[SC Issue] Late Kim Sumi’s diary revealed, foreboding twists “Company pressured me to appear on home shopping despite panic disorder”
[Sports Chosun Reporter Baek Ji-eun] Honest inner stories that the late Kim Sumi couldn’t reveal during her lifetime have been disclosed.
On the 12th, a book compiling Kim Sumi’s diaries from 1983 entitled “I Petition Against All That Kills Me” was published.
Her family decided to release the diaries, having witnessed her suffering in her later years, and announced that all proceeds from the book will be donated.
The diary contains details about the pain and sorrow hidden behind the glamorous appearance of the actress, her deep feelings for her family, and her passion for work.
Kim Sumi wrote, “I fear the impact this book might have on my family,” yet she wanted to share her life philosophy with those contemplating suicide and the youth.
According to the book, Kim Sumi experienced severe stress when conflicts arose surrounding the food company Napalgkot F&B, which she endorsed. Her son, Jung Myung-ho, sued a person named A from the company for embezzlement and fraud. In retaliation, A threatened to release counter-narrative articles, and in January of this year, Napalgkot F&B dismissed Jung and sued him and Kim Sumi for business embezzlement.
Kim Sumi expressed, “Every day is torture. I can’t eat or sleep without sleeping pills because I dread the repercussions.” and “The past month’s anxiety, fear, and mental suffering have been a nightmare. I was anxious that a news article about the company lawsuit would come out.”
In her later years, despite struggling with panic disorder, she appeared on home shopping broadcasts due to company pressure. This is the broadcast that raised concerns about her health.
Kim Sumi lamented, “Panic disorder. I feel suffocated. The anxiety and fear have been the hardest time of my life,” “Yesterday was tough, to the point I felt like dying,” and “Sister Lee Su-na comes to mind,” expressing her pain.
Her daughter, Jeong Mo-ssi, said, “Due to stress and panic disorder, she needed mental stability. Home shopping is energy-draining even when done with joy, so it was very difficult for her under pressure.”
Kim Sumi debuted as an actress with the 3rd open recruitment at MBC in 1971 and continued her acting career for over 50 years. She revealed her unwavering passion for acting, saying, “If I stake my life on filming, practicing, playing, and enduring, there will be a reward,” “I’m going to make a debut with the energy of my first debut 70 years ago through my acting,” and “I am so thirsty for acting.”
Kim Sumi suddenly passed away on October 25.
Reporter Baek Ji-eun [email protected]