Actress Go Hyun Jung paid tribute to the late Kim Soo Mi in a heartfelt Instagram post.

On October 26, Go Hyun Jung shared her memories of meeting Kim Soo Mi on KBS 2TV’s ‘Sumi’s Lodge.’ She reflected, “I first met my teacher during my last trip with my pet, Gamja, who has now gone to heaven.”

She continued, “Since my teacher loved lavender flowers, I brought her daisies, which symbolize purity. When she saw the flowers, her face lit up with joy. She warmly took my hand and welcomed me, and I was so grateful.” Go Hyun Jung mentioned how Kim Soo Mi lovingly interacted with Gamja and shared her wisdom with her. “She told me, ‘You just haven’t met the right time yet; you are an artist. Your time will come,’ showering me with kind words,” she shared.

Go Hyun Jung also recalled the challenges she faced after the show aired. “When negative edited videos circulated, it upset me for a few days. But the care she showed me overshadowed those grievances until the end.” She fondly remembered, “After filming, she filled my hands with kimchi and made sure I had plenty of side dishes to take home, waving goodbye until she was out of sight.”

Describing Kim Soo Mi, she said, “My teacher was like a single stem of violet fragrance. I still cherish the feelings she gave me and will continue to love them. I hope she has gone to a good place, peacefully, and I love her.”

Sadly, Kim Soo Mi passed away on the morning of October 25 at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital due to hyperglycemic shock from diabetes and other health issues. Her funeral will take place on October 27 at 11 AM at the Hanyang University Hospital funeral hall in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, with the burial site at Yongin Park Honor Stone in Gyeonggi Province.

Kim Soo Mi's son, Jeong Myung-ho, a director at Napal Ggot F&B, expressed, “My mother, actress Kim Soo Mi, who has received great love from the public for a long time, passed away this morning at 7:30 due to hyperglycemic shock. I hope everyone remembers Kim Soo Mi, who always stayed close to the viewers with her love and passion for acting. My family and I will also live with gratitude for the support and love we have received over the years.”

Sources [1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]