The Late Kim Sung-won, 'Chairman Specialist Actor', Passed Away from Bladder Cancer, Today Marks the 3rd Anniversary

The actor Kim Sung-won, known as the 'Chairman Specialist Actor', marked the 3rd anniversary of his passing on the 8th, showcasing charismatic performances in numerous works.

Kim Sung-won passed away at the age of 85 on August 8, 2022, after battling bladder cancer. He left this world after being diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer earlier that year. Throughout his 85 years of life, he made a unique mark in all areas of the Korean entertainment industry, from voice acting to acting and musicals.

Born in 1937 in Wonju, Gangwon Province, Kim Sung-won debuted in 1957 as part of CBS's second generation of voice actors while attending Seorabeol University (now the Department of Theater and Film at Chung-Ang University). He left a strong first impression on the public with his stable voice, taking on roles such as Richard Kimble in the radio drama and the character Tuco in the 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' series. He began a new chapter as an actor when he was scouted by TBC with its launch.

Kim Sung-won gained particular attention in the 2000s. He earned the nickname 'Chairman Specialist Actor' by portraying influential figures in hit dramas such as 'Lovers in Paris', 'Cute or Crazy', and 'Laugh, Dong-hae'. His kind yet charismatic presence added weight to each production, especially leaving a deep impression on viewers through his roles as bosses and chairmen.

His footprint in the Korean musical scene is also remarkable. Kim Sung-won took the stage in various works, including Korea's first original musical 'Slightly Off-Stage' in 1966, 'The King of the Sea Jang Bo-go', and 'The Second Sun'. He contributed to laying the foundation for Korean musicals by serving as the chairman of the Korean Musical Association and as an advisor to the Seoul Musical Promotion Association. As a first-generation musical actor in Korea, he played a supportive role for his juniors.