Veteran Comedic Actor Nam Po-dong Passes Away at 81; Mourning Across Industry

Veteran actor Nam Po-dong (Kim Gwang-il) passed away on the morning of the 23rd at the age of 81.

Debuting in the 1965 film 'I Can Fall in Love Too,' Nam Po-dong established himself as a leading comedic actor in Chungmuro with his unique comedic performances. He brought immense laughter to audiences through his roles in numerous comedies, including 'Go-rae-sa-neung' (Whale Hunting), 'Gyeo-ul Na-geu-ne' (Winter Wanderer), 'Two Cops 2,' and 'Two Cops 3.'

Beyond comedy, his filmography extended to various genres, with appearances in dramas such as 'In-gan Si-jang' (Human Market), 'Meo-na-meon Ssong-ba-gang' (Faraway Ssong-ba-gang), and 'In-saeng-eun A-reum-da-wo' (Life is Beautiful). In 2022, he portrayed the grandfather in the film 'Gam-dong Ju-ui-bo' (Shock Alert), demonstrating his passion for acting until his later years.

However, the late actor had been battling advanced liver cancer since 2009. He underwent a liver transplant and appeared on the MBN program 'Teuk-jong Se-sang' (Special World) in 2022, revealing his struggles with financial difficulties and his unwavering dedication to acting, which touched many viewers. He had shared that he lived in motels for over a decade and had been taking medication for liver cancer for 13 years.

His wake has been set up at Room 5, Eulji University Hospital Funeral Hall in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province. The funeral procession will be held at noon on the 25th, with burial at the Seoul Crematorium.

Korean netizens are expressing their condolences, with comments such as 'Actor Nam Po-dong, may you rest in peace,' 'It's so sad, he gave us so much laughter,' and 'After going through so much hardship, we hope you are now at peace.' Many are reminiscing about his comedic acting.