South Korean Actress Kang Myung Joo Passes Away
KANG MYUNG JOO – The South Korean actress and Extraordinary Attorney Woo star passed away on February 27, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 54 years old.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her daughter, Park Se Young, who is also an actress. In a statement released on February 28, Park Se Young expressed her sorrow, saying, “Mom left on a long journey yesterday afternoon. I would be grateful if you could remember the moments on stage that actor Kang Myung Joo loved and shined in.” She is survived by her husband, Park Yun Hee, and another child.
Kang Myung Joo was a highly respected figure in South Korea’s entertainment industry. She began her acting career in 1992, starting in theater, where she became known for her powerful performances. Over the years, she starred in numerous theatrical productions, including Hamlet, Circle of Life, Humans or Gods, and Coriolanus. Her deep passion for acting was evident in every role she took on, and her presence on stage left a lasting impact on audiences.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer, she remained dedicated to her craft. She refused to let her illness stop her from doing what she loved most—acting. Even as she underwent treatments, she continued to appear in television dramas, proving her resilience and love for the art.
In her later years, Kang Myung Joo expanded her career into television, where she gained wider recognition. She appeared in several popular Korean dramas, including Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), where she portrayed a judge, Dr. Romantic Season 3 (2023), See You in My 19th Life (2023), and Wonderful World (2024). Her passing has deeply saddened her family, friends, and fans. While she may no longer be physically present, her legacy in theater and television will live on.