Kim Soo Mi, a veteran in domestic theatre and television who has appeared on broadcaster KBS' Saturday entertainment program for many years, died at dawn on Oct 25th at the age of 75.
Her son, Jeong Myeong-ho, told ABC News that she had died from hyperglycemic shock — a critical state triggered by extremely high blood sugar levels, in this case higher than 500.
Sports TV reported Jeong said police later investigating her death had determined that outside influences — particularly stress — could have played a role in her state.
He explained that she was suffering massive anxiety over unpaid appearance fees from the musical "My Mother's Home," running for 14 years, in which Kim had starred. The production company was sued for plagiarizing, and Kim hasn't received any payment since last year.
And Jeong said, "My Mother House" caused his mother immense stress. "She was getting ready to sue because she was not being paid for her appearances."
Kim Soo Mi, born in 1949, started working as an actress after winning the public talent contest with MBC in 1970. She is best remembered for her role as Il-yong Eomni in the beloved 1980−2002 series Country Diaries. She acted in many dramas and entertainment programs over the years, which made her beloved by the generations who viewed her.
Kim is survived by her husband, Jeong Chang-gyu; her daughter, Jeong Joo-ri; her son, Jeong Myeong-ho; and her wife, Seo Hyo-rim, an actress. The funeral will be held at Seoul's Hanyang University Hospital.
Fans and colleagues have mourned the loss of Kim Soo-mi, who helped shape the history of the South Korean entertainment industry
