Yoon Seok-Hwa Dies At 69 After Battling Cancer; Melting Me Softly Actress Refused Chemotherapy

Renowned

South Korean theatre actor Yoon Seok-Hwa passed away on Friday morning at the age of 69, leaving behind a rich legacy that shaped Korean theatre for nearly five decades. She breathed her last at 9:54 a.m. at Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul, surrounded by her family and close acquaintances. The actress had been battling brain cancer and had undergone surgery in October 2022, shortly after delivering a powerful performance in Hamlet earlier that year. Despite her declining health, her dedication to the stage remained unwavering. The actress's demise has left a void in the world of Korean theatre, with her fans and admirers mourning her passing.

Yoon Seok-Hwa dies at 69, actress refused chemotherapy

According to a report by All K-pop, the veteran actress underwent three major surgeries in Seoul as part of her treatment for the tumour. She chose not to undergo chemotherapy, instead opting for natural healing methods and strict dietary practices. Reportedly, she requested to be discharged from the hospital, expressing her desire to live life on her own terms, even if that meant having only one more day. Her alternative healing routine included mugwort moxibustion, health drinks, long walks, and sharing meals with close friends. At one stage, her recovery showed such remarkable improvement that it surprised even the medical staff. Despite this temporary progress, the illness eventually overtook her body.

Yoon Seok-Hwa's love for theatre

Throughout her battle with cancer, Yoon Seok-Hwa never let go of her deep love for the stage. In 2023, she made a special appearance in the play Toccata at Seoul’s LG Arts Center, marking an emotional final farewell to her audience. Although theatre remained her primary passion, Yoon also built an impressive body of work across multiple mediums.

Yoon Seok-Hwa's filmography

Beyond theatre, Yoon showcased her versatility through her work in musicals like Guys and Dolls and The Last Empress, as well as television appearances, including the drama The Miracle We Met. Her artistic contributions were not limited to acting alone. In 2002, she co-founded the Jeongmiso Theatre in central Seoul with architect Jang Yoon-gyoo. The venue became known for its innovative productions, including 19 and 80 and Wit, until it was forced to close in 2019 due to financial difficulties.

Yoon Seo-Hwa's awards and accolades

Throughout her illustrious career, Yoon received numerous accolades, including four Baeksang Arts Awards for Best Actress. She was also honoured with a Presidential Commendation in 2005 and the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award in 2009. Survived by her husband and two children, Yoon was also a passionate advocate for adoption. She adopted both a son and a daughter and frequently organized charity concerts to raise awareness and support for families with adopted children.