Late Actress Kim Ja-ok Remembered 11 Years After Passing; Best Friend Lee Sung-mi Shares Touching Memories and Final Wishes

It has already been 11 years since actress Kim Ja-ok departed this world. The beloved star passed away on November 16, 2014, at the age of 63 due to complications from lung cancer.

Having undergone surgery for colon cancer in 2008, Kim Ja-ok continued treatment as the cancer metastasized to her lungs. Despite her brave fight, her condition rapidly worsened, leading to her untimely passing.

Even after more than a decade, Kim Ja-ok's radiant smile and warm presence continue to live on in the hearts of many. Recently, during an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Song Seung-hwan's Wonderful Life,' fellow actress Lee Sung-mi shared heartfelt stories about her deep connection with the late Kim Ja-ok.

Lee Sung-mi recalled, "We became close while working together on broadcasts, and she was such a funny and lovely person. She was so beautiful, and her smile was so endearing. When I told her, 'How can you be so pretty?' she'd playfully reply, 'I haven't washed,' a true actress born for the stage," Lee Sung-mi reminisced with a smile.

Residing in the same apartment complex, Lee Sung-mi and Kim Ja-ok were not only close neighbors but also steadfast friends. "When I was diagnosed with cancer, she was the first to text me, 'I'm an experienced cancer patient, so talk to me if you're struggling.' When I was having a hard time, she'd come over, and when she was struggling, I'd go to her. We leaned on each other," Lee Sung-mi shared, recalling their tender friendship.

Kim Ja-ok left Lee Sung-mi with a very special request before her passing. "When I die, I want you to handle my funeral. Please dress me in Hanbok. I don't want chrysanthemums; use roses instead." Following her wishes, Lee Sung-mi had designer Park Sul-nyeo create a Hanbok for her and filled the funeral hall with roses, honoring Kim Ja-ok's final wish.

Kim Ja-ok debuted in 1970 as the second batch of MBC contract actors. She starred in numerous productions, including 'Three Men, Three Women,' 'Jeon Won Diary,' 'My Lovely Sam Soon,' and 'Coffee Prince.' Even while battling illness, she demonstrated her passion for acting in dramas like 'High Kick Through the Roof' and 'The Three-Married Woman.' Her contributions were recognized posthumously with honorary awards at the MBC, KBS, and SBS Drama Awards. In 1996, she also released the song 'Princess is Lonely' with singer Tae Jin-ah, which sold over 600,000 copies.

Kim Ja-ok remarried singer Oh Seung-geun and had a son and a daughter. Her son, Oh Young-hwan, accepted an honorary award on her behalf after her passing, expressing his gratitude to everyone who remembers his mother.

Netizens have flooded online communities with messages of remembrance, stating, 'It’s hard to believe it’s been 11 years,' 'We miss you, Ms. Kim Ja-ok. Rest in peace in a better place,' and 'Lee Sung-mi's genuine friendship is truly touching.'