Remembering Park Yong-ha: 15 Years Since His Passing

It has been 15 years since the untimely passing of actor Park Yong-ha (故 박용하), who was found dead at his home in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, on June 30, 2010, at the age of 33. At the time, authorities reported that there were no signs of financial difficulties, depression, or any medical history, suggesting that the stress from his father's battle with cancer, along with the pressures of his entertainment career and business ventures, may have contributed to his tragic end.

Debuting in 1994 through MBC's Theme Theater (테마극장), Park gained immense popularity with dramas such as Winter Sonata (겨울연가), which catapulted him to stardom not only in South Korea but also in Japan. He achieved remarkable success as a singer, becoming the first Korean artist to win the Japan Golden Disc Award four consecutive times. His acting career continued to flourish with his role in the 2008 drama On Air (온에어), showcasing his natural and captivating performance style. In 2009, he appeared in the film Operation (작전) and released his album Stars (스타즈) on June 9, 2010, maintaining a steady presence in the industry.

The news of his passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment community, with many of his colleagues, including Bae Yong-joon, Lee Byung-hun, So Ji-sub, Song Seung-heon, Choi Ji-woo, and Kim Jae-joong, visiting his funeral to pay their respects. So Ji-sub, known to be a close friend, was seen in tears and reportedly covered the full funeral expenses for the family. Kim Jae-joong has made it a tradition to visit Park's columbarium every year to honor his memory. On the eve of the 15th anniversary, he expressed, "It’s hard to believe it’s already been 15 years since my brother left us. The world changes quickly, and cherished memories can fade over time, but he still holds a warm place in many hearts."

Kim Jae-joong further reflected, "Who could forget the warm smile and passionate spirit he shared? Though his time was short, I will carry the warmth he gave me and strive to spread that warmth to others."

Fifteen years have passed since Park Yong-ha's departure, yet he remains a beloved figure in the hearts of many fans and colleagues, continuing to evoke feelings of nostalgia and admiration.