Actor Kim Jae-wook Pays Emotional Tribute to Butterfly Sleep’s Co-star, Late Japanese Actress Miho Nakayama

Actor Kim Jae-wook has publicly paid tribute to late Japanese actress Miho Nakayama, expressing his deep sorrow and respect following her unexpected passing late last year.

On April 22, Kim took to social media to share a heartfelt message alongside photos from their time filming Butterfly Sleep, a poignant romance where the two starred opposite each other. Reflecting on their shared experience, Kim wrote:

The moment I learned we would be working together, the first time we met at the fitting room, the moment she stared at me for a long time and then smiled… all those countless moments of honest, sincere communication as we endured difficult and challenging filming, it was a summer filled with unforgettable memories.

He continued:

I will cherish them deeply. It was an honor to be able to work with you. Rest peacefully.

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In Butterfly Sleep, Miho Nakayama played Ryoko, a best-selling author diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Kim Jae-wook portrayed Chan-hae, a young Korean student and aspiring writer. Together, they explored themes of memory, love, and literary legacy through their emotionally layered characters.

Miho Nakayama was an iconic figure in Japanese entertainment, cherished by Korean and Japanese audiences alike, especially for her role in Shunji Iwai’s 1995 masterpiece Love Letter. Her sudden death in December, reportedly due to an accident while bathing at home in Shibuya, Tokyo, shocked fans across Asia.

Kim Jae-wook’s tribute has resonated deeply with fans of both stars, highlighting the bond they formed during the filming of a deeply introspective and heartfelt project.