Veteran actor Yoon Il-bong, who left an indelible mark on Korean cinema across four decades since the 1960s, died Dec. 8. He was 91.
According to industry sources, Yoon was the father of ballerina Yoon Hye-jin, 45, and the father-in-law of actor Uhm Tae-woong, 51. He passed away from a chronic illness.
Yoon began performing in films and on stage at age 14 in 1947 and went on to appear in numerous classics. In 2012, he was honored with the Eungwan (Silver Crown) Order of Cultural Merit for his contributions to Korean cinema.
A funeral altar has been set up at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, with services scheduled for Dec. 10.
Actress-singer Uhm Jung-hwa―sister of Uhm Tae-woong and a member of Yoon’s in-law family―paid tribute on social media, writing, “We remember your heart and your passion. Rest in peace. You were truly remarkable.”
In 2021, Yoon made a rare TV appearance on a variety program with his daughter Yoon Hye-jin, quietly reflecting on how he hoped to put his life in order―a moment that lingered with many viewers.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)