An Actress Passed Away Just 1 Week before “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Premiere
In a heartbreaking turn of events, veteran Korean actress Kang Myung-joo passed away on February 27 at the age of 54, after a long battle with cancer just one week before the premiere of her final drama, “When Life Gives You Tangerines“ (폭싹 속았수다).
Kang Myung-joo had taken on the role of the stern mother the ex-fiancé of Geum-myung (the daughter character played by IU). This is a key character in the Netflix original series starring IU and Park Bo-gum, as she completely offset the potential marriage of Geum-myung. Her performance, though brief, left a lasting impression and has since taken on deeper emotional weight for viewers aware of her passing.
The actress began her career in 1992 as a theater actress and built an impressive résumé with performances in acclaimed productions like “Coriolanus”, “Whether Human or God”, and “Blood and Seed”. She also appeared in various television dramas and films, including “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” and “Shooting Stars”, showcasing her versatile talent across genres.
Following Kang Myung-joo’s passing, her daughter, actress Park Se-young, paid tribute to her mother in a heartfelt post, which reads, “My mother began a new journey yesterday afternoon. I will be forever grateful if you remember Kang Myung Joo a respected actress and the stages she cherished, along with the moments where she shone the brightest.”
The Korean entertainment industry mourns the loss of a passionate and dedicated performer, while fans around the world now watch her final project with renewed reverence.
As “When Life Gives You Tangerines” continues to draw praise for its emotional storytelling, Kang Myung-joo’s legacy lives on in one of the most poignant roles of her career.
