinctive characters, breaking away from the typical innocent portrayals of her time. Notably, she captivated audiences in the iconic drama “Country Diaries” (1980-2002), where she played the role of “Il-yong Eomni” at the age of 31.

An accomplished actress, Kim also thrived in the comedy genre, portraying the lively Isabel in the 2005 hit “Hello Franceska.” Her witty dialect and humor in productions like “Mapado” (2005) earned her the affectionate title of ‘grandma with a sharp tongue,’ endearing her to many fans.

Kim Soo-mi was not just a talented performer; she had a personal side as well. During a hospital visit, she light-heartedly shared her frustrations, remarking, “People ask me to curse at them,” while embracing the flowers presented to her, particularly favoring wildflowers. Her funeral was a reflection of her nurturing nature, with memories shared about her generosity in sharing food. She truly embodied the role of “Mom” , as illustrated by her long-standing musical endeavor “My Mother.”

As her children from the entertainment industry, alongside daughter-in-law Seo Hyo-rim, managed their grief while calling out to a mother they could scarcely part with, her son, Tak Jae-hoon, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments, shared a cherished photo of her in a field of bright yellow rapeseed flowers—a poignant reminder of her adoration for these blossoms, which added to the emotional weight of the day.

May her soul find peace.

Source: Daum

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