Kim Joo-young, a veteran South Korean actor best known for his commanding performances in historical television dramas, has died at the age of 73. The seasoned performer passed away on September 30 due to complications from pneumonia, marking the end of a distinguished career that spanned more than four decades in Korean entertainment.
Kim gained widespread recognition for his powerful portrayals in some of Korea's most beloved historical dramas, including the epic series "Tears of the Dragon" which aired from 1996 to 1998, and the critically acclaimed "Jeong Do-jeon" in 2014. Throughout his career, he became synonymous with period dramas, often playing generals and high-ranking government officials characterized by their fierce temperaments and strong leadership qualities.
A graduate of Chung-Ang University's theater and film department, Kim launched his professional acting career in 1974 when he was selected as part of MBC's sixth open recruitment class. He also successfully passed TBC's 15th open audition, demonstrating his versatility and talent from an early age. His breakthrough came through his memorable villainous roles in MBC's long-running investigative series "Chief Inspector," which established him as a formidable presence on screen.
Kim's first major leading role came in 1985 with the drama "Cutting the Moonlight," which solidified his position as a reliable leading man in Korean television. Over the subsequent decades, he built an impressive portfolio of historical drama appearances, becoming a familiar and trusted face for viewers of the genre. His notable works include KBS's "Empress Myeongseong" (2001-2002), "Dae Jo-yeong" (2006-2007), and "The Great King Sejong" (2008), all of which showcased his ability to embody complex historical figures with authenticity and gravitas.
While Kim was primarily associated with historical dramas, he also demonstrated his range through appearances in contemporary series. He appeared in KBS's romantic drama "I'm Glad I Loved You" (2010-2011) and SBS's "New Tales of Gisaeng" (2011), proving his adaptability across different genres and time periods. These roles allowed him to connect with younger audiences while maintaining his reputation as a serious dramatic actor.
After completing his work on "Jeong Do-jeon," Kim largely retired from active acting, stepping away from the spotlight that had defined much of his adult life. In a candid television appearance during his later years, he revealed a surprising personal transformation, sharing that he had become a shaman. Despite this dramatic life change, his passion for acting remained undiminished, and he expressed his deep love for the craft by stating, "I want to keep acting until the day I die."
Kim Joo-young's death represents the loss of one of Korea's most respected character actors, particularly in the historical drama genre that has become a cornerstone of Korean television exports. His contributions to Korean entertainment helped establish the high production values and dramatic storytelling that have made Korean historical dramas popular both domestically and internationally.
