In a heartbreaking announcement, JTBC reported that South Korean actress Park Ji-Ah, best known for portraying the mother of Song Hye-Kyo’s character in the hit series The Glory, has passed away at the age of 52. The cause of death was cerebral ischemia, commonly known as a stroke, which left her unconscious and ultimately claimed her life.
Her agency, Billions, confirmed the news through Sports Donga:
“We, at Billions, deeply regret to inform you of the passing of Park Ji-Ah, who died today at 2:50 AM at the age of 52 due to cerebral ischemia. Her funeral will be held at Asan Medical Center’s Funeral Hall 2, with a funeral procession scheduled for October 2 at 10:00 AM. Park Ji-Ah’s passion for acting will be remembered, and we extend our deepest condolences. May her soul rest in peace.”
The news has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among her fans. Park Ji-Ah was widely recognized for her exceptional acting skills and her profound contributions to both film and television.
Born on February 25, 1972, Park Ji-Ah was celebrated for her collaborations with renowned director Kim Ki-Duk, having starred in five of his films between 2002 and 2008. Despite not always being in high-budget productions, she was particularly praised for her emotional depth and intensity. Her performance in Breath (2007) was lauded by critics internationally, with Variety describing her portrayal as “remarkable,” while Twitch Film commended her as “a joy to watch.”
In addition to her collaborations with Kim Ki-Duk, Park Ji-Ah appeared in numerous other films and television series. Some of her notable works include The Coast Guard (2002), Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring (2003), Samaria (2004), 3-Iron (2004), and Breath (2007), all under Kim’s direction. These performances cemented her reputation as an actress capable of delivering deep emotional resonance.
In recent years, Park Ji-Ah had gained renewed recognition for her role in The Glory, where she played the mother of Song Hye-Kyo’s character. Her passing marks a tremendous loss to the Korean entertainment world.
