First-Generation Theater Star Yoon Seok-hwa Dies at 69 After Brain Tumor Battle
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Yoon Seok-hwa, celebrated as one of South Korea’s first-generation theater stars, has died at 69 after battling a malignant brain tumor. She underwent surgery in October 2022 and made her final stage appearance with a brief cameo in the 2023 play Tokata ('Toccata'). Born in Seoul in 1956, Yoon debuted in 1975 and gained fame through performances in plays such as Shinui Agnes ('God's Agnes'), Hamlet, and Letter to My Daughter. Known for crossing genres—appearing in musicals and TV dramas—she also co-founded the small theater Jeongmiso (정미소) in Daehangno, Seoul, fostering experimental works. A four-time Baeksang Arts Award winner, she received numerous honors including the Presidential Citation. She is survived by her husband Kim Seok-ki and two children; funeral services will be held at Severance Hospital in Sinchon. (Tokata: Korean-stage title '토카타')
